Proof of Innocence
Page 35
“He thought he’d disposed of me. That added more surprise. If you’d just been a little more patient, instead of dealing with him yourself…”
She grimaced wryly. Then she sobered as the doors of Courtroom One closed behind them. “We have all the things Scott said to us — me — but will we ever know for absolute certainty?”
“Guilt can be as much a matter of guesswork as innocence is. But—”
“Guesswork? That’s—
“Belief then.”
“I’m crap at believing.”
His laughter startled her. Again. After a moment she smiled.
“I was going to say,” he said, “that evidence goes a long way to eliminating the guesswork. Not only do we have what he told us, but Scott being the guy makes sense of a lot. Like using Pan’s gun — that was impulse. But for the other killings he didn’t use guns — he always was a lousy shot.”
She nodded as he held the outer door for her. “Sheriff Gardner said he probably used what he’d picked up from trials and work for the legal system to avoid leaving evidence or a pattern.”
“No pattern in how he committed the crimes, maybe but there was in the relationships that led to them.”
Amazing how fast information could be accumulated once you knew the answer.
With Monroe, Gardner, some of the other investigators, assisted by Bel and Landis by phone, they’d pieced together that Scott had encountered Pan and Laurel at Zales’ office, doing depositions on other cases. Zales, apparently, had no idea.
Bel provided a detailed account from Darcie Johnson, the third woman Scott had met.
Eighteen months ago, Scott was balm during her bad divorce. But as Scott became both possessive and increasingly volatile, the woman withdrew. The more she withdrew, the more demanding he became, until she was spooked, then terrified.
She’d talked to Lynchburg police, changed her mind, and moved to Northern Virginia, covering her tracks… Or so she thought until Belichek found her.
The investigators could only speculate Pan and Laurel had dismissed any similar internal warnings — if they’d had them — because they’d known Scott all their lives.
Their blind spots. Charlotte of all people had spotted that.
She thought the way people responded to her on the surface was how they truly felt.
And Rick? Would he have gone to that isolated spot for promised evidence against J.D., even if he’d been suspicious of Scott? Almost certainly.
When Maggie didn’t respond to Scott’s overtures as her comforter, he upped the stakes with calls, following her, looking through her belongings, using the guesthouse key.
After she left Bedhurst, he must have thought it was safe to use the new key, planning to destroy his original trial notes. He was trapped when Maggie returned. Some argued he’d started the fires by accident. She wondered if he’d been that clearheaded.
She stopped on the courthouse’s bottom step. “Do you think he killed his mother?”
“From what I heard…” He’d caught some while he’d fought for consciousness. “Yeah, though that’s something we won’t know for sure.”
J.D. took her arm to lead her across the street to her car, as if to steer her clear of non-existent. There was none.
He continued, “Mrs. Barrett says that when Scott dropped her off after the memorial, he took the road toward Lynchburg instead of heading back to town, and he was on his phone as soon as she was out of his car.”
“Gardner told me.”
“Probably a burner phone. He had them stashed in his truck, his house — his mother’s house — even the office. More phone records.”
“At least I won’t have to look at them.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe I fell for it when Scott fed me that misinformation about Eugene making sure the pre-nup was ironclad. There was no downside for him, he could always say his informant got it wrong. In the meantime, he’d diverted us to Eugene while he set up Rick.”
At her rental car, she beeped the trunk open, took off a sweater — spring had a firm hold on the mountains — folded it and dropped it inside. The sweater, along with the leggings and shirt she wore were on loan from Theresa Addington.
Her clothes were held for evidence. Everything else she’d had here was lost in the fire that had destroyed much of the guesthouse.
Including her briefcase and the plastic sleeve of photos.
“So, you’re leaving.” His voice was perfectly level.
She stilled with her hand on the trunk lid, then closed it with a neutral thunk.
J.D. rested his butt against the rear door on the driver’s side, his head toward her.
Bones. Sinews. Flesh.
“Need to get back and find out if I still have a job.”
He tipped his head in acknowledgement of her point of practicality.
“How’s Judge Blankenship?” she asked.
“Devastated.”
“And Dallas? How do you think he’s really doing?”
Dallas said his informant about activities in Henry Zales’ office was a disgruntled associate trying to curry Dallas’ support. Maggie had suspected Scott, with Dallas masking his indiscretions. But Scott had reasons far larger than indiscretions for not wanting anyone to connect him with the women going to Zales.
She worried about Dallas, though the doctor said he’d be fine physically with a good stretch of rest and no stress.
“Better. A lot better, I think. Ed Smith called him not long ago.”
“Oh?”
“Asked Dallas to help with Charlotte’s defense for attacking you.”
She shook her head. Defending the woman who’d tried to kill her, yet proclaiming his never-ending friendship. Trouble was, she believed him.
“That must have cheered him up.”
“Almost as much as the fact that he and Evelyn talked — same topic, new response. They’re getting married.”
“Really? That’s great.” She saw he was thinking about their own talks, of whether they were in a position to have a new talk on a new topic — the future instead of the past. “Isn’t it?”
“Who knows with a hard-headed woman.”
She studied the unfamiliar set of keys in her hand. “What about you, J.D.? Are you leaving?”
His silence stretched a minute. “Don’t know yet. Too soon. I do know I’m not locked in anymore. Thanks to you.”
His hand covered hers and the keys, two of their fingers connected, held, then slid apart.
“J.D., when you were getting me off the roof, I couldn’t let myself think about what had happened, or how we’d get to the ground. I concentrated on your voice. On looking at the inch that came next. That’s all I let in. That’s how I made it. Your voice and looking ahead one inch at a time.”
After a pause, he said slowly, “That sounds like a plan. A good plan.”
She glanced up, then away, nodding. “Yes. I think so, too.”
As she slid into the driver’s seat, he went to the outside of the car door. With the window down all the way, he cupped both hands over the doorframe and closed it. He was too close for her to see his face, hidden by the top of the door.
She stared at his hands, even as she fumbled to start the car.
The engine caught immediately.
“Well,” she said, forcing out words. “I’ll be seeing you.”
He bent, caught her face between his palms and kissed her. Hard. Emphatic. Fast.
Too fast.
He released her and stepped back.
This angle allowed her to see his face. His eyes, intent and dark, were locked on hers. His mouth shifted, creating that indentation she knew to look for now.
“Yes,” he said, “you will. You will be seeing me, Maggie Frye.”
* * * *
If you enjoyed Proof of Innocence, I hope you’ll write a few words to help your fellow readers find it.
Get briefed on the Innocence books and Patricia’s other stories by filling in your who-what-where bel
ow:
Signup
If you’d like to investigate Patricia McLinn’s mysteries with humor and a hint of romance, try her Caught Dead in Wyoming series:
Sign Off
Left Hanging
Shoot First
Last Ditch
Look Live
Back Story
Cold Open
“Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page.”
—Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author
If you like Patricia’s romantic suspense, you might also try:
Ride the River: Rodeo Knights, a stand-alone romance with suspense that is set on the Wyoming rodeo circuit.
View a complete list of all Patricia’s books
Or get a printable booklist
About the author
USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s novels — cited by reviewers for warmth, wit and vivid characterization — have won numerous regional and national awards and been on national bestseller lists.
In addition to her romance and women’s fiction books, Patricia is the author of the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, which adds a touch of humor and romance to figuring out whodunit.
Patricia received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. She was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.), assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.) and — for 20-plus years — an editor at The Washington Post. She has spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution.
She is now living in Northern Kentucky, and writing full-time. Patricia loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook and Twitter.
Visit with Patricia:
Copyright © Patricia McLinn
ISBN: 978-1-944126-30-8
Don't miss out!
Click the button below and you can sign up to receive emails whenever Patricia McLinn publishes a new book. There's no charge and no obligation.
https://books2read.com/r/B-A-SEY-YWBS
Connecting independent readers to independent writers.
Did you love Proof of Innocence? Then you should read Sign Off (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 1) by Patricia McLinn!
Divorce a husband, lose a career …grapple with a murder.
TV journalist Elizabeth "E.M." Danniher will tell you she committed two sins — she didn't stay young, and she made an enemy of a powerful news executive — her ex. She used to break national news. Now her top story as the "Helping Out!" reporter at dinky KWMT-TV in Sherman,Wyoming is getting a defective toaster repaired.
Tough, funny and determined, Elizabeth wrestles with isolation, keeping a professional edge, and an evolving self-image. Is Wyoming — the land of cattle, cowboys, tumbleweeds, and fewer than six people per square mile — her new home or a road to permanent obscurity?
Soon she's in a battle of wills with ex-football player turned journalist Mike Paycik, who sees her as a handy rung on his career ladder. And there's the matter of a deputy sheriff—missing or murdered? Elizabeth finds herself investigating at the insistence of a girl who's set on proving her father's innocence. Not that enigmatic rancher Thomas Burrell makes investigating easy.
But Elizabeth won't fade to black without a fight, no matter how final some might want to make her Sign Off.
Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures:
Sign Off
Left Hanging
Shoot First
Last Ditch
Look Live
Back Story
Cold Open
Hot Roll
"While the mystery itself is twisty-turny and thoroughly engaging, it's the smart and witty writing that I loved the best." – Diane Chamberlain, bestselling author
"Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author
What people are saying about SIGN OFF
"This is one of those books that you want to stop everything to read while hoping it never ends."
"Sign Off is a brisk, enthralling page-turner" – P.B. Ryan, bestselling author
"That was fun."
"Be prepared for lots of twist and turns."
"I read it in one sitting. I hadn't planned it that way, but just couldn't stop."
"The characters were a mix of funny, sad, and quirky and were totally believable. There was just enough humor to lighten the story, but not to disrespect the seriousness of crime."
More cozy mystery from Patricia McLinn:
Secret Sleuth series
Death on the Diversion
Death on Torrid Ave.
Death on Beguiling Way (2019)
Death on Covert Circle (2020)
If you like Patricia's mysteries, try her romantic suspense:Proof of Innocence (set in Virginia)Price of Innocence (2019)Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (which includes scenes in fictional Sherman, Wyoming, and cameos from Caught Dead in Wyoming characters)
Read more at Patricia McLinn’s site.
Also by Patricia McLinn
A Place Called Home
Lost and Found Groom
At the Heart's Command
Hidden in a Heartbeat
A Place Called Home Trilogy Boxed Set
Bardville, Wyoming
A Stranger in the Family
A Stranger to Love
The Rancher Meets His Match
Bardville, Wyoming Trilogy Boxed Set
Caught Dead In Wyoming
Sign Off (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 1)
Left Hanging (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 2)
Shoot First (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 3)
Last Ditch (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 4)
Look Live (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 5)
Back Story (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 6)
Cold Open (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 7)
Hot Roll (Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 8) (Coming Soon)
Flores Silvestres de Wyoming
Flores Silvestres de Wyoming: El Principio
Casi Una Novia
Pareja Hecha en Wyoming
Mi Corazón Recuerda
El corazón de Jack
Colección de trilogía Flores Silvestres de Wyoming
Marry Me Series
Wedding of the Century
The Unexpected Wedding Guest
A Most Unlikely Wedding
Baby Blues and Wedding Bells
Rodeo Knights
Ride the River: Rodeo Knights, A Western Romance Novel
Seasons in a Small Town
What Are Friends For?
The Right Brother
Falling for Her
Warm Front
Secret Sleuth
Death on the Diversion
Death on Torrid Ave.
Serie I Fiori di Campo del Wyoming
I Fiori di Campo del Wyoming: L'inizio (Il Prequel)
Innamorarsi In Wyoming
Il Mio Cuore Ricorda
Il Cuore di Jack
The Wedding Series
Grady's Wedding
The Christmas Princess
The Forgotten Prince
Hoops
Not a Family Man
Prelude to a Wedding
The Wedding Series Trilogy
Wedding Party
The Surprise Princess
The Runaway Bride
The Wedding Series Box Set Two (Books 4-5, The Runaway Bride and The Christmas Princess)
The Wedding Series Box Set Three (Book 6, The Surprise Princess, and Hoops prequel)
The Wedding Series Box Set Four (Book 7, The Forgotten Prince, and Not a Family Man prequel)
Wyoming Wildflowers
Wyoming Wildflowers: The Beginning
Match Ma
de In Wyoming
My Heart Remembers
A New World
Jack's Heart
Rodeo Nights
Where Love Lives
A Cowboy Wedding
Wyoming Wildflowers Trilogy Boxed Set
Wyoming Wildflowers Box Set Two (Book 5, Jack’s Heart, and A New World prequel)
Wyoming Wildflowers Box Set Three (Book 6, Where Love Lives, and Rodeo Nights prequel)
Wyoming Wildflowers: The Complete Collection
Wyoming Wildflowers: The Complete Series
Almost a Bride
Standalone
Courting a Cowboy
The Games
To Love a Cowboy (A Western Historical Duet)
Widow Woman
Wyoming Wild: Western Romance Series Starters
Christmas Romance: Three Complete Holiday Love Stories
Proof of Innocence
Watch for more at Patricia McLinn’s site.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn spent more than 20 years as an editor at the Washington Post after stints as a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.) and assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.). She received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University.
McLinn is the author of more than 45 published novels, which are cited by readers and reviewers for wit and vivid characterization. Her books include mysteries, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical romance and women’s fiction. They have topped bestseller lists and won numerous awards.
She has spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia, to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution.
She is now living in Northern Kentucky, and writing full-time. Patricia loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook and Twitter.
Read more at Patricia McLinn’s site.