Part 2: Chapter 38: Small breakthroughs

1 August 2019, Iraqi desert.

"Sir, I have good news about Private Cummings." Curt leaned back in his chair and took a sip of the bottled water.

"What did you find?"

"Well Sir, Private Cummings wasn't there at the night he murdered Celia White."

"How so?"

"Evidence showed he was at the hotel with another woman. I found a receipt and a witness as proof." He grinned. "I met a friend of Celia White - a school buddy, Vern Braden, she confided to. There was another soldier; one she feared and didn't trust."

"Who?"

"She never gave his name, but his lawyer and I went back to the apartment and searched the place with a fine comb." Now he chuckled with glee, and Curt smiled. "We found a button the police and cleaning staff had missed under the dresser in her room."

"Yes, and?"