Page 123 of Reading Between the Lines
I didn’t have to think and blurted, “I’ll do anything you want, but you need to drop the charges against Diem.”
“No,” Hercules said. “Impossible.”
Jenkins glanced at her partner, who gave her a subtle nod. To me, she said, “We’ll sort something out.”
Hercules spat curses as we were escorted to the front of the building. Diem had to fill out paperwork, but they let him go. Costa took us for breakfast and ensured we had lodging at a standard motel before heading back to Toronto.
***
Two days later, Diem and I found ourselves on the Mandels’ couch. The complex layers of the case were slowly unfolding, and Weston’s attempted murder was no longer in question. The Port Hope police in conjunction with Toronto homicide were finding answers.
With a lawyer, Hugh was more cooperative. The evidence against him was strong, and the best he could hope for was a lighter sentence if he played nice.
The twins had been located that morning and were being brought in for questioning, both under suspicion for Weston’s murder.
“The police say that Loyal will definitely be arrested, if not for killing Weston then for aiding and abetting his father. They’reconfident they can get a confession, if not from him then from his sister.” Delaney abandoned her untouched coffee and wrung her hands. “It’s… It’s so hard to wrap my head around such violence, and to think…” She trailed off as new tears glistened in her eyes.
Diem stared at the floor, clenching and unclenching his fists. It was an emotional meeting, and the poor guy was clearly struggling to know how to proceed.
In a show of silent support, I moved my knee against his, hopefully calming his jitters. “I hope knowing the truth helps you move on. I’m truly sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” Delaney blew her nose. “We’ll be… saying our goodbyes once I hear back from the police. Weston would thank you too.” She glanced at her husband.
Irvin cried silently from a lone chair at the side of the room, his face buried in his hands. He had not wanted to believe his son was murdered. I hoped the couple could forgive each other and move forward. They had suffered enough.
“Mr. Krause?”
Diem lifted his head, meeting Delaney’s sad gaze. “Yes, ma’am.”
“You took a mighty big chance on me. I’m sure I sounded like a raving lunatic on the phone, but you came, and you didn’t give up. You have my gratitude.”
“Mine too,” said a choked-up Irvin. “I’m so sorry I was an ass. Forgive me.”
Diem nodded, ducking his head. “I’m glad we could… give you… closure.”
Delaney held out a folded piece of paper to Diem. He glanced at it skeptically. She shook it. “Please. Take it.”
It was a check, and when he unfolded it and read the number, his lips parted. “I…” Shaking his head, he offered it back. “This is too much. I can’t accept this.”
“You can, and you will. It’s the least I can do, Mr. Krause. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
31
Diem
(Now)
Nana yawned, her eyes no longer as clear as when I’d begun telling her about our case in Port Hope.
“Do you want me to stop?”
“No. It’s a wonderful story. How does it end?”
The sun had risen, and the morning bustle of hospital rounds began. Soon, a nurse would interrupt us to take Nana’s vitals, and Dad would show up. I needed to get going if I wanted to avoid conflict. My father wasn’t happy—he never was—but especially since my recent announcement.
Tallus had long ago fallen asleep in the cozier chair in the corner. I would need to wake him soon anyhow, or he would be late for work. He was already riding a fine line with his boss, and although the business was doing better, I still couldn’t afford for him to quit his job.
I checked the time. It was shortly past seven. I had to wrap this up.
