Page 16 of Waylaid in Whittier

Millie blew air through thinned lips. “I hate to say it, but Elvira is in big trouble.”

“No kidding.” Sharky straightened his back. “I don’t think she did it.”

“Let’s go with the scenario Elvira and this woman, who was part of the gold mining team, got into an argument over gold. Even if provoked, Elvira wouldn’t retaliate?”

“I mean. I suppose she might, if she had to defend herself. Dernice is practically begging me for my help.”

“Help what? To see if the judge will set bail so we can get her out? I’m not sure how a violent assault charge from a person who lives out of state is handled up here, but I’m pretty sure they would consider her a flight risk, which means the judge might not set a bail amount.”

“Good point.”

While Sharky paced, Millie searched for more stories, but found nothing. “We’ll be in Whittier tomorrow morning and staying overnight.”

Chirp.“Patterson is calling me back.”

“Maybe he has some news.”

“Hey, Patterson. I’m with Sharky and have you on speaker.”

“I have news on Elvira Cobb.”

Sharky crossed his fingers. “Good news or bad?”

“Elvira is in the Whittier jail. She’s being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder.”

“Both charges?” Millie asked.

“Both. Wanda Tillman, the woman who was attacked, is related to a local law enforcement officer.”

“So the cops charged her with the most serious offense possible because she’s related to a local cop?”

“It’s looking that way,” Patterson said. “From what I was told, the judge has decided not to set bail or bond. She’s not going anywhere. I’m guessing you and Sharky plan to get off the ship tomorrow morning to see what you can do.”

“I…” Millie shot Sharky a questioning glance. “I’m sure Sharky will get off, but I don’t know if he wants my help.”

“Yes.” Sharky nodded his head. “I need you, Millster.”

“Okay. It looks like I’ll be getting off too. With any luck, she’ll be allowed visitors,” Millie said.

“I’m one step ahead of you. I was able to verify that she is. How many and when…I’m not sure on that.”

“We’ll figure it out.” Millie thanked him. She ended the call and waved her phone in the air. “We dock at seven. Clearance to disembark will take a few minutes. I’ll have to see the passengers off. Why don’t we plan on meeting at eight near the gangway?”

“Eight it is.” Sharky rubbed the back of his neck. “We might need help, depending on what we find out from Elvira.”

“Meaning you think we should round up the team…Danielle, Annette and Cat in case we need more boots on the ground?” Millie asked.

“I want to be prepared for whatever we find when we get there.”

“Which is probably a wise decision.” Millie sent out a group text, asking the trio to meet in her office.

Within minutes, the friends had assembled. Taking turns, Millie and Sharky brought them up to speed.

“We believe it’s possible Elvira may have found something. Another miner, a woman who happens to be related to a local cop, is part of the mining group. She argued with Elvira in public with people around.”

“A bar,” Millie chimed in.

“The woman, Wanda, left and was attacked either at the bar or somewhere nearby. Patterson confirmed she can have at least one visitor. Millie and I are gonna try to see her tomorrow morning to get the details.”

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