Burden of Proof

by DiAnn Mills

  “Nonsense. We owe you.” Vicki opened the microwave door and set the plate of food inside.

  April kissed the top of Isabella’s nose. “What’s your opinion of Willis?”

  “Pardon my words, but the man has a bowling ball for a head and brains to match.”

  April burst out laughing. The imagery fit him. “Good call.”

  “His folks spoiled him rotten, and it stuck. The older he gets, the worse his actions. I understand why he doesn’t care for Ted, but why is he after Jason?”

  “Difficult to pinpoint.”

  Vicki smiled. “Which means you can’t tell me.”

  “Best talk to Jason. What can you tell me about Carrie Edwards?”

  The woman’s shoulders rose and fell. “Sad situation. The elder Lennox ruled the house and abused his wife and children. I never understood why his wife stayed. Anyway, Willis naturally became a bully like his father . . . except when it came to Carrie. For some reason, he took overprotectiveness to extremes.” She paused as though thinking. “Could be the only way Willis could control the dysfunction in the home was to shield her from what he saw as a threat. Honestly, April, I don’t know. I’m not a psychologist. He ran off every friend she ever had except Lily. Our Lily told him to take his tough-guy act somewhere else.”

  April formed a mental picture of Carrie’s and Willis’s lives. The abuse he experienced spilled over into how he treated his wife and son.

  “Russell tried to make up for what Carrie missed in her childhood. He arranged for her to see a psychiatrist and made sure she took her medication. As long as she stayed on the meds, she was an amazing wife and mother. Without it, she sank into severe depression. Our Lily loved her, became Carrie’s 2 a.m. friend.”

  Now she better understood the complicated situation. “Russell’s death must be hitting her hard.”

  “I pray she has the strength to bear it all for the boys’ sake. I tried calling yesterday, but it went to voice mail. We’re organizing meals at church, and that will carry over until after the funeral.”

  The microwave beeped with the completion of its warming cycle. April relinquished Isabella to Vicki. The home-cooked eggs, sausage, jalapeños, onions, bell pepper, and fresh biscuit with soft butter and local honey came straight out of a fill-my-belly-with-comfort-food recipe book. She finished the breakfast and downed another cup of coffee.

  “Big favor here. Can I shower?” April said. “Do you have anything I can wear? My weekender is in Jason’s truck. I forgot to retrieve it.”

  “Got you covered, so to speak. Last night when you changed into Miss Ella’s things, I noted your sizes. Isabella and I did a Walmart run early this morning.” Vicki balanced Isabella on her hip and picked up a huge store bag sitting on a kitchen chair and handed it to her. “Two pairs of jeans, a sweatshirt, sweater, undies, socks, tennis shoes, and toiletries.”

  Bewildered best described April. “Wow. I never expected this. You went to more trouble than my own mother. How much do I owe you?”

  “Nothing. I’d be insulted. I enjoyed shopping for your size and style. I’m stuck in the seasoned women’s clothes.”

  “I can’t take these without reimbursing you. It could be interpreted as a bribe.”

  “Mercy. FBI guidelines are ridiculous. Take a look inside. I had no idea of your tastes. If something is dreadful, I’ll return it. Won’t hurt my feelings a bit.”

  April pictured elastic-waist pants in denim blue and a sweatshirt with a deer on the front. Feigning a smile, she pulled out a pair of faded blue jeans. Great choice. Next came a pale-blue sweater. Perfect color. The socks and tennis shoes were basic, and she sighed with relief at the second pair of jeans. “You can shop for me anytime.”

  “I’m so pleased.” The welcome in her soft drawl brought a longing in April’s spirit, one she’d never experienced before. Her encounters with civilians usually involved emotionally distraught people or those thankful a loved one had been talked down from doing something harmful. But she rarely ever saw them again other than at a court hearing. Neighbors spoke and she responded, but she kept to herself except for other agents and an occasional social meetup with Simon and his wife. The Snyders made her feel like family, though she hoped it wasn’t just a grand show for her to help their son.

  “Ted and I are so glad you’re on Jason’s side.” Vicki changed her tone. “The trumped-up charges on the heels of the anniversary of Lily’s death have the potential to cause his migraines to flare up. He’s an incredible father and a talented builder, but Willis is up to no good. Just wish we knew why.”

  “I’m not giving up until we have answers. I promise you. Thank you for agreeing to go to a safe house with Isabella. Maybe Ted will be on board before the afternoon exchange. I’d wanted the escort earlier, and I’m sorry it’s taken a little longer than anticipated.” The car she’d seen this morning meant they’d been in place last night. Normal protocol would have the Snyders protected until they left Sweet Briar.

  “No problem. I’m nearly done packing. Ted, on the other hand, has closed the door on the matter.”

  Like father, like son.

  April refilled her coffee cup. “Vicki, before I forget it, I need to give you a number to reach Jason.” Once the woman jotted down the digits, April hurried to the shower. In less than thirty minutes, she emerged from the bathroom ready to take on Willis and his goons single-handedly. She grabbed her purse and made her way to the kitchen, where Vicki and Ted awaited her.

  Dressed in jeans, he gave her a hug. “I put cold water and food in the truck parked in the garage. It’s an old ’63 Ford but drives like a charm. Two containers of coffee are in the front. I don’t like the looks of the tires on your car. Some of the country roads aren’t paved, and my truck has good tires.” He held up his hand. “No argument.”

  Oh, the Snyder men with their demands. “The deputy will still see me leave.”

  “I’m walking down there now to distract Cal. Vicki will join me to the end of the driveway, then return inside. I’m hoping the deputy will think she’s backing out of the driveway and not you. Should work, and the plan gives this old man something to do.”

  April saw where Jason had inherited his ingenuity. “You’re far from an old man. Might need you in law enforcement.”

  “I’m a chiropractor,” he said. “I make adjustments to people’s bodies, not their attitudes.”

  She laughed lightly. A sense of humor always helped in tense situations.

  “The important thing to remember is this family believes in sticking together.”

  26

  APRIL WALKED INTO Farmers’ Bank in Sweet Briar with one item to cross off her list. She requested a meeting with Vic Henley to ask a couple of questions.

  In his office, Henley sat behind his desk and steepled his fingers. “The man who posed as Ted Snyder hasn’t been identified or your superiors would have notified you. Our agreement was for me to have information by noon.”

  “Have you talked to the employee who permitted the breach?”

  “We haven’t had time. I assure you we’re doing everything possible.” Henley spread a professional smile over his face like a thick layer of mayonnaise.

  “Mr. Henley, I need to speak to the person who approved Ted Snyder’s signature when the theft occurred.” She allowed silence to punctuate her words. “Unless you arranged for the thief to gain access to the safe-deposit box?”

  A muscle below his left eye twitched. “There’s no way I’d jeopardize the reputation of this bank.”

  “Were you working that day?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I’m sure you wouldn’t mind pulling up the video footage from the date in question. I’d like to see it again.”

  He typed into his computer and swung the screen her way.

  “Please zoom in on the far left-hand corner,” she said.

  “It’s empty space,” Henley said.

  “Then you should have no problem complying with a federal agent’s
request.”

  He zoomed in. A man’s shoes could be seen.

  “See those shoes?” April said. “Those are Tod’s, a brown leather loafer called a driving shoe. When I researched them, I saw a $640 price tag. A bit much for a small-town bank employee, but I see you’re wearing them today.”

  A momentary startle met her. “Are you suggesting I had something to do with the theft?”

  She plastered on professionalism. “Mr. Henley, how did Willis Lennox persuade you to allow the person in the footage to bypass security protocol?”

  Henley swallowed. “Your accusation is ridiculous.”

  “You can make this easy by telling the truth, or I can place you under arrest and charge you with bank fraud and possibly as an accomplice to murder.”

  Henley’s ashen face revealed his guilt. “Willis made it impossible for me not to follow his orders.”

  April lowered her voice. “How?”

  “Doubt you could use it in court. He said he needed a favor and explained the particulars. He told me where my girlfriend lived and worked. Said the road she lived on had been the site of bad accidents. Be a shame if she was the next victim.”

  “Are you willing to swear to Mr. Lennox’s words and testify in court?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Will it reduce my sentence for what I’ve done?”

  “The judge will view your cooperation favorably.”

  “Am I being arrested?”

  “The FBI may choose to take you into custody.”

  “I understand.”

  “Do you know the identity of the man who posed as Ted Snyder?”

  “No, ma’am. Never saw him before.”

  “Thank you,” April said. “The man’s facial features aren’t clear. It appears he knew the camera’s location and avoided it. Can you describe his voice?”

  He shrugged. “Average. Didn’t say much.”

  “All right, Mr. Henley. You’ve been a tremendous help, and I will attest to your cooperation.” She shook his hand. “I still like your shoes.”

  On the way out of the bank, her phone alerted her to a call from Simon.

  “April, can you talk?” he said.

  “Yes. What’s going on?”

  “Sheriff Lennox has made serious allegations against you.”

  “What’s he claiming?”

  “You’re aiding a criminal, threatening a bank employee to lie about a bank transaction, and living with Jason’s parents.”

  “Really? I am staying at the Snyders’ while on vacation.” She struggled to contain her irritation. “Have you seen any evidence that I’ve conducted myself in something other than a professional manner?”

  “He’s assembling it for Monday.”

  She tapped her foot on the sidewalk. “Probably witnesses to go with it. Where’s the additional info I requested? Has the FIG been taken hostage?”

  “How many times do I need to say this? As soon as I receive your clearance, you’ll have it. I let others know you’re taking a few days off. We’d like for you to keep Jason in line. Do your job. Taking the law into his own hands sets him up for a jail sentence and means your career will take a nosedive. This allows the agents there to continue. When and if I can, I’ll update you.”

  She inhaled relief. “Great. Thanks.”

  “Document all findings on your end, and we’ll follow up by filing charges on all those involved in the crimes.”

  She recounted her conversation with Vic Henley. “No identity on who gained access to the safe-deposit box. Did Willis make any other statements?”

  “He says the circumstances surrounding the death of Lily Snyder sent Jason into a period of depression and violent behavior. In our opinion, the sheriff is trying to establish a valid reason to shoot Jason and claim self-defense. We have eyes on the situation.”

  “I’m in this for the long haul. I see an innocent man charged with an unspeakable crime. There are no gray areas in my record. No reason for the FBI not to trust me with the truth.”

  “I’m on your side, Jason’s too. We all are. It’s simply a matter of confidentiality in some of the details.”

  She’d not argue at this point. “How many other agents are in the area?”

  “Four. And that’s private knowledge for you only. You’re to work through me until further notice. Trust my lead on this, okay?”

  “I don’t think I have a choice.”

  “Right now we have a new problem requiring your assistance.”

  “What?”

  “An eyewitness just phoned the FBI and stated Jason Snyder assisted in his wife’s death. The woman said she couldn’t keep it a secret any longer with the Russell Edwards murder charges. Gave her name as Vicki Snyder.”

  27

  JASON EASED ONTO a felled log in the woods near his truck. It had been a long time since he’d roughed it. No running water, a fall chill, and his stomach rumbling like a storm rolling in. He’d wakened sporadically last night but always gone back to sleep. Dreams were like demons stalking him, and they all looked like Willis marching after him with a thousand deputies.

  A new obstacle had taken root. His truck needed gas, and he couldn’t afford to make the trip in broad daylight. Tonight he’d devise a plan to buy fuel and avoid ending up in handcuffs.

  This morning, or rather near noon, his list of places to scout out information grew. Where was April?

  A gnawing matter pounded at his brain. Should he let the FBI handle the investigation? They were trained and had the technology to get the job done. But even if they were successful in clearing his name, would they find the evidence to shove Willis into a cell? Arrest Russell’s killer? Jason needed answers. For now, he’d stick to running down evidence on his own.

  His phone rang: Dad. Jason greeted him.

  “Everything okay?” Dad said.

  “So far. Did April give you this number?”

  “She had Vicki write it down. Son, I canceled my patients today, and I’m staying home with my rifle loaded until we have instructions on how and where Vicki and Isabella are to meet the FBI.”

  “And you?”

  “Running’s not my game.”

  “As a favor to me?”

  “Conversation over. April asked me to give you a call. She’s behind schedule. She needed to stop at the bank and then Brenda Krew’s office. Shouldn’t take too long.”

  “All right.”

  “Kevin called me. Wanted to know how to contact you. I’m not cooperating with anyone associated with Willis.”

  And the deputy might be playing them. “Did you recognize the number he called from?”

  “He’s not phoned me before. Can’t help you there. Got a pen for the number?”

  Jason wrote it on the palm of his hand. “Thanks.”

  “Be careful, Son. I’m praying for the truth to surface soon.”

  “Constantly.” Jason pressed End. Kevin could have critical information, something to bring justice to the forefront. Maybe he should have April contact him. No, Jason didn’t like that idea either. Willis wouldn’t find it odd that Jason contacted Kevin, since he was at the scene of the shooting, but April was officially taking time off. Might not be a good idea to connect her and Kevin. Only one way to find out what Kevin wanted and possibly expose his allegiance.

  Jason pressed in the number. “I hear you want to talk to me.”

  “My family’s safe. Wanted you to know I’m grateful. Willis isn’t around, which gives me time to think about my story. I’ll do my best to play the deputy role while searching for what we need to put Willis away.”

  “All of us working together will get the job done.” Jason wanted to trust Kevin, see his face.

  “Is April sticking around until this is over?” Kevin said.

  Caution nipped at him. “I can’t speak for her. I suggest you ask.”

  “All right. I’m at the sheriff’s office. Just finished going through paper files and now I’m working online. Finding Willis’s password was a booger. Took me fore
ver to discover it’s n2Billie1Zack2.”

  Strange, since he treated them so badly. “What have you learned?”

  “The original investigation report from Russell’s death isn’t listed, so Willis must have destroyed it, and the one filed reads the same as the one given to the FBI. My signature is forged.”

  “Not a surprise. Did you see anything unusual after I left that night and Griff followed me to the sheriff’s office?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Did Griff mention my arrest when he returned?”

  “In detail. He acted upset. Said he’d never seen Willis so mad. Anyway, we finished the report and drove back to the office. I asked to see you, and Willis said you were asleep. He reached into his desk and gave me a new phone. Asked for my old one and told me to go on home.”

  “Anything in your files about Griff?”

  “Nothing incriminating.”

  “Is his previous employment listed?”

  “US Army, honorable discharge. April could verify his military service.”

  “What’s his work ethic?”

  “He’s friendly, does a fine job, but keeps his distance from the rest of us. Haven’t seen anything to label him one of Willis’s men, but he wouldn’t advertise it either.”

  Jason walked to his truck and grabbed a small notebook and pen. “April has requested backgrounds from the FBI, but I’ll ask her to check into him further. What’s his Social Security number?”

  Kevin gave him the number. “Hey, gotta go. A patrol car is here, and I need to shut this computer down.”

  As Jason’s phone went silent, he heard a car slow and stop on the main road. A man got out. He stared into the woods where Jason was hiding, then walked his way.

  Jason remained in the shadows and waited for the man to approach. Leaving his truck behind and venturing deeper into the woods made little sense until he discovered what the stranger wanted.

  After living his whole life in this area and doing business for the last ten years, he knew at least 90 percent of Sweet Briar’s population. Which meant this man was either trespassing or working for Willis, or a card-carrying FBI agent. Jason gambled on the man not having intentions to blow him away. In the meantime, he’d make observations.