Reasonable Doubt (17 page)

“I’m not forgetting anything, sweetheart.” Coming from his curled lips, the word sounded like anything but an endearment.

Keri shuddered at the warning in his tone. She longed to caution Amelia to shut up. Not to push him anymore. But of course, she knew better.

“Remember, I saw what I saw. Wouldn’t the mission
board be interested to discover how you supplement the pitiful wage you earn as their administrator?”

“Are they going to believe you, doll? Do you really think they’d believe a junkie tramp over a respected member of a thriving church and the minister of mercy to those poor drunks who come in off the street?”

“Do you want to take that chance? Especially now, when your beloved Joy will finally get the baby she’s not woman enough to make for herself?”

His hand shot out and grabbed her throat. He pressed her against the wall and moved in so they were nose to nose. “Don’t push me, Amelia. Or so help me…”

A strangled
eek
escaped the woman’s clenched throat and he let her go. She slithered down the wall and sat hard on the floor.

Rick stared down at her, a sneer marring his face. “Like I said. You’re staying clean until the baby is born. And then you’re going away with enough money to keep you gone forever. That’s the deal, and you’re sticking to it.”

A guttural shriek rose from Amelia. At the animalistic cry, Keri nearly jumped from her skin.

“What’s that?” Dad’s startled shout added to Keri’s tension.

“Shh. Dad, it’s okay.” She paused the tape. “Come look at what’s on the end of the boys’ cartoon tape. It looks like I was right about Rick after all. Somehow, Justin’s wife had the gumption and brains to hide a camera and tape this conversation. So far I’ve discovered that the baby she’s carrying belonged to Rick and that they’re both heavily into drugs.”

“Rick? Justin’s friend?”

“So-called,” Keri answered, tasting the bitterness on her tongue. She pressed the button and the figures on screen resumed their movement. Amelia slammed into Rick from behind and he lost hold of the bag. Its contents flew across the room and powdered the floor.

A string of vile words spewed from Rick’s mouth. “Do you know how much money you just wasted?”

But Amelia wasn’t listening. Disgusted, Keri watched her scrambling to save the drugs. Rick stepped over her. “This is the last time. Take what you can salvage and hope it doesn’t mix with whatever is on the floor and kill you.”

He squatted down in front of her and grabbed her by the arm to gain her attention. With an impatient grunt Amelia looked him in the eye.

Rick’s voice held unmistakable warning. “Get your things packed and write Justin a ‘Dear John’ letter. I’ll make sure he’s working at the mission tonight, then I’ll be back to take you to your new home where you’ll stay clean until my baby is born.”

Oblivious to the fact that she’d be dead in a few hours, Amelia failed to notice as Rick slipped out and closed the door behind him.

Gathering a long breath, Keri watched for another minute, then couldn’t watch the woman anymore. She shut it off and turned to Dad. “What do you make of all that?”

A smile split Dad’s face. “I think Justin is going to be a free man very soon.”

“I
t’s for you.”

For the third time in the last twenty minutes, Justin refused the phone call.

“Look, this fellow says he’s your lawyer. Sounds like you’d best talk to him.”

“Tell him he’s fired,” Justin grunted.

“You tell him. I ain’t your secretary.”

Swinging his legs over the side of his cot, Justin sat up. “Fine. I’ll introduce you to the real person who ought to be in jail.”

The chief snorted as he stood up, the keys to Justin’s cell dangling in his fingers.

“The real person who should be in jail, eh? That’s a new one. An inmate accusing his lawyer of the crime.”

“Yeah, well. I just found out tonight that my lawyer was having an affair with my wife. An affair he conveniently failed to mention to the police.”

With a dubious lift of his brow, the chief blew out a short laugh. “Your lawyer was having an affair with your wife?”

“Yes. And just in case you were wondering, the husband’s always the last to know.”

The chief chuckled, but continued his maddening perusal.

“Put the phone on speaker. Who knows? Maybe I can trick him into confessing something and you’ll be a witness.”

“Might be fun to see what happens. Sure.” He pressed Speaker and nodded at Justin.

“Bob?”

“Justin. What’s the big idea refusing my calls? Are you nuts?”

Justin fought to hold his anger in check at the sound of his former friend’s voice.

Bob hesitated only an instant, then moved ahead without Justin’s reply. “Never mind. I have some news.”

Justin braced himself. “I already know Ike’s dead.”

“Yes, and I’m sorry about that. But this is something else. Ike’s wife gave a statement on your behalf.”

Despite the situation, Justin’s heart jumped. “What sort of statement?”

“Apparently, just before Ike left the mission, he called her at their hotel and told her he’d be late because he needed to go by the police station.”

“How’d you find this out? I thought the cops didn’t have to tell us anything until the court process starts.”

“They don’t, but I guess Appling grew a heart or something. He called me. Anyway, do you remember a resident named Brian?”

“Of course. He was close to making a decision for Christ when all this started last week.”

“Right. Well, he was at the mission yesterday and
told Ike all about the police suspecting you. So Ike was headed over to the police station when someone jumped him and stabbed him. The police are treating it as a homicide connected with Amelia’s case.”

A full breath burst from Justin’s lungs. Relief, wonder, caution all vied for first place in his mind, until he struggled for clarity. “What does that mean for me, exactly?”

“Well the other good thing is that Ike found out who the two men were who were going to testify against you. Apparently he was convincing enough that when the police started looking around the mission again after the hospital reported Ike’s death, one of the men came forward and admitted he was lying—the police cut him a deal if he testified. And Justin…” Silence filtered through the line.

“Yeah?” Justin prodded.

“I don’t know how to tell you this, but the man said Rick’s the one who paid him off to tell the story. I can only imagine Rick killed Amelia to keep her quiet about the baby. The police are going to double-check about the pregnancy, by the way. It’s not in the coroner’s report.”

A sense of betrayal ripped Justin’s gut like a hundred rounds of ammo. “Rick…killed Amelia?” Confusion clouded his mind. “You were
both
having an affair with my wife?” How could he have been so stupid?

Silence lingered on the other end of the line. “What do you mean
I
was having an affair with her?”

“Don’t even bother to deny it, Bob.” A heavy weight of grief over his friend’s betrayal pressed on Justin and his shoulders slumped.

“I have to deny it, Justin. It’s simply not true. How could you think something like that? I love my wife. We’ve had some tough times this year trying to get pregnant, but I wouldn’t cheat.”

“Josh said he saw you and Amelia. Kissing.”

“Kissing?” Bob hedged, and Justin braced himself for the forthcoming confession. “I didn’t know Josh was there.”

“Now you know.”

“You have to believe me when I tell you that I had nothing to do with that kiss. She came on to me once last spring. Remember that barbecue we had a couple of weeks after we moved into the house?”

Justin remembered. It was during one of Amelia’s nondrug periods. She had actually joined the family at the Landaus’.

“When my wife took you inside to show you the room we’re fixing up for the baby we hope to have really soon, Amelia went to work on me. I admit I was flattered and probably didn’t discourage her flirting quickly enough, but when she kissed me, I set her straight. I didn’t kiss her back. I promise. And I surely didn’t know Josh saw it.”

The confession rang true and Justin believed him. Perhaps if Amelia had been a real wife and theirs had been a real marriage, the explanation might have been harder to swallow. But Amelia had been adulterous and conniving. It all fit. “All right. One more question.”

“What’s that?”

“Why were you in the alley last night in the first place?”

“I told you, I wanted to be there just in case Ike was willing to go to the police on your behalf.”

“I know. But why the alley? Why were you the one to find him?”

“I’ve been using your parking space in the garage so I don’t have to take a bus down to the mission for pro bono cases. The garage is behind the mission, so obviously I’d have to take the alley to get there. I almost ran over Ike.” He paused. “Now that I think about it, putting those two things together, it did make it look like I was guilty.”

“I’m sorry, Bob. I didn’t know what to believe.”

“Let’s concentrate on putting this whole thing to rest.”

“Have they picked up Rick?”

“No. They’re still looking for him.”

“Bob, I need to know if they’ve dropped the charges against me.”

“Yes. You’re a free man.”

Justin wanted to shout. To praise…Mostly he wanted to floor it to the cabin, gather up his sons and let them know it was over. The running, the fear. Next he wanted to get down on one knee and propose marriage to the woman of his heart. But for now he had to take one step at a time.

“Justin? Did you hear me?”

“Yeah, I heard. I’m a little overwhelmed. I want to thank you for all you’ve done for me. And listen, Bob, I want to make this up to you when I get back. I should have known better.”

“I would have felt the same way in your shoes. Trust me.” He gave a low chuckle. “It’ll be good to wipe the racquetball court with you again, though.”

“You’re on.” Justin grinned and disconnected the line. He glanced up and met the chief’s gaze. “Well?”

“We’re still waiting for the call from KCPD. When they confirm your friend’s story, you’ll be free to go. In the meantime, I’m afraid I’ll have to lock you back up.”

“Chief Manning! Keri and my boys are probably worried sick about me. At least drive me out there so I can let her know I’m okay. Do it for Keri’s sake if not for mine.”

Chief Manning hesitated, then scowled, but gave a quick nod. “All right. But only because I don’t want her to worry. She has enough to think about now that she’s out of a job.”

They headed out the door toward the squad car. “What do you mean by that?” Justin asked.

“Aiding and abetting.”

Justin got into the passenger side and shut the door. “Keri’s the best thing that’s ever happened to this town. Firing her would be a big mistake.”

“She should have told me you were at the cabin when she found out about the warrant.”

“That’s a little harsh, don’t you think? She was only giving me a little time to explain things to the boys.” Justin’s heart plummeted at the thought that he’d cost Keri not only the chance to advance into the position she’d dreamed of, but even the job she had.

The older man regarded Justin sternly. “What about you? Is there room in your life for her?”

“I plan to ask her to marry me.”

“Well, then. I guess you have me to thank.” He grinned. “Now she doesn’t have to choose between her career and the man she loves.”

“You won’t arrest her for aiding and abetting?”

He received a deep scowl. “No point in that.”

Justin breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that it was all going to be over very soon.

Keri set the phone back on the charger, frustration growling in her throat. Dad should have asked how to work the cell phone before he let the battery die out completely.

Grabbing the keys to Mac’s truck from the key holder next to the door, she turned. “I’m taking this tape to the chief.”

“Why don’t you stay here with the boys and let me do that?” Dad replied.

A smile curved Keri’s lips. “I want to see Justin.” She snatched her jacket from the peg by the door and shrugged it on. “Keep your phone charging, and I’ll try to call you in a few hours.”

Dad walked her to the door. He gathered her into a tight embrace. “My girl. I know how hard these years have been since your mother died. I’m glad you stuck around here when your sisters stayed away. Not that I blame them.”

Giving him a squeeze, Keri pulled back and smiled. “I wanted to stay, Dad. My life is in Briarwood.”

“Is it?”

A wistful sigh escaped her, and she averted her gaze.

Leaning forward, Dad pressed a kiss to her forehead. “It
was
here. Now I think it’s wherever Justin and the boys are. But don’t you worry about me. I have my Ruthie. I want you to live your life with the man God intended for you. The fact that I’m going to be an instant grandpa is an added bonus.”

Keri grinned. “All right, Gramps, I better get this
tape into town so we can work on clearing my future husband, who—by the way—has yet to propose.”

“He will.” He sent her a wink and opened the door.

She stepped onto the porch and shivered. “Close the door, Dad. It’s freezing out here. You don’t want to heat the outdoors.”

Dad chuckled. “Be careful.”

The door closed and Keri carefully maneuvered the icy steps. She walked the few yards to the truck then stopped short, gasping in surprise.

“Hi, Keri.”

Rick stood, a charming smile carefully pasted across his face. A duffel bag was slung jauntily over his shoulder. The sight of it caused a nervous chill to slide down Keri’s spine. Rick blew out a puff of smoke, and Keri noticed the glow of a lit cigarette between his fingers. “I have some news for Justin.” He tossed his cigarette to the ground, not bothering to crush it with his boot.

“H-he’s not here.” Keri slowly hid the tape behind her back. How had he driven up without her seeing his lights? As a matter of fact, she looked around and didn’t see a car. He must have parked out of the way and walked up.

“Oh, that’s right. The poor man has turned himself in for a crime he didn’t commit.”

“Wh-what do you mean?” Her question didn’t sound authentic even to her own ears.

Rick’s brow rose and Keri cringed. She’d definitely lost her edge. It was just as well she’d decided to give up police work.

His glance slid down her and then rested on her arm. “Where were you headed in the middle of the night?”

“I—uh—I was going to visit Justin, actually.”

“I see.” He took another look at her arm. “So what’s that behind your back?”

“Huh?” Keri cringed. Frantically, she searched her brain, trying to come up with a plan. There was no way she could tuck the tape under her jacket without him seeing. She had no recourse but to show him and try to bluff her way out of it. Slowly, she brought her arm around.

“A tape?” Cold suspicion sharpened his tone.

Keri forced a short laugh. “Those boys of Justin’s. They watch that tape over and over. I’m going to conveniently forget I left it in the truck. It’s driving me nuts. I mean a cartoon rabbit can only take a right turn at Albuquerque so many times before it stops being funny. Right? ”

He laughed with her, but Keri recognized it for what it was. He wasn’t buying it for a second. “Yeah, the thing is, I’m partial to that episode. How about we go inside and watch it together? Maybe it’ll be a bonding experience. Justin’s best friend and his best girl getting to know each other. Doesn’t that sound cozy?”

“How about we take a rain check on that? Are you hungry after that long drive? We’re still up to our necks in food from yesterday’s meal.”

“Sure. Let’s go inside and I’ll have a bite to eat, then.”

Keri turned, praying for wisdom. She could hear his breathing…heavy and quick. “You know, you really should give up smoking, Rick. Your breathing sounds pretty bad.”

“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”

She opened the door, but stopped short as Rick loomed over her from behind—so close she could feel his warm breath against her neck. His voice was low, and a definite threat chilled his tone. “You’re not fooling me, you know. Give me the tape.”

With a resigned sigh, she turned around, still standing in the doorway. He was holding a gun. “How did you know where to find us?”

He snatched the tape from her hand. “Justin told me you and he were childhood sweethearts and that the boys were with you. I put two and two together and looked up his aunt in Kansas City from Justin’s computer address book at the mission.”

Alarm seized Keri. “Did you hurt her?”

“I didn’t have to. The old hag was more than willing to give me any information she could about him. She thought I was a detective. Drew me a map to the cabin.”

“So much for family loyalty.”

“So let’s go inside. I’m getting cold, and cold makes me cranky.”

Keri snorted. “Well, we wouldn’t want that, would we?”

“No. Trust me, you wouldn’t.”

“How do you plan to come out of this without implicating yourself, Rick?” Keep him talking.

“There’s going to be an unfortunate fire. You know, you have to clean chimneys or burning wood can cause a flue fire. You were very careless, Keri.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier just to shoot me?”

“They might find the casing.”