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“We were able to circumvent the system and pull phone records. Our evidence shows that Gramps placed a call to DJ within mere hours of the story going viral, and then DJ placed a call to our shooter, Tim Jamison, his son and Gramps nephew. He was already in Bridell when you got there.”

“What story?” Joy asked.

“William and Diana Davenport. That story.”

“So you’re saying Gramps was angry with William because of that tape?”

“Yes. His anger was undoubtedly anchored by the fact that everybody was reporting the wrong time it happened. Some were saying it happened two weeks earlier. Some said four months earlier. Both, as we know, were wrong. But your grandfather didn’t know that. He was certain that Mr. Skeffington was playing in your face.”

“But I went to Bridell after I found out. Gramps didn’t say anything about him knowing about what William did. He was asking me questions.”

“You and your grandfather are extremely close.”

Joy nodded. “Extremely, yes.”

“He probably knew you would run to him after that story broke.”

Joy thought about it. Then she nodded. “Probably yes. But I still don’t see where--”

“And he conveniently went to the restroom when you were heading outside.”

“That’s right,” William said now that he was thinking about it.

But Joy wasn’t buying it. “No way,” she said as she shook her head. “That gunman could have easily shot me. If William wouldn’t have pulled me behind him, he would have shot me absolutely. Gramps wouldn’t put me in danger like that. No way.”

“I’m only reporting what we’ve found.”

“I don’t give a damn what you found. Find something else! Gramps would never hurt me. He’s the only human being on the face of this earth who has never hurt me and never will! I don’t care what you say!”

Max glanced at William. He suspected she wasn’t going to be cooperative with his findings, but he didn’t expect this level of pushback.

“He’s only doing his job, babe,” William said to her.

“But it can’t be true, William.” Her face was anguished. “If Gramps is involved in this, it’ll mean everything, William. If I can’t trust Gramps, who has been nothing but kind to me my whole life, who can I trust?”

And the agony of it was overwhelming. She jumped up and began hurrying for the stairs.

“Joynetta?” William was exhausted. “Joy?!”

William stood up, which caused Max to stand too. “I’m sorry, sir, and we don’t fully know his motivation yet. But the connection is undeniable.”

William nodded. “Understood. Where is Gramps’ brother now?”

“He fled to L.A. after he apparently found out his son was killed and William was still alive. He didn’t factor in the fact that you had a secret security detail on Joy the whole time she was in Bridell.”

“Right,” William said.

“I’ve got a team on their way to California now. Once they pick him up, they’ll bring him in. Hopefully no later than tomorrow. It all depends on how cooperative he is.”

“And Gramps?”

“My advice is that we do nothing concerning him until we’ve had a chance to see what DJ has to say. If there’s a weak link it’ll be DJ. That job cost him his son. He may not be so willing to shield his half-brother after that. But we need more information.”

“I agree,” William said, and then he and Max shook hands. “Keep me posted.”

“I will, sir,” Max said. He left as William hurried to make his way upstairs. It still fascinated Max how undeniably devoted to Joy Johnson he truly was.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE