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She was baiting him, but he was curious about what else she’d say, so he continued his silence.
“Since I was out and about, I had Sherry find your address. She found not only your apartment but your grandmother’s as well.”
Her secretary must be an internet wizard to track down both addresses.
“Why would you live over a drug store when you could stay here?” Vanessa glanced into the living room and nodded as if even though she’d never been inside his apartment, this had to be much better. Not waiting for him to answer, she continued. “Since you wanted to talk to me about Dania—even though she’d already been with you—I thought before I called Sheriff Kennard and told him what I saw in the parking lot, we should have a chat.”
“Vanessa, is that you?” Dania peered around the corner. She ran to the woman and hugged her. “It’s so good to see you.”
Brett expelled a long breath and shook his head. Things had just grown exponentially worse.
When Dania saw him, her face blanched. “Sorry, but she already knows that we were together.”
He gave a jostle of his shoulder, all the while keeping his eyes on the woman who smiled at Dania like she was her long-lost friend.
Jasper joined the group. Brett patted the dog, grateful for his loyalty.
“Oh, my dear.” Vanessa stepped away from Dania, staring at her hair. “Just like I thought, you cut your beautiful hair.”
“I’ve been on the run for three days.” She led Vanessa into the living room.
Brett followed with Jasper by his side.
“You should have come straight to me.” The woman sat on the sofa next to Dania. “You’re in so much trouble now. I’ll call Leonard and let him know. He’ll want you to turn yourself in. It’s going to be a monumental feat to get another appeal unless you do.”
“I can’t go back.” Dania shook her head. “Leonard’s done his best for me, but I have to find the murderer. It’s the only way.”
Vanessa shot a condemning stare at Brett. “Why haven’t you taken her in? You know it’s what’s best for her.”
Brett’s hackles rose. “Dania has lived behind bars for over three years while the attorneyyourecommended was caught up in the legal system.” Not the best defense for what he was doing, but it would have to do. “The marshals were taking her to Deer Lodge. They have more hardened criminals there than at Stone Quarry, where she has spent the last few years.”
“I’m sure Leonard will do everything humanly possible to find justice for her.” Vanessa gave a deep sigh. “He’s fought hard to keep her out of Deer Lodge.” She took Dania’s hand. “Leonard was so close to getting the okay for your appeal, but now, with your escaping and that marshal being killed and the other wounded, that’s been blown out of the water. You had nothing to do with those shootings, right?”
“No. Big Bertha’s boyfriend did it.” Worry lines crossed Dania’s forehead.
“About that.” Brett had put off telling Dania the bad news, but now was as good a time as any. “Bertha testified that you killed Ted.”
“She’s lying!” Dania gasped. “I didn’t do it.”
“This is all the more reason why you should turn yourself in.” Vanessa touched Dania’s knee. “You can tell them what really happened. I might be able to make some calls and have them keep you in the marshals’ jail for the time being.”
“I can’t.” Dania wrung her hands together. “Please. Right now is my chance to do something. It’s driven me crazy that I’ve been stuck in prison while Matthew’s murderer is free, living his life. I’ve got to find him. I can’t go back.” Her worried eyes pleaded with Vanessa.
“Oh, honey.” She took Dania’s hand. “If I don’t turn you in and they find out that I’ve met with you, I could face felony charges.” She glanced at Brett. “He could too.”
“I don’t want that to happen to either one of you. Neither would Matthew. He admired you so much, Vanessa, and was ecstatic that you hired him, despite his father calling you so you wouldn’t hire him. He wanted Matthew to practice law with his old partner.”
“Matthew told me about that.” Vanessa nodded. “He wanted to practice law out of the shadow of his father. I admired his gumption. He reminded me of myself when I was younger. As we worked together over the years, he became the son I’d never had. I can’t tell you how it tore me up when he died.”
“Please let Brett and me work on finding the culprit who killed Matthew. We’ve already come across some strong leads.”
Vanessa lifted her chin as though she were tempted.
Dania must have sensed the woman was close to giving in because she added, “If you can’t do it for me, do it for Matthew, and find justice for him.”
Vanessa’s eyes narrowed. “Just a few days?”
“And then if we haven’t found something, the both of you can turn me in. I promise.” Dania’s teeth worried her bottom lip.
