Page 130 of Fatal Witness

Something within had pushed Dani to come here, to her parents’ house. Her subconscious or God? Was God giving her a plan?

If he was, she wished he’d let her in on it. Maybe he wanted her to find the diamonds. If she did, could she buy Nonny’s freedom?

Maybe she should try Mark again in case he’d missed the voicemail. She took out her phone ... No. He would try to talk her out of meeting with this person, and then Nonny would die. No one else could do this but Dani.

Except ... when the killer got what he wanted, he would probably kill Nonny anyway. She felt the gun in her pocket. She would have to stop him.

She climbed the front porch steps and walked to the door, shivering as the boards creaked. Dani used the key Mark hadgiven her to unlock the door. Inside the house, the familiar scent of cedar gave her strength. She could do this.

In the kitchen, she stood stock-still, willing herself to become that nine-year-old girl again.Let the memories come, she prayed.

Dani didn’t know how much time had passed before an image formed... her dad, and he was taking her down the hall.

“I want you to getin this cabinet, and no matter what happens, you stay here until Mama or I come get you. Can youdo that?”

“Why, Daddy?”

“Because it’s veryimportant.” He knelt and pushed a board on the wall, and it slid open. Then he put something inside, butshe couldn’t see what it was before he closed it. Her daddy motioned her inside the cabinet. “Climb in.”

Once she was settled, he stood and stared solemnly at her. “Promise me you’ll stay here no matter whatyou hear. Will you do that for me?”

She nodded.

“I want to hear you say ‘I promise.’”

“You’re scaring me, Daddy.”

“I’m sorry,honey, but you have to promise.”

Tears burned the back of her eyes. “I promise.”

Dani walked to the cabinet she’d hidden in and opened the door. She stared at the small space, and suddenly her brain released the memories hidden for so long...

Tires crunched on the gravel outside the house. “No, Daddy! I don’t wantto!”

“I’m sorry, but you have to, andDanielle, don’t say a word. Remember your promise.”

She nodded.

He shut the cabinet door. Then darkness except fora tiny beam of light from a small hole. Danipressed her ear against the hole. She could hear themtalking, but what they said didn’t make sense...

“Where’s Neva?”

“I told her to stay in the bedroom.”

“Call her.”

“There’s no need to involve her. Thisis between me and you. We can split the diamonds.”

“I don’t trust you. You were going to skiptown—”

“Just leave Neva out of it.”

“You think shedidn’t recognize my voice? Neva! Get in here.”

“PastorRick? I-I don’t understand!”

Dani held her breath. That was her mama’s voice.

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