Page 95 of Mistletoe and Malice
“Interesting timing. Nothing like a little threat of exposure to put the fear in you.” John glanced down and back up again. “But anything about getting a convicted murderer off doesn’t sit well around here.”
“I get it. I do. But if this all ties into Everett’s case, are you willing to do whatever needs to be done to find the truth, even if it means your brothers got it wrong?”
John sat back in his chair and folded his arms. “Riley’s pretty sure of this guy?”
“Extremely. She ran the case by me one night, and I have to say, John, I’m not convinced it was as open-and-shut as first assumed.”
John sat forward and laid his crossed arms on the desk again, his face mere inches from Colton’s. “I don’t relish goingup against any of my fellow officers. That case was investigated from this very room. But as a man of God, I do care about the truth. If finding out the who and why of Riley’s case means Everett is exonerated, I’ll bear the consequences.”
Colton grinned at his new partner. “Exactly what I hoped you’d say.”
Chapter Forty
Riley nodded to the prison guard upon entering the stark room, followed by Detective Stapleton. And Colton.
Knowing ahead of time he’d be present today hadn’t lessened the impact of seeing him for the first time since he left four days before. She hadn’t even heard his voice until his quietgood morningwhen she met them at the gate with Nowell and Piper flanking her. It had been John, not Colton, who called her Monday, asking if they could join her for her meeting with Shane.
After checking with her client, since he would have to waive attorney-client privilege, she’d confirmed they could take some of the time allotted to her to ask whatever questions they may have. And only those questions that wouldn’t compromise his case.
With her arms crossed over her white blouse under a black suit coat, she stood by the table, not allowing herself to look at Colton standing adjacent to her. A tense silence permeated the small space until another guard brought Shane into the room.
It appeared he’d taken advantage of the weight room for some workouts. But more than the healthier physical condition, hope shone in the eyes that held such despair during their last meeting here.
“Shane.” She smiled and shook his hand. “Good to see you.”
“Good to see you, too, Riley. I’m anxious to hear how things are going.”
She wished she had better news for him, but they’d get to that. She gestured to the men with her. “This is Detective John Stapleton, Houston PD, and Colton Blankenship, a consultant with Petersen Security International.”
“Gentlemen.” Shane shook their hands, and they settled around the table. “A police detective? I assumed you used your own investigators.”
She understood Shane’s hesitation. It had been Houston PD who’d done all they could to put him here.
“I do have an investigator. Detective Stapleton’s here in another capacity. I’ve had some … trouble, I guess you could say. With a stalker. Started right after I took this case, so they’re here to determine if it might be tied together somehow.”
His brow furrowed. “Like somebody doesn’t want you to help me?”
“Could be. We’re just considering the possibility.”
“I hope not.” Alarm filled his eyes. “If you were to get hurt because of me?—”
“We don’t know anything yet.” She gestured to John. “Detective, why don’t you start.”
John turned his attention to Shane. “Ms. Hudson has been receiving some messages that lead us to believe the suspect is warning her away from this case. Do you have any ideas as to who or why that might be?”
Shane scoffed. “Whoever killed Cait. That would make sense, right? They figure they got away with it, I’m doing the time, so they don’t want her rocking the boat.”
Colton nodded. “That was our thinking.”
Riley twisted her hands together on top of the table. His voice still caused her pulse to race. Not to mention the sight of him standing at the prison gate when she pulled up today with her detail. Nowell so far had proven to be an excellent point man, but whenever she glanced up from her desk at the office, it took her a moment to realize it wasn’t Colton at her door or pacing the hall. And her midnight trips to the kitchen had her sitting alone, usually with her Bible.
Piper, every bit as diligent and competent as the men, also had a soft spot for fashion and all things girly. They’d enjoyed a few fun conversations that had the guys sitting stupefied. Still, she missed Trevor and would be glad to have him back.
If sleep had been in short supply before Saturday night’s events, it was worse now. The sound of the gun … the screams … Colton’s body over hers … protecting her. All running through her head every time she closed her eyes.
John pulled four eight-by-ten still photos from a file folder, pulling her attention back to the matter at hand. He placed them side-by-side in front of Shane. “Are any of these guys familiar to you?”
Leaning in, Shane studied each photo. “This the best you have? Kind of grainy.”
