His only hope was for Almighty God to intervene.
To his landlady’s credit, she told the police chief he couldn’t have done it. But right now, she was the only one who believed in him.
Maybe Martha did too, but he couldn’t expect that from her. Not when he’d been taken away right in front of her. He’d seen the look of horror on her face. And Lily Rose was right there, to fill her mind with doubt.
The last few weeks, the ugliness of her hatred had made her appear old and haggard. Her blonde hair appeared grayer each time he saw her.
What had happened to wound her in such a way?
Shuffling sounded down the long hallway.
“I need to see him, right now.”
Wait. That was Martha’s voice.
Jacob stood and went over to the door. He gripped the bars and held his breath. She’d come to see him!
The sound of footsteps headed in his direction made him smile.Thank You, Lord.
“Jacob?” Martha rushed past the guard. “Are you all right?”
It didn’t matter that he was behind bars right now. She was here! He couldn’t contain his smile. “I’m much better now that you’re here.”
She reached through the bars and gripped his hand with her gloved one. “I’ve contacted a lawyer. He’s going to come help this afternoon, and I have the word of the police chief that nothing will be done to you before then.”
Ah. She’d been worried about his life hanging in the balance as well. “Thank you for doing that. I have been praying all night about what to do, asking God to strengthen my faith during this.”
Her eyes shimmered and she stepped closer. “Strengthen your faith? You’re the strongest man of faith that I’ve ever known. Even when others treated you abominably. Including me.” She ducked her head. “I’m so sorry, Jacob.” Lifting her eyes, she caught his gaze again.
“I meant what I said, Martha. I love you. I do. But I don’texpect you to stand by my side during this. Especially if your mother disapproves.”
Her booted foot stamped the floor as she frowned at him. “Oh, that is ridiculous. I can see clearly now, for the first time in a long time. I will do everything in my power to help you.” Her lips pinched together. “I’ve already visited your landlady. She’s sworn that she will testify on your behalf in court, if it comes to that. And ... she also told me about the note you left with her. She was horrified to learn that the delivery boy never brought it to the café.” A long exhale left her. “I’m sorry to say that when I spoke with the boy, he said a woman—matching Lily Rose’s description—came and took the note from him. Said she was meeting with me as well.”
He closed his eyes and groaned. “I knew someone was behind it, but I wouldn’t have guessed Lily Rose’s contempt would lead her to such behavior.”
“I never would have guessed that either. She’s been so supportive and encouraging. I admit her attitude changed and I knew something had happened to devastate her, but she hasn’t talked about it.”
The guard stepped closer. “Your time is almost up, Miss Jankowski. The police chief will be back any moment.”
“Thank you, Cliff.” Martha gave Jacob a smile and squeezed his hand. “I will return later today with the lawyer.”
“Thank you for coming.”
She flashed those dimples again and followed Cliff back down the hallway.
Jacob basked in the scent of her perfume, reminding him that she’d really been there.
He hadn’t murdered anyone. And she believed him.
Now if only the rest of Denver could know that too.
The last few weeks had finally brought about some results. They weren’t conclusive and all the pieces didn’t fit together, but Cole was beginning to understand the puzzle.
The police chief in Denver was on someone’s payroll, of that he was certain. Whether the rest of his staff were as well was another story. Cole didn’t have any leads in that area. But the police chief had been in charge of the investigation into Edwin Gilbert’s death.
None of the law enforcement, in or outside of Denver, wanted to believe a woman was behind the murders. It did sound far-fetched, but the gloves were too much of a clue to ignore.
They weren’t cheap gloves. They were of the finest quality. Whoever was behind this had money, and lots of it. Or...
