Page 43 of Redemption

“Unfortunately, there is no statute of limitation on murder. Although, based on what you’ve told me, there may or may not be proof that it actually happened. It’s probable that he has the murder weapon stashed somewhere with your prints on it. He can lead investigators to wherever he took the body and once DNA results are confirmed, you’ll be arrested for, if nothing else, manslaughter. Here’s a question though: have you ever thought that maybe your father is bluffing and doesn’t actually have the proof you killed his associate in attempts to keep you from turning in your evidence against him?”

For a short time I’d wondered if he was bluffing, but knowing my father, he wasn’t. He needed a way to keep me under his control. Little did he know.

“He’s not bluffing. He wouldn’t chance me not caring if it was found out what I did. It’s leverage he can use against me. No, he has the information.”

“Okay, so how about confronting your father? Lead him to believe that, in exchange for the evidence against you, you’ll turn over everything you’ve discovered about his illegal activities. Neither of you will have something to hold over the other’s head. If he chooses not to hand it over, then tell him you’ll turn yourself into local law enforcement and that you’re passing on all the information you have on him. Be sure to make him aware the FBI will become a part of this investigation so he knows it won’t actually be swept under a rug. Make him sweat a little.”

I thought that over for a few minutes. I hated my father and wanted him to pay for everything he’d done to hurt people. It would provide me with a sense of satisfaction seeing the look on his face when he realized he wasn’t going to get away with his crimes. Miles tensed even further when Webber mentioned a confrontation. If his muscles tightened any more, I was afraid his whole body would splinter. Regardless, we’d already discussed it, and he knew this was the only way to protect me.

“Yes. I think confronting him is the best way to go. What do you need from me?”

“Do you have copies of everything you have?”

“Of course.” Did he think I was an amateur?

“I’ll need one of them. I’ll need the contact information for the agents Connor knows as well. Also, I don’t think what happened ten years ago is necessarily relative to any information the FBI needs. It was a local crime. One that doesn’t necessitate Federal involvement.”

It took me several minutes to process exactly what it was that Webber was saying. Because it sure sounded like he had no plans to do anything about Mr. Childress. I didn’t want to rock the boat, but, for my own peace of mind, I needed clarification. Because the hope that just exploded inside me didn’t want to be tempered.

“So, when my father hands over the evidence against me that he has, what happens to it?”

Webber sat back in his chair and, with an air of nonchalance, said something that rocked me. “If your father has the murder weapon and it’s found, who’s to say it wouldn’t get lost again? I mean, stranger things have happened. Let’s just say that I have a little sister too. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to head back to the station and make a couple of phone calls. I’ll be in touch soon.”

Webber stood and made his exit. I couldn’t move. I was numb with shock. No wonder Connor trusted him. Soon after Webber left, Connor sent Miles and me home for the day, which I was thankful for. I was exhausted after this grueling day.

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