Page 114 of Defend Me

“He moved down to Florida a year ago,” Jake says. “He’s the one who sold me this place—he’s a great guy, has a cabin just outside town he let me have for a song as well.”

The cabin where Noah’s grandfather stayed. That’s where I’d heard the name before.

“And you think he was awake that morning?”

“It’s likely.”

“Jake, can you put me in touch with him?” I ask, my skin buzzing.

“Sure,” Jake says. “I’ll call him right now.”

Grayson and I glance at each other. My pulse thrums but I don’t want to get my hopes up.

Jake pulls out his phone and calls the number. “Mr. Sanderson! Hey…well, Merry Christmas to you too…How are things in Florida?...That’s great…Yes, the Screw is doing just fine. Look, I’m calling because—you’ve heard about the trial, right?” There’s a pause and then Jake says, “Oh. Well, they’ve put Noah Patterson on trial for Marion Everton’s murder.” Another pause and this time I can almost hear the man on the other end, his voice raised in outrage. “I know, none of us believe it either. Siobhan Everton is representing him. She’s here right now.” He chuckles. “Yes, that Von. She was actually hoping to ask you a couple of questions. Oh. Sure.” He holds out the phone to me.

“Mr. Sanderson,” I say. “Thank you so much for speaking with me. I just wanted to ask you about the morning of?—”

“Ms. Everton, Noah did not commit this crime.” The old man’s voice is firm on the other end of the line.

“Yes, I believe in his innocence too,” I say.

“You misunderstand me,” he says. “I remember that morning as clear as if it was yesterday. The morning after that wonderful party at Everton Estate.”

“That’s right,” I say, the nape of my neck prickling. “Sir, were you awake that morning? Around six am?”

“Of course I was,” he says and my heart leaps. “Because of the bird.”

“The what?”

“I was out early on the bay that morning in my boat. I’m a birder, you see and there had been reports of a Lazuli Bunting sighted in the area. That’s a very rare bird and I was determined to catch a glimpse.”

“Okay,” I say. “But?—”

“I brought my video recorder with me,” Mr. Sanderson continues. A jolt runs up my spine. “Ms. Everton, IsawNoah Patterson standing on his dock that morning. Now, I can’t say what time exactly, but I know I caught him on my camera. I recorded absolutely everything that morning hoping to get a glimpse of the Bunting. I’ve got the footage of all my birding efforts going back ten years stored on my computer—my granddaughter showed me how last year. Everything is digital now, isn’t it? Marvelous.”

I press the phone so hard to my ear it’s going to leave a mark. My heart is beating wildly in my chest. “Mr. Sanderson,” I say slowly. “Do you mean to tell me that you havevideo evidenceof Noah on his dock that morning?”

Grayson’s eyes are so wide it’s a wonder they don’t fall out of his skull.

“I do indeed, young lady,” Mr. Sanderson says.

“Sir, would you be willing to bring this footage to Magnolia Bay and testify on Noah’s behalf?”

“Certainly,” the old man says. “I just need to find a flight…”

“Where are you?” I ask. He gives me an address outside Fort Lauderdale. “Okay, I’m sending my associate to come and get you and collect the evidence. Mr. Sanderson, you may very well have saved Noah’s life tonight. I cannot thank you enough.”

“Noah is a good man,” Mr. Sanderson says. “A real gem in the Magnolia Bay community. I can’t believe—if I had known, I would have contacted you right away.”

“It seems we found you in the nick of time,” I say. “Thank you. Truly.”

I hang up and gape at Grayson.

“Did what I think happen just happen?” he asks. I hand Jake his phone back and take out my own cell.

“Dad,” I say when my father picks up. “I need the jet.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

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