“I’m sorry, Sam.” He set her on her feet. He didn’t have to say the words, because she heard it in his voice.
“No!” Her knees buckled and she crumpled to the ground. “It’s not her!”
The tears she’d been fighting since the call had come in flowed down her face as her heart shattered in her chest.
“I’m sorry, Sam. There’s a body in the house.”
“Your Honor, we request a continuance.” The prosecutor leaned his fists on the table in front of him, sweat on his hairline and the back of his suit collar.
Deep into their third hearing of the day, the judge looked as tired as Liam felt.
Liam adjusted his tie. It had been a long time since he’d had to wear one on a regular basis, and this was going to take some getting used to. But at least he wasn’t in the hot seat.
The defense attorney jumped to her feet, glaring at the prosecutor. “On what grounds?”
“The witness has failed to show up as he promised.” The prosecutor pushed his glasses up his nose. “I assure you we’re looking for Dr. Torres, Your Honor.”
Liam’s head whipped around to glance between Judge Mullinax and the prosecutor. Torres? The guy whose file Howard had. Samantha’s landlord. That couldn’t be a coincidence, right?
Where was the guy?
“Wasn’t he under the protection of the US Marshals?” The judge leaned forward, glancing at Liam as if he should’ve told his boss to hand over the file regardless.
“He was supposed to enter WITSEC today after providing his testimony. Every effort is being made to locate him.”
“We object.” The defense attorney addressed the judge. “A delay in proceedings violates my client’s right to a speedy trial.”
“In the interest of both justice and maintaining the defendant’s rights, I’ll grant a continuance. You have three days to produce your witness.”
“Yes, Your Honor,” the prosecutor said.
Liam didn’t want to be in the assigned marshal’s shoes. The internal investigation would be a nightmare if something more than a flat tire or cold feet had happened to the witness.
“I want an update,” Judge Mullinax addressed the prosecutor.
The door to the secure entrance opened, and Hank slipped in and crossed to Liam. “You’re needed upstairs. There’s an issue with one of your witnesses.”
One of his witnesses? Liam nodded and exited the way Hank entered. He followed the secure hallway to the Marshals’ office.
Supervisor Howard was waiting for him when he entered. “Roberts, Renegade PD called, and the Williamses’ house is fully engulfed in flames. You need to get there now.”
“I’m on my way.” He turned around and took the security elevators to his vehicle.
He responded Code Three, lights and sirens, to ensure he made it to the house quickly. There was no telling what hadcaused the fire, but this wasn’t just a house. Not to Sam. Not to Bella. Not to him. If something happened to Bella…Sophia would fall apart. And honestly? He might too. He’d never had a witness die, and didn’t want to be the first marshal with that distinction.
His phone rang.Private Caller. He clicked the button on the steering wheel. “Roberts.”
“Uncle Liam?” Sophia’s voice was barely audible over the sirens.
“Sophia?” He turned the volume up. Why wasn’t she calling him from her cell phone? He’d taken the phone privilege from her but had left it at the house for emergencies.
“Can you come pick us up?”
Loud music played in the background.
“Who is us, and why aren’t you at home?” He clenched his jaw.
He was on duty and on his way to an emergency situation, but his niece needed him. How was he supposed to choose? It wasn’t like he could call someone else to pick her up. They were new in town. He didn’t have any friends or family here. After visiting the Williams sisters with Aubrey a few nights ago, he had the feeling she wouldn’t mind, but he didn’t want to impose. This was his problem.
