She refused to believe things were as bad as they appeared. She trusted the justice system. Something must be keeping them. Maybe they’d caught the real bad guy—that had to be it.
The door finally opened and Mark walked in.
She breathed a little easier. Mark was a good guy, and she trusted him for the most part—at least she had until he’d arrested her. But she couldn’t hold that against him. He was only doing his job. “Is my son okay?”
“Yes. This conversation is being recorded. Please tell me about the fire at Mona’s house.”
She frowned. “I’ve already given my statement.” Why was he being so formal with her? He’d been one of her dinner guests not all that long ago, and now he talked as though he was a stranger. She pressed her lips together. “Why am I here?”
“A witness spotted you at the scene.”
“Excuse me? What are you talking about? I was in Bend. John can tell you that.” Although he might not be willing to, all things considered. How did this happen? Who would lie? “Mark, you know as well as I do that I’m being set up. There is no way I can be two places at once.”
“I’m following orders, Sierra. According to the timeline you did have time to set that fire, and in light of the witness account, things have changed.”
What was that supposed to mean? Had everyone turned against her? “I want a lawyer.”
“That’s your right.” He slid a piece of paper across the table to her. “Spencer asked me to have you sign this. It gives him guardianship of your son until all of this gets cleared up.”
She took the paper and scanned it, not missing the hopeful words Mark had spoken. He believed this would get cleared up. She should be relieved, but she wasn’t. This could ruin her. She didn’t have a lot of money to begin with. Now she had to pay an attorney. There was always the option of a public defender, but from what she’d heard they were overworked and underpaid and wouldn’t have time to devote to her case.
She signed the paper and placed the pen beside it. “Now what?”
“You wait for your arraignment.”
“Can I see Spencer?”
He shook his head. “No.” Regret filled his eyes.
Fear gripped her. Why was this happening, and why wouldn’t they let her see Spencer?
“You need to stay away from Sierra Robbins,” Captain Michaels said. “I don’t want there to be any hint of impropriety that could compromise this case.”
Spencer drew in a breath and let it out in a whoosh. He stood before the captain. “Assuming she signs the form I sent in with Mark, I will be Sierra’s son’s legal guardian. I’m as entangled in her life as a person can get, sir.”
Captain Michaels nodded. “Agreed. You haven’t had a real vacation since you’ve been here. I checked with human resources and noted you have a lot of vacation time accumulated.”
“Good point. Does that mean I can cash in some time?” He wondered at the captain’s suggestion, but considering all that was going on, it was a good idea to step away from work for a while.
“Yes. I have a feeling things here are going to get worse before they improve, and the farther away you are, the better.”
“What do you know that I don’t?”
“The media picked up the story, and it’s going nationwide.”
He groaned and nearly cursed before stopping himself. This was bad, very bad. Now he understood Captain Michaels’ caution. “Okay. I’ll let HR know I’m taking a vacation until this case is wrapped up.”
“Thank you. I’ll make sure your shifts are covered. You’d better get out of here. There’s a press conference scheduled in an hour.”
“What’s the deal with the press? This isn’t a huge story.”
“Someone made it a big deal.”
“Who?”
“Our witness.”
Spencer raised a brow hoping for a name, but Captain Michaels pressed his lips together. Fine. He’d find out on his own. “See you.” He left without a backward glance.
It was time to enlist those prayer warriors he’d heard about at church. But first, he’d try to sneak in a quick visit with Sierra before she was moved. He had to make sure she was okay. He slipped down the hall and knocked once before entering. Empty.
“She’s gone, buddy.”
Spencer turned and faced Mark. “I was hoping to see her.”
Mark thrust a paper at him. “She signed.” He looked over his shoulder and lowered his voice. “Between you and me, I’m still on her side. I’ll be looking into the witness.”
“Good. Thanks.” He rubbed the back of his neck and looked from side to side. “I suppose I should get out of here before this media frenzy I heard about appears.”
“Yeah. A few reporters have already set up out there.”
“Great. Good thing I’m not in uniform. I’ll see you around.” He walked as casually as possible through the parking lot to his pickup, noting two camera crews were already in place for the press conference. Thankfully, they didn’t know his connection to the case.
He headed to his buddy’s house to pick up Trey. No way was he leaving the teen alone there. He’d bring him to his place where he could protect him from the media. At least they had no idea where Sierra had been planning to stay.
He drove up to the cabin and used the extra key his buddy had given him to let himself inside. “Trey! It’s me, Spencer. Pack up. You’re coming to my place. Grab your mom’s bags, too.”
Trey charged down the stairs. He looked around the room. “Where is she? I thought you’d bail her out and bring her back with you.”
“She has to be arraigned first. I’m sorry. We need to clear out. Do you want help with the suitcases?” The disappointment on Trey’s face tore him in two. He’d do anything for this kid, but he had to follow the law. He couldn’t break Sierra out. This wasn’t a movie.
“Yeah. Mom has two. They’re in her room.”
He followed the teen up the stairs to the loft. Moving from place to place had to be difficult. He determined to provide a stable home for Trey until his mom could resume that task. He had to believe that wouldn’t be too long from now, but unease settled in the recesses of his mind. What if she was wrongly convicted on the testimony of one person and circumstantial evidence? It wouldn’t be the first time that had happened.
He had to figure out who was behind all the trouble.
John hammered the nail into a board at his mother’s house. Thankfully, only the backside of the house needed to be repaired. The smoke damage inside was another matter. He still struggled to grasp that Sierra had done this—she’d been with him not long before she got to the house. How could she possibly have had time to set the fire and for it to become so fully engaged so quickly? Then again, gasoline is quite the accelerant. His gut said she didn’t do this, yet the police had an eyewitness.
“There’s another reporter here, John. Will you go and deal with him?” Rick came through the back door and motioned outside.
John sighed. He’d been elected the spokesman for the family—not an election he wished to win. He set his tool belt aside and headed toward the front of his mother’s house. A reporter stood in the driveway wearing a dark business suit.
The reporter waved. “Thanks for agreeing to talk with me.”
“No problem.” John looked around for a cameraperson, but spotted no one. “You travel light. Most of the reporters who come here bring along a photographer at the very least.”
The man shrugged and offered his hand. “I do it all.” He held out his hand. “I’m Randy.”
“I’m John Belafonte. What can I do for you?” The man stood at about six feet tall, had clean-cut hair, and he was an older version of Trey. How crazy was that?
“I’d like to ask you a few questions about the woman the police arrested. I understand she worked for your family.”
“Correct.”
“The other media outlets have covered your family and the crime, but no one has dug deeply into the suspe
ct.”
John crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes.
Randy adjusted his tie as if it was strangling him. “I understand that Sierra has a son? With his mom locked up, is he in state custody or what?”
“What paper did you say you are with?”
Randy cleared his throat and mumbled something incoherent.
“I can’t help you, buddy.” He noted the silver Taurus with California plates in the driveway that clearly belonged to the man. “I suggest you leave. Maybe the police can assist you.”
“Come on. I drove a long way for a scoop. Help a guy out.”
“I don’t think so. You’re on private property. It’s time for you to leave—now.” His voice had turned to steel. If this dude knew what was good for him, he’d leave before John delivered the police to him. The man had to be Trey’s dad. He must have seen the media coverage about Sierra. But why show up after all these years when he’d given up custody?
“Everything okay?” Rick asked as he rounded the house.
“Randy here was just leaving.”
The man’s gaze moved from John to his brother. “Look, I just want to know about the kid.”
Rick marched up to them. “Seems to me you’ve overstayed your welcome. The police drop by on a regular basis, and we are under surveillance at all times.” He pointed to a video camera pointing in their direction attached to the front porch.
Randy’s face blanched. He spun around and strode to his car.
Rick turned to John. “You get his license plate number?”
John tapped his head. “I’ll give Mark a call and let him know. I can’t say for certain, but I’m pretty sure that was Trey’s dad.”
Sierra sat in her cell staring at the wall. Her attorney said he’d get her out soon, but she’d been in here four days! What was going on? She’d had her arraignment and bail had been set. Why was it taking so long to bail her out, and why hadn’t anyone come to see her to let her know? Her attorney had been incognito since she’d met him that first day. Maybe she should find a new one.
She’d tried to remain strong, but she couldn’t take much more of this place. Her body trembled constantly. She’d probably aged ten years since being arrested. And worst of all, she hadn’t been able to see Trey. She couldn’t imagine what he was going through. She was all he had. He must be terrified. She had to get out and soon. Her son needed her.
Lord, I don’t understand why you allowed all of this to happen. I’m scared and I’m angry. Super angry. It’s not fair that I’m locked up in here when the real arsonist is free.
I am with you. Do not fear.
Easier said than done. She never wanted to see the inside of a jail cell again. Moving around from home to home didn’t even matter—she saw things with a new perspective now. They’d had a warm and comfortable place to sleep and call home, even if it was temporary.
The first thing she was going to do when she got out of here was take a shower then hold onto her son and not let go. Surely the police would figure out they had the wrong person and set her free. But what if they didn’t?
Voices drew her attention. She sat up straight and watched through the bars to see who approached.
Her cell door slid open. She stood. “Does this mean my bail was paid, and I can leave?”
The female guard nodded. “You’ll be escorted to a waiting vehicle.”
“Why? Is that normal?”
“You have received several death threats.”
Tears burned her eyes. “Someone wants me dead?” Her voice sounded like a little child’s. “Why?” She thought going to jail was the worst thing that could happen to her, but a death threat felt much worse. She had no idea how she managed to stay standing on her rubbery legs.
They made their way through security then the guard guided her to a non-public door and pushed it open. Another guard stood there apparently waiting for them.
Fear overcame Sierra as she walked between the two guards to a waiting black SUV with tinted windows. She wiped tears from her face with the back of her hands.
One officer opened the door and she scooted inside. The door closed. She didn’t recognize the man behind the wheel. “Where are you taking me?”
“I’m a friend of Spencer’s. He’s asked me to make sure no one follows us, so we’ll be taking a roundabout way to his place. He asked me to tell you that Trey is with him, and he’s fine.”
Praise God. She let her breath out in a long sigh, rested her head back, and closed her eyes. “Thanks.” A sob escaped. She fought to gain control of her emotions. She was finally free and Spencer was waiting for her with Trey.
A moment later her lids shot open. “What if someone does follow us or tries to run us off the road, or crashes into us?”
His brown eyes met her gaze in the reflection of the rearview mirror. “Relax, Sierra. I’m a federal agent. Trained to deal with this sort of thing. You’re safe.”
Spencer had a friend in the FBI? Why not? Nothing should surprise her at this point. “Thanks for taking care of me. So the threat is credible?”
“Yes.”
“I wish I understood why someone is so determined to either destroy me or kill me.”
“There are some good people working to find that out.”
“I had no idea. Does this threat have anything to do with my extended stay in jail?”
“Yes. Spencer had to work out the details to keep you and your son safe. Trey’s dad came snooping around looking for him.”
She leaned forward. “Randy was here?” Anger burned that he’d chose now to step up and be a dad, but surprise filled her as well.
“According to Spencer, yes. But he said everything is under control and that you are not to worry.”
Again, easier said than done. But she truly trusted Spencer and the Lord. She took a few cleansing breaths and let the anger go. God was in control and clearly He was using Spencer and his friends to help her. For possibly the first time in her life she felt absolute peace. It seemed impossible, but here she was with the unwavering belief that everything was going to be okay.
Her eyes grew heavy and slid closed.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Spencer pulled open the back door to Ben’s SUV. Sierra sat there sound asleep. He touched her shoulder. “Sweetie. It’s time to wake up.”
She stretched. Her eyes fluttered open. She tilted her head and met his gaze. A smile tipped her lips. “Hi.”
“Hi, yourself. You ready to go in?”
She unbuckled. “Thanks for the ride. I never did catch your name.”
“Ben.”
She nodded. “Thanks, Ben.” She scooted to the door and slid out.
“Let’s get you inside out of view of possible prying eyes.”
She rushed into Spencer’s home and immediately noted all the blinds were closed.
“Mom!” Trey rushed toward her and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Sudden tears flowed. “Me too.” She hugged him and took in the minty scent of his hair. “How’s school going?”
He released his hold on her and stepped back. “I’ve been busy. So I’m a little behind.”
She raised a brow. “Busy doing what?”
“Helping Spencer and stuff.” He shrugged a shoulder.
“And stuff, huh? I suppose just this once I’ll let it slide.” She spotted Spencer watching them from his kitchen.
“You hungry, Sierra?” Spencer asked.
“Now that you mention it, I could eat, but first I’d love a shower.”
“Your luggage is in the guestroom in the loft. Make yourself at home.”
“Thanks.” She retreated to the bathroom and took the much-needed shower. Afterward she slipped into leggings and a tunic. She only towel-dried her hair and skipped makeup. She had some catching up to do now that she felt more like herself.
One thing had nagged at her since she’d been delivered here. She went out to the main living area and spotted Spencer, Be
n, and Trey gathered around the kitchen counter talking. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask why they were at his place when a knock sounded on the door.
Spencer pulled out his sidearm and motioned them into the bedroom down the hall.
She grabbed Trey’s hand and together they fled. She closed the door but stayed close, hoping to hear what was going on.
“I need to tell you something.”
She knew that voice. Celia? Sierra pulled the door open. Trey grabbed her arm. She shrugged him off. “It’s okay. I know her.”
“She could be the bad guy, Mom,” he whispered.
He had a point. She’d wait until Spencer said it was okay to come out. She turned and took in the room she hadn’t seen when she’d drawn up the design for his remodel. Since her job had focused on the kitchen, master suite, and loft there was no reason to come in this room. Though there was nothing fancy about it, it was homey with two single beds pushed against opposite walls. A nightstand sat between the beds with plenty of space between it and the beds.
A desk that her son had obviously been using was situated on the same wall as the door. She pulled out the chair and sat. What was taking Spencer so long?
About twenty minutes later a knock sounded on the door. “Sierra, you can come out now.”
Ben stood in the entryway and Celia sat on the couch. Her eyes looked red as if she’d been crying.
“What’s going on,” she whispered to Spencer.
“Celia has something she’d like to tell you.” He took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It’s okay. She’s unarmed and poses no threat to you—in fact, just the opposite.”
Sierra sat across from Celia. “I hear you want to talk with me.”
Celia nodded. “I have a story for you, and I hope you won’t be angry with me, but I’ll understand if you are.”
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