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“I’ll get started in the kitchen.”
We manage to get the bedroom and half of the kitchen cleaned up before it’s time to head to the lawyer’s office.
Tori and I ride with Milo in his truck to a swanky office building downtown. Milo leads the way up to the fourth floor and opens the door to a plush lobby.
The receptionist looks up from her computer. “Can I help you?”
“We have an appointment with Lowell Richards,” I reply, and she gestures to the small hallway, giving us a smile.
“First door on the left.”
Mr. Richards greets us when we enter. “Milo, good to see you. How’s Gina?”
“Staying out of trouble.”
“Glad to hear it.” They shake hands then Milo introduces me and Tori.
Lowell isn’t exactly what I expected. The lawyers I’ve met tend to be stuffed shirt, preppy types or men so old they could’ve written the laws. He’s a guy who looks to be in his mid-forties, clean shaven, and wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. We did bring the man in on a Sunday so maybe suits are only for weekdays and court.
He’s personable, and I like his no-nonsense attitude right away when he starts asking questions and making notes. It strikes me how crazy the whole thing sounds when I have to say it aloud.
“I’ve found out Oliver is due to be arraigned tomorrow morning at nine in courtroom four of the justice building. Our first concern is for bail. With a murder charge, they may request he be remanded until trial.”
My heart is in my throat. He could be locked up for a long time before we even get the chance to tell his story.
Lowell continues, “However, since he has no criminal record and his medical issues are well documented, I’m going to argue for bail. If we’re successful, it will likely come with stipulations such as house arrest or other electronic monitoring.”
“As long as he’s free,” I tell him.
“I’m going to do my best. The judge presiding is reasonable, but no pushover.”
He goes on to explain how the hearing will work and what to expect. After I’ve handed over the check for his services, he asks, “Have you retained an attorney for yourself, Ms. Booth?”
“I haven’t been accused of anything,” I point out, taken aback.
“I understand that. It’s wise to be prepared in cases such as this. They’ll be looking for motives for Oliver to kill his brother. You’ve been Oliver’s caretaker since Alden’s death, and you may be questioned over whether you had a prior relationship with him.”
Outrage has me on my feet. “And told him to kill my fiancé on our wedding day? Are you serious?”
“Ella,” Tori murmurs, grabbing my wrist.
“Yes, unfortunately I’m serious.” He slides his card across the desk to me. “If you are questioned, do not answer anything and call me immediately.”
My anger leaks into despair. “This is a nightmare.”
“It may not happen but it’s best to be prepared.”
It wasn’t something I had even considered, but if they’re crazy enough to think Oliver killed Alden, then it isn’t a far jump to throw me in the same scenario. Maybe I should be afraid, but all my fear seems to be reserved for Oliver. After all, I know there’s no connection between myself and the Warrens, nor any evidence against me.
It’s afternoon when we leave the lawyer’s office. There’s nothing else that can be done for tonight. Oliver will have to spend the night in jail. The thought makes me sick to my stomach but there’s no help for it.
When we return to the shop, Smith listens while we fill him in on the consultation. “So, we need to be at the courthouse at nine,” he says.
“Yes,” Milo replies. “I’ll call to let Hudson and Joanna know they can come in to work but to keep the shop closed until we get back. Hopefully with Oliver.”
Smith nods and regards me. “The new computer is set up with everything we need installed. The office has been cleaned up and put back in order. What else needs to be done tonight?”
“Nothing,” I reply, grateful for him and Milo. “You should both go home. Tori and I are going to finish cleaning up Oliver’s apartment, then we’ll be at my place tonight. I’ll meet you at the courthouse in the morning.”
