Page 59 of Cassidy

“Yes, thankfully, Bax didn’t have court this morning, so he was able to rearrange his schedule for this.” She glanced at him. “We’re close, Gabe. Very close.”

He wished he shared her confidence, but until he could see Travis for himself, he found it difficult to believe. Losing his memory had limited their ability to work the case.

His gut clenched at the thought of facing his mother if they didn’t find Travis in time to save him.

“This is not your fault,” Cassidy said, reading his expression. “The responsibility lies with the bad guys. Not you.”

“Maybe.” He felt certain he had played a key role in this mess. And that the guilt would be worse once his memory returned.

A painstaking fifteen minutes later, he was able to exit the interstate. The traffic lights were in his favor as he navigated the streets to the precinct. He was surprised to see that Jina and Miles had just arrived as well.

The four of them walked into the precinct, Cass and Jina keeping Miles between them. Rhy came out to meet them, gesturing to the open interview room.

“Has he been read his rights?” Rhy asked.

“Yes, sir,” Jina and Cass replied in unison. “Miles’s father is on his way. Gordon Wayland requested the DA’s office to be present to make a deal.”

Rhy frowned. “Is this Gordon a lawyer?”

“I don’t think so,” Jina said. “He originally said he’d get a lawyer, but once he realized Miles knew more than he was telling us, he changed his tune to getting a deal.”

With a grimace, Rhy nodded. “It’s up to Bax how he wants to proceed.” Rhy met Gabe’s gaze. “It may be that we have to wait for a lawyer to represent Wayland.”

Swallowing hard, he forced a nod. “I understand. But the bad guys know that Travis reached out to me. It’s critical we find Travis as soon as possible.”

“We’ll find him,” Rhy said, echoing Cassidy’s earlier words. “You can watch the interview from the anteroom.”

It was another blow to know he wouldn’t be allowed in the interview room with Miles and his father.

All he could do now was to wait, listen, and pray.

Cassidy feltthe anguish reflected in Gabe’s eyes all the way down to her soul. There were times, like now, when all cops chafed against the constraints of the legal system.

Obviously, the goal was to protect the innocent. A few months ago, when Jina had been a murder suspect, the rules had been helpful. But eyeing Miles slouched in his chair, with his stringy hair hanging in his face, she doubted he was an innocent bystander in this.

She grabbed a water bottle from the fridge and headed into the conference room. She offered it to Miles, who gratefully took it.

“ADA Bax Scala will be joining us soon,” she said as she took the seat next to the young man. “You need to understand you are being recorded. When ADA Scala gets here, he’ll outline the terms of the proposed agreement.”

Miles finally lifted his head. “Can my dad be here with me?”

She glanced at Jina, who shrugged. “That will be up to ADA Scala.”

As if on cue, the door opened. Bax strode in, sharply dressed in what was probably a thousand-dollar hand-tailored suit, followed by a very anxious-looking Gordon Wayland. “Miles Wayland? I’m Assistant District Attorney Scala. I understand you’re requesting your father sit in on this interview for support and guidance in lieu of an attorney.” When Miles blinked, Bax said, “Is that correct?”

“Yes. I want my dad, not an attorney.”

Bax gave a nod. “And you also understand this interview is being recorded?”

“Yes.” Miles sent a furtive look toward his father. “I don’t want to do any jail time.”

Bax sat directly across from Miles and his father. He held the young man’s gaze. “I’m willing to work with you, Miles, but you need to give me something that indicates you’re negotiating in good faith.” Again, Miles looked blank, so Bax clarified further, “I mean you need to give me some information that lets me know you’re willing to cooperate.” Bax leaned forward. “Is Travis McCord still alive?”

Miles grimaced. “He was the last time I saw him.”

“And when was that?” Bax pressed.

“I dunno. Two thirty or three this morning?” Miles made it sound like a question rather than an answer.

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