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Brett found that odd. “I spoke with Val and his father today. Val told me that he wanted Matt to represent his business because Matt’s father was the attorney general. He didn’t say anything about your firm.”
“Eli Wheeler wouldn’t want me personally to represent his business. He’s a very prideful man who doesn’t appreciate a powerful woman.” Vanessa shrugged like she’d dealt with chauvinists most of her life. “He didn’t like that I told Matthew not to take him on.”
Dania shook her head.
Brett had known some guys who had been reluctant to hire a strong woman, so he understood somewhat.
“Where do we stand on me taking the planner?” Vanessa said it more to Dania than to Brett, who still held it protectively in his hands.
He didn’t trust Eli or Val, but he also wouldn’t turn his back on Vanessa. “Don’t think so.”
“But, Brett.” Dania brought his attention to her. “I might have missed something. Vanessa will make a good double check. She’ll take care of it.”
“Let me ask Walter first; after all, it is his son’s planner.” He pulled out his cell.
“But if you tell him that you’re giving it to Vanessa, he’ll ask why. Plus, other questions could come up that would lead to me.” Worry lines furrowed Dania’s forehead.
“Deputy, as a lawyer, I’ve sworn an oath to offer loyalty, confidentiality, competence, diligence, and my best judgment for my clients. Even though I’m not Dania’s attorney, I could be her co-council. I, too, want to help catch the man who should be in prison instead of Dania.” Vanessa gave a deep, gratifying sigh.
Everything Brett had done in the last twenty-four hours was about helping Dania and finding Matt’s murderer. Vanessa was also risking her career by not turning Dania in. They were both banking on finding who was really responsible for Matt’s death and freeing Dania. Besides, measuring Dania going to prison for a crime she didn’t commit compared to them losing their jobs offered no contest.
Dania was right. The woman knew more about Matt’s work schedule and would notice if something didn’t jive. With his cell phone already in his hand, he opened the planner and took pictures of the last few pages. He wanted to be able to refer to them should he need to. Then, though it nearly made him physically ill, he handed the planner to Vanessa.
She placed it in her briefcase and fastened the locks. “Dania, I’m going to hold you to your word. After a few days, you’ll turn yourself in, right?”
Dania nodded.
“Believe it or not, prison would be the safest place for you.” Vanessa tilted her head.
“I know you’re only looking out for me.” Dania took Vanessa’s arm and hugged it to her. “Brett will keep me safe.”
“Honey, if I can find you, don’t you think the murderer will too?” Vanessa gave Brett a sideways glance as though warning him.
Brett knew Vanessa was right. “Just before you dropped by, I was telling her that we needed to find another place for her to hide.”
Dania walked with her to the door. “Until we do, I’ve got Brett and Jasper to watch over me.” At the mention of his name, the dog went to her.
“Stay safe.” Vanessa gave Dania a hug.
Brett was so used to calling the shots that it was difficult for him to share the load with someone outside his office. He truly hoped Vanessa could find something that would help keep Dania out of prison.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Why did you give Vanessasuch a hard time about the planner?” Dania was relieved to have Vanessa helping them.
“Sorry. I’m just overly cautious.” Brett scrubbed his face with his palm.
“She has always had my best interest at heart; she even got Leonard Goldman to represent me. He’s a sought-after attorney with impressive credentials.” Dania wondered if Brett had become jaded since he chased bad guys for a living.
“I know. You’re right.” He ducked his chin as if to agree. “But I can’t get past that Goldman didn’t find the planner. It wasn’t like Walter was hiding it.”
“She said Leonard probably asked him and Walter lied.” She went to the kitchen.
Brett followed. “If Goldman is so good, why didn’t he get you acquitted from murder charges?”
Dania grabbed a glass from the cupboard and went to the sink, pouring herself some water. “Leonard did his best. You weren’t there.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized they were like a slap in the face. Brett had already explained why he hadn’t helped her and what he’d tried to do when he could.
She glanced at him.
