Silent Night Suspect

by Sharee Stover

  “Probably.”

  “Sir. Perhaps it’s time to let Kramer in on Zander’s suspicions.”

  “I can’t do that. Zander delivered no substantial evidence to prove his accusations. We’d all be eating crow’s eggs.”

  A grin tugged at Slade’s irritated lips at Oliver’s confusion of the two clichés. He ignored it, focusing instead on his frustration. “You and Zander left me out of the plans. If you’d been straight with me, I could’ve protected him. I know this isn’t a good time, but I need any information I can get that will help me with Asia’s case. What happened before his murder?”

  “Zander had the contacts he needed. You and I had to stay as far from that situation as possible.”

  “He’s dead!” Slade’s voice rose in volume, and he spun and faced the hallway, grateful it remained empty. He swiped his hand across his face.

  “Jackson, if there was anything I thought would help Mrs. Stratton, I’d do it. Zander’s claims were unsubstantiated. We’re third party to his accusations, and defending a known conspirator with one of the biggest drug cartels in the country isn’t something either of us can afford to fall on his sword over. Everything Zander offered was hearsay, and let’s be honest, the man had an overwhelming propensity to lie.”

  Slade bit his cheek. Should he tell him about the video? There was no proof that Zander shot the footage, and other than the meeting, it proved nothing positive or negative for Asia. Unless they identified the other men. No. He needed evidence. Once they’d met with Jonah and Trey lightened the video, he’d risk that whole falling-on-his-sword thing.

  “Listen, there’s something else.”

  And the hits just keep on coming.

  “Asia’s clothing came back positive for gunshot residue.”

  “You’re sure? Can Omaha run the test again? Could’ve been a false positive or leftovers from being near Quenten’s body?” Slade fisted his hands so tight they cramped.

  “I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the evidence proves she fired Zander’s gun.”

  Slade’s stomach twisted into a hundred different knots. This was getting more impossible by the second. “Do you have any good news for me?”

  “I wish I did. I ordered the results to be delivered to me.”

  “Beardly will see them.”

  “Eventually. Paul Wittington owed me a favor. I can’t withhold anything, but I can postpone sharing them for another twenty-four hours.”

  Wittington was the most decorated evidence technician in the state. His signature alone garnered respect. And sealed Asia’s fate. “Did Omaha find anything that would help Asia?”

  “Right now, no. If she remembers details about how she got to the trailer or the murder, it might behoove her. Even if it was a self-defense plea.”

  “But the scopolamine, the gunshot wound, the head laceration, the repeated attacks on her life—”

  “Yes, her attorney will need to work those angles, but cold, hard evidence overrides her amnesia.”

  “She asked me for some names.”

  “I’ll get a list of reputable attorneys over to you. You’ve been put through the wringer. Rest tonight. It’s possible that tomorrow she’ll have a burst of memories that’ll shed new light.”

  “Or an arrest,” Slade countered.

  “Hang on.” Oliver spoke in the background, the crackle of his radio bouncing over the line. “Manhunt is about over. Trey will return to you once he finishes his reports.”

  “Well, that’s the first positive thing you’ve said all night.”

  “Don’t give up hope, Jackson. Justice wins.”

  “Kramer’s forcing his own idea of justice on us. Please allow me until tomorrow before I bring her in.”

  “Granted, but no later than noon. I’ll be in touch.” Oliver disconnected.

  The last of his spent energy left his legs, and Slade yielded to the force of gravity, landing on the edge of the bed, still clutching the phone. The total weight of the hopeless situation bore down on his shoulders.

  Kramer was a gutless wonder who loved the public spotlight more than serving the citizens. A primal protectiveness burned within him to prove Asia’s innocence. For a fleeting second, he ran through the scenario of evading arrest and fleeing with her to Canada. Tonight.

  He doubled over, hands flat on the floor. He wasn’t a renegade. Or an outlaw.

  But how was he supposed to hand her over?

  Slade pushed up from the bed and walked toward the door, spotting the blue Bible on his aunt’s dresser. He lifted the soft leather book and flipped through the well-worn pages.

  He’d prayed earnestly for Zander and Asia. Did his prayers reach God? Yet where else did desperate men go?

  Slade shuffled back to the bed and sat on the floral bedspread. God, I have no answers and I’m not sure You’re even listening. I took an oath to uphold the law. The law isn’t working. What am I supposed to do now?

  * * *

  Curiosity had slaughtered her heart. Asia’s hands shook as she worked the manual opener over the can of pork and beans. Why hadn’t she stayed in the kitchen and minded her own business?

  After Slade’s departure into the bedroom, an obnoxious need to snoop on his conversation had beckoned her to hide out in the bathroom and eavesdrop. She’d only heard bits and pieces from his side, but his condemning words about bringing her in had been enough. She’d made a silent retreat to the kitchen, pretending to care about a meal she didn’t intend to eat.

  And she had no one to blame but herself. On a positive note, being nosy had saved her from making a complete fool of herself. To think, she’d almost allowed her heart to care for Slade. How stupid would she look doing that now, right before he arrested her? He’d assume she was trying to manipulate him.

  Asia shoved the can away and placed both hands on the edge of the counter to steady herself. Anger and fear swirled like tie-dyed colors blurring her vision. Worse, the familiar sting of betrayal pierced her heart. She’d counted on Slade. Once again, she’d been stupid enough to trust a man.

  Asia grabbed the pork and beans, ramming the can opener into the lid and searing through the aluminum. She cranked the handle, taking out her fury while questions fueled each movement.

  She had no right to be upset with Slade. He’d never pretended to be anyone other than his rule-follower self. Friendship meant nothing to him if someone broke the law. He’d sided with justice. Hadn’t Zander’s arrest been proof enough?

  Yet...Slade had gone to the YMCA, withheld the SD card from Trey and stood loyally beside her. He’d had the opportunity to take her in a hundred different times already. The image of his handsome face and boyish grin confronted her. Asia paused, remembering their escape and the lightheartedness they’d shared.

  “Hey, sorry about that. Oliver was giving me an update.” Slade entered, infringing on her quiet debate. Was it her imagination, or did his voice quiver?

  Feeling guilty, Procedure Boy? She forced a casual smile, one she’d learned to wear around Zander. She wouldn’t let on that she knew anything. She grabbed a dishrag and wiped the already clean countertop.

  “So what did you find to eat?” Slade opened the refrigerator and buried his head behind the door.

  His nonchalant manner infuriated her. Two can play this game. “Hot dogs with pork and beans.” She allowed the lightness to permeate her tone, though the mere thought of food turned her stomach. “Will Trey be here tonight?”

  “Yes. Oliver said he’d come back as soon as he finished his reports.”

  Hopefully Jonah called before Trey returned. Regardless, she’d excuse herself to bed. Fake a headache. Then slip out the window. She’d call Jonah from a burner cell phone. Why wait on Slade?

  They prepared the simple meal together, passing each other in a silent waltz around the kitchen, exchanging pointless conversati
on. Asia’s resentment grew with every unspoken word. He’d promised to be straight with her. To help her. But he was pacifying her. He’d copied the video and would turn it in, along with arresting her.

  In all the years enduring the pain of Zander’s extramarital affairs and drug-induced binges, she’d never felt more alone than she did sitting across from Slade at the dining table now. Asia zoned out on his babbling chatter, unable to feign interest. Anger wouldn’t help anyone. It might make him suspicious of her. Or provide motivation to rid himself of her earlier than planned. No, Asia would do what she’d done most of her adult life: pretend everything was okay while she fell to pieces inside.

  Then she’d clear her name. By herself.

  Slade continued rambling about something irrelevant. “So then I—”

  “Why won’t you tell me what Oliver said?” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them.

  His expression went blank. Using his fork, he absently shoveled the food around on his plate. She refused to look away, willing him to speak.

  “We’ve got a new obstacle.”

  Asia leaned back and crossed her arms. “I’m listening.”

  Slade dropped his fork. “District Attorney Kramer has demanded your arrest and wants to hold a press conference.”

  She blinked, processing the information. Kramer would name her a killer in public. Her stomach bottomed out. “But there’s no proof—”

  “The lab tests confirmed gunshot residue on your clothing.”

  Understanding slammed into her with the weight of a three-hundred-pound linebacker. “So I shot Quenten?” She jumped up from the seat, ready to vomit. “No. No.”

  Slade moved to her side. “Listen, remember what I told you about scopolamine?”

  Asia nodded. “It keeps a person compliant and leaves them with little or no memory of the event.”

  “Essentially, a person under the influence wouldn’t have the ability to fight or refrain from doing whatever they were being instructed to do.”

  “So someone drugged and convinced me to kill him? And I did?” Asia gripped the table for support.

  “It’s possible.”

  She shoved away from him and paced in front of the counter. “I need a lawyer.”

  “Oliver promised to compile a list for you. But, Asia, I’m not giving up. Once we identify the men in the video, we’ll have another clue. It could be a game changer.”

  She swallowed and lifted her chin. “So you told him about the card?” Even after he’d promised he wouldn’t?

  “No. I think it’s in our best interest to meet with Jonah first.”

  The man continued to surprise her. “What if Jonah doesn’t call?”

  “He will.”

  “You sound awfully sure.”

  Slade shrugged.

  “Then what?”

  “We’ll take the next steps.”

  Asia bit back her reply. You already know your next steps: dump me off at the prison doors and go your merry way.

  “There’s something I haven’t been honest with you about.”

  Her head jerked up, and she focused on Slade, dread clinging to her shoulders. How much more could she endure?

  “Oliver’s concerned that I’m too attached to you and this case. He doubted my ability to separate our history from the circumstances.”

  Not where she’d expected him to go with this discussion, but okay. “And have you had trouble?”

  “Yes.” Slade returned to playing with his food, taking far too long to respond.

  Asia fought the urge to prod him to continue. Wait. Was he handing her over to Beardly? Her stomach tightened.

  “I realize this isn’t the best time to tell you this—”

  She held her breath. This was it. He’d pass her off like an insolent child so he wouldn’t have to do the arrest. Determination squared her shoulders. Even more reason to leave tonight.

  “Oliver’s right. I have feelings for you.”

  Asia did a double take. Say what? She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out.

  Slade’s cheeks reddened, giving him a youthful appearance. He hunched over, fidgeting and focusing on the table. “I can see that’s not what you expected.”

  You have no idea. Asia swallowed the rock in her throat. “Okay...” Her mind swirled. He’d told Oliver he’d arrest her in the morning. So why tell her how much he cared now? Just another manipulation technique to wear down her defenses, no doubt. But the tiniest doubt lingered. Or did Slade have romantic feelings for her? Had she once again dubbed him the adversary and wound up mistaken? No, someone who cared about her would tell her the truth, not placate her until he arrested her.

  He dropped the fork with a clink and took both of her hands into his. “I wanted you to know. I realize how unprofessional it is for me to tell you this, especially right now.”

  This time she was the one avoiding his eyes. He had some nerve.

  “Hey, it’s all right. I didn’t expect you to jump up and declare you felt the same way.”

  Butterflies in her stomach burst into motion. Did she feel the same way?

  Absolutely not. Slade had betrayed her. Planned to turn her in.

  “I care for you.”

  She had no clue how to process these four words from him. Her brain chanted, He isn’t trustworthy. But the memory of her hands nestled in his melted her reservations. It’d been so long since anyone had professed to care for her. So long since she’d been held. His eyes—gentle and sincere—searched hers and made her want to surrender.

  “Hey, guys, sorry I took forever,” Trey said, bursting through the front door. “I brought food though.”

  Asia jerked back.

  Slade dropped her hands and jumped up, knocking over his uncapped water bottle.

  “I’ll get it.” She bolted to the kitchen, grabbed a towel then worked to mop up the mess.

  The men strode to the table, and Trey set down a large brown paper bag, from which wafted the delicious scent of hamburgers.

  “Those smell great,” Slade said, his tone a little too enthusiastic. “And you saved us from doing something crazy like eating processed food.” He glanced at Asia and winked.

  “You’d have to be insane to eat hot dogs. Gross,” Trey concluded. “Magnum doesn’t even like them.”

  “Right.” Asia snorted. No. Crazy was her forgetting that an accused murderer and her arresting state trooper would never make a good match.

  NINE

  The rest of the evening passed uneventfully, though the obvious emotional distance hung thick between Slade and Asia. He and Trey tried engaging her in conversation, eliciting only single-word replies from her. She hadn’t touched her food before excusing herself with claims of a headache.

  Slade never should’ve told her about his feelings. Timing is everything, Pops would say, and Slade’s timing was notoriously bad. At least he’d thought to obtain her consent in showing Trey the video.

  Once the men had moved to the living room, Slade prepared to dive into the footage.

  “Did I see what I think I saw earlier?” Trey reclined in the La-Z-Boy and flipped on the television, then turned down the volume.

  “Don’t know what you’re talking about.” Slade snatched his laptop and cued the file. “Let’s deal with this video.”

  “Whatever, bro.” Trey’s eyebrows knit together, and he leaned closer to the screen.

  “You see the familiarity too?”

  “Yeah, but man, I just can’t pinpoint who it is.”

  “Would you do your computer-whiz thing and lighten the footage?”

  “I’ll do my best. Is Oliver aware of this?” Resignation clung to Trey’s words.

  Slade sat up straighter. “Not yet.” He provided Trey a rundown of Oliver’s update and the order to arrest Asia in th
e morning. “We’re running out of time, so if at all possible, it has to be done tonight.”

  “On it.” Trey lifted his laptop and started clicking away at the keyboard.

  Slade’s phone rang, startling him. “Turn down the TV—it’s Jonah.”

  Trey sat beside him, and Slade positioned the cell between them then hit Speaker. “Hello, Jonah.”

  “Identify yourself,” the male’s voice demanded.

  “Slade Jackson.”

  “Ah, the infamous Slade.”

  “I beg your pardon?” Irritation eked up his neck.

  “Zander forewarned you’d help Asia,” Jonah replied. “Is she with you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Where are you?”

  Who was this guy? Another of Zander’s loser drug connections? “Look, Zander might’ve given you the scoop on me, but he certainly didn’t give me the same courtesy. I’m not divulging anything over the phone to a perfect stranger. Who are you?”

  The man chuckled. “Zander said you’d react that way. Good. I like a suspicious person. Means you’re as wary of me as I am of you. For now, you’ll have to be satisfied with my first name. Meet me tomorrow at 0800. Only you and Asia and bring the SD card.”

  “Sorry, pal, but I’m not willing to go trotting off to meet some interloper. I want more information before I even consider bringing Asia. Let’s start with the card.”

  “I’ll play straight with you if you do the same, but no info over the phone. And it’s my card. You cannot bring anyone else into this. Too many lives are at stake.”

  “Yeah? Well, too many lives are at stake on this end too.”

  Jonah sighed. “I won’t do this little tango all night. Tell you what. I’ll up the ante. I have something that’ll prove you need to meet me.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “Confirmation of Zander’s suspicions...and details about his murder.”

  Slade sucked in a breath. “How do you—”

  “Tomorrow, 0800. I’ll text the location in the morning.” Jonah hung up, leaving no room for argument.