'Rushlo wants to stay in jail. He's afraid Fuller is going to get out and come after him. Jail is the only place he feels safe. He didn't even try to make bail.'
'What's he being charged with?'
'Two counts of accessory. We've got him dead to rights. He's going away for a long time. But I'd trade that for Fuller in a heartbeat. The problem is, we can't find any connection. We don't even know how they met.'
I rubbed my eyes, yawned.
'How long has he owned the funeral home?'
'Six years. Worked there eight years before buying it from the original owner.'
'Before then?'
'His apprenticeship, Champaign-Urbana.'
That was south, but still two hundred miles away from Carbondale, where Fuller went to school.
'Before then?'
'Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling.'
Wheeling was even farther north.
'I'll keep digging. Maybe something will turn up.'
'I hope so, Jack. You were my star witness, and the jury hates you. I've only got two more wits to call, and then it's the defense's ballgame. They're bringing in some big guns.'
'How bad is it?'
Libby frowned. 'If we don't get something fast, we're going to lose.'
Chapter 35
Benedict was waiting for me in my office. 'How'd it go?'
'The only reason I wasn't lynched is because no one in the courtroom had a rope.'
He laughed, though it sounded forced.
'Why are you in such a chipper mood?'
'Freedom, Jack. Freedom at last.'
'Freedom from what?'
'I saw a divorce lawyer this morning.'
Herb smiled when he said it. I wasn't sure how to react.
'This is what you really want?'
'I've been living alone for almost a month, Jack. I love it. But I haven't really hit the scene yet.'
'The scene?'
'The dating scene. Call me old-fashioned, but I don't want to start seeing other women while I'm still married. But that is gonna change real soon.'
'How does Bernice feel about this?'
'She cried, but I know she realizes it's for the best. I'm getting close, Jack. I'm almost free.'
Free from what, I thought? Free from a woman who loves you and devoted half of her life to you? Free from a home and a family? That's freedom?
'Congrats. I hope it works out for you.'
'Up for a celebratory lunch? My treat. There's a new gyro place that lets you order without the pita.'
'I'll pass. I've got some calls to make.'
I was hungry, but didn't feel comfortable around Herb at that moment. Maybe because I thought he was making a colossal mistake.
Or maybe because I realized he and I were more alike than I cared to admit. Latham sprang to mind.
'Your loss,' Benedict said. 'I'll catch you later.'
Herb left. The helpful drone at directory assistance gave me Worsham College of Mortuary Science, and connected me for an additional ten cents.
'I'm looking to speak with someone who might remember a student from fifteen years ago.'
'Let me connect you with Professor Keevers. He's been here since the days before electricity. Hold a second.'
I spent a minute listening to Muzak, then a smooth baritone picked up.
'This is Tom Keevers. Who am I speaking with?'
'I'm Lieutenant Daniels, from the Chicago Police Department. Do you remember a student from fifteen years ago named Derrick Rushlo?'
There was a pause.
'Derrick is in some kind of trouble, I take it?'
