Maddie was flabbergasted. “They stalked me through the woods. They were going to kill me ... and do other things. I remember perfectly what happened.”
Smith held his hand up in a placating manner. “I’m not accusing you of anything,” he said hurriedly. “I know that you’re telling the truth. I believe Detective Winters’ version of events. This is normal for defendants in cases like this, though. Mr. Winthrop knows he’ll never see the outside of a jail cell if he doesn’t come up with a convincing story.”
“I don’t understand,” Nick started, working overtime to calm himself. “Why would I want to hurt Maddie?”
“According to Mr. Winthrop, you were jealous that he was dating her.”
“He was not dating me!” Maddie’s eyes flashed with disgust. “He tried dating me before then, but he was so full of himself I couldn’t take it. We had like two dates. It was more like one and a half. He was insufferable ... and that was before I knew he was a murderer.”
“I don’t doubt that.” Smith was all business as he shuffled files. “I have another five women who will be testifying to Mr. Winthrop’s version of dating, and how he tried to get forceful with some of them. I don’t believe I will have any trouble laying the groundwork that he was a violent soul.”
“So why do you want the three of us?” Kreskin asked, speaking for the first time. “I guess I’m confused why you felt it was necessary to sit us down like this. Much like my partner, I’ve never undergone testimony prepping like this before.”
“It’s not testimony prepping,” Smith said hurriedly. “There are a few things going on. First, you were there the night this all went down. I understand you showed up at the tail end of things, but you’re the lone outside witness to the event.”
“When I arrived, Nick had already disarmed Dustin and Todd,” Kreskin offered. “They were both unconscious. Nick yelled at me to secure them and then raced into the water. I didn’t realize Maddie was even out there until Nick was already pulling her back.”
“And that’s fine. Tell it how you remember it. I’m interested in what Mr. Winthrop said to you right after he regained consciousness.”
Kreskin rubbed his chin, thoughtful. “He was confused the first ten seconds or so. He couldn’t figure out what happened. Then he claimed Nick attacked him for no reason. I’m used to suspects spouting nonsense so I didn’t pay him any mind.”
“Uh-huh.” Smith bobbed his head. “We have a strong case. The odds of anyone believing Mr. Winthrop are slight.”
“You keep mentioning Todd,” Maddie noted, her mind busy. “How come you haven’t mentioned Dustin?”
“Because Mr. Bishop’s status is murkier than Mr. Winthrop’s status,” Smith admitted. “The thing is ... we’ve offered him a deal for his testimony.”
Nick wasn’t expecting that. “What? He was just as involved as Todd. He would’ve killed Maddie without a second thought. He was getting off on the little game they were playing.”
“Yes, and I have no doubt he’s as bad as Mr. Winthrop.” Smith didn’t back down, instead resting his palms flat on the table as he leveled his gaze on Nick. “I’m not trying to minimize his participation in what happened. I’m simply trying to make sure that we get the best possible outcome.”
“And what’s that?” Kreskin asked before Nick could explode. “How is letting Dustin off in the best interests of the community?”
“You misunderstand. Mr. Bishop won’t be getting off without punishment. In exchange for his testimony, we’ve agreed to ask for a reduced sentence. He will still serve twenty years behind bars at a minimum.”
Maddie mulled the number. That didn’t seem like enough given the lives ruined in the wake of his killing spree. “Why do you need his testimony?”
Her voice was so small Nick instinctively moved his hand to her back so he could rub at the tension pooling there.
“I don’t know that we need it,” Smith hedged. “Our case against Mr. Winthrop is strong. We weren’t going to offer Mr. Bishop a deal until two days ago. Things changed then.”
“Things changed?” Nick’s eyebrows drew together. “What changed two days ago? I ... .” He trailed off when things fell into place. “You’re talking about Shelby Capshaw.”
“Is that the woman discovered in the woods close to the home you share with Ms. Graves?” Smith queried.
Nick nodded. “Yes. That’s her.”
“Then, yes, her death changed things.” Smith’s tone was matter-of-fact as he barreled forward. “I don’t blame you for this, Detective Winters. I think it’s clear that someone is trying to make it look like Mr. Winthrop can’t be guilty because a killer is obviously still out there. That doesn’t change the fact that the most recent murder might make some jurors question whether we got the right guy.”
“But ... I was there,” Maddie pressed. “Todd and Dustin tried to kill me. They admitted to everything they did ... and everything they had plans to do in the future. Why wouldn’t jurors believe me?”
Smith looked almost pained by the question. “It’s nothing personal.”
Something inside told Maddie it was more than personal. “I want to hear it. All of it.”
“Fine.” Smith blew out a heavy sigh. “We have a lot working for us. We have a few things working against us, though, too. One of those things is the fact that Ms. Graves owns a magic shop and reads tarot cards for a living.”
Nick balked. “Hey! There’s nothing wrong with what she does.”
“I didn’t say there was.” Smith refused to back down. “Other people might have a problem with it, though. Black magic. Witchcraft. Blackstone Bay is a small town and sometimes that leads to narrow-minded views.”
Maddie was appalled. “The people in Blackstone Bay aren’t like that. They’re good … and fair. They’re not judgmental.”
“Let’s hope so. Mr. Winthrop was an upstanding citizen in your community before his arrest, though. People liked him. People trusted him. His uncle owns a business there and people still trust the uncle. It’s a slippery slope.”
Nick didn’t like what he was hearing. “You think Todd is going to get off, don’t you?”
“No. However, I want to make sure that doesn’t happen. That’s why we agreed to the deal with Mr. Bishop. His testimony will ensure that Mr. Winthrop spends the rest of his life behind bars.”
“What about Shelby Capshaw, though?” Kreskin pressed. “Is her death going to upend the trial? Maybe we should postpone the trial until Shelby’s murder has been solved. That might ease some of the pressure you’re feeling.”
“I might agree to that,” Smith conceded. “It might be helpful. I can guarantee the defense team won’t allow that, though. This is the absolute best thing that could’ve happened to them. They’re practically crowing they’re so excited.”
Kreskin cocked his head as he moved his eyes to Nick. “This makes me think we should be looking at those with close ties to Todd. We thought the timing was coincidental. This proves it. This might be the only way he can get off, and a copycat popping up now appears suspect.
When you add that to the fact that the body was found at George’s house, which just happens to be right down the road from your house, it seems like a message of sorts,” he continued. “We need to figure out who is trying to send the message ... and fast.”
“Fine.” Nick shoved himself to his feet, anger radiating through him. “What else do you need from us?”
Smith remained calm. “If you can solve this new murder, that will be more than enough. The defense attorneys are going to go after you regardless. You’re their best hope for getting an acquittal. They’ll try to enrage you on the stand. Don’t let them.”
“That’s easier said than done.”
“Your relationship with Ms. Graves will be used as a wedge issue,” Smith explained. “The defense will say that you were jealous and tried to hurt her because you didn’t want her with Mr. Winthrop. After saving her, the claim is going to be that you manipulat
ed her mind and somehow convinced her to marry you.
“I’m not saying I agree with that,” he continued. “It’s obvious you love her, and she you. The defense is desperate, though, and they’re going to throw everything they have at you. It’s important you don’t let them rattle you. If the jury sees you melting down or having a fit, that will reflect poorly on you.”
“So I won’t melt down.” Nick held out his hand to Maddie. “I’ll be good. I’ll do what it takes to maintain my composure. You have my promise on that.”
“Good.” Smith smiled as Maddie stood on shaky legs. “As for you, I think you’re going to be our most compelling witness. It doesn’t hurt that you look like an angel. Every man on the jury is going to want to protect you, and every woman is going to want to mother you.”
The statement set Maddie’s teeth on edge. “I’m not an angel.”
“No, but perception is everything, and you look like a blond angel ... the same as the other victims. That’s going to play well in court.”
Maddie shook her head as she focused on Nick. “Well, great.”
Nick took sympathy on her. “It’s going to be okay.” He prodded her toward the door. “Come on. Let’s get that breakfast I promised you.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Nine
Maddie and Nick were barely out the door before Smith chased them down.
“I wasn’t quite finished.”
Nick pinned the prosecutor with a disdainful look. “And yet I think we’ve had our fill for the day.”
“I’m sorry. I honestly mean that no matter what you believe. I’m obligated to share a message, though.”
“A message?” Maddie’s face twisted in confusion. “You have a message for Nick?”
“No, for you.” Even though he was a large man, Smith looked uncomfortable as he shifted from one foot to the other. “Winthrop’s lead defense attorney delivered it this morning.”
“Oh, I’m going to hate the sound of this.” Nick glanced over Smith’s shoulder and met Kreskin’s gaze. “Do you know what he’s talking about?”
Kreskin slowly shook his head. “Not a clue.”
That didn’t make Nick feel better. “What is it?” he barked.
“Winthrop has requested that Maddie visit him at the county jail.”
“Absolutely not!” Nick was livid. “If you think I’m going to allow her close to that animal, you’ve got another think coming.”
“She’ll be protected. He’ll be on the other side of the safety glass. He won’t get close to her.”
“I can’t believe you’re encouraging this,” Kreskin complained, moving forward. “Why would Maddie want to be anywhere near that guy? He tried to kill her.”
“And failed,” Smith pointed out. “I don’t think it’s necessarily a good thing for Maddie. I don’t think it’s a terrible thing either. It might give her closure … and it might give us an idea of what he’s planning.”
“Why do you want her to go?” Nick practically growled the question. “What’s in it for you?”
“Proof that you’re not controlling her, that she makes her own decisions.”
Maddie shifted her eyes to Nick as she debated the possibility. “Maybe he’s right.”
“No way.”
Maddie didn’t back down. “I know you don’t like it. I’m not exactly excited about it either. If it can help, though, what’s the harm in sitting down with him for twenty minutes?”
Nick didn’t have an answer. No matter how he looked at the scenario, though, he couldn’t think of a single way Maddie would benefit. “No. I don’t want you to do it.”
“Which is why I have to do it.” Maddie patted his arm. “It’s going to be okay. He can’t touch me.” She turned to Smith and nodded. “I’ll do it. Can you make the arrangements?”
And just like that, Maddie was going to see the man who tried to kill her, and Nick was left with a desolate feeling of helplessness in the pit of his stomach.
NICK WAS STILL GRUMBLING about the turn of events an hour later when he and Kreskin arrived at the greenhouse.
“I hate this. I hate everything about it. I want to punch that idiot for even suggesting it.”
Kreskin, used to his partner’s rants, merely shook his head. “Are you going to keep going on about this all day?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe I should get some popcorn and soda to make the complaints go down easier.”
“Are you trying to be funny?” Nick’s eyes flashed with fury. “That’s the woman I love.”
“Oh, really?” Kreskin deadpanned. “I never would’ve guessed. All that petting and cooing the two of you do was natural camouflage for the nature of your feelings.”
“It’s not funny!”
“It’s not,” Kreskin agreed, refusing to rise to Nick’s obvious bait and engage in a screaming match. “It’s not funny at all. Smith isn’t trying to be funny. He’s trying to make sure we win the case.
“Now, I get why you don’t want Maddie within fifty feet of Winthrop,” he continued, holding up a hand to quiet his partner. “She’s been through a lot. She’s grown, though. She’s stronger than you give her credit for. She’ll get through this without a problem.”
“I didn’t say she wasn’t strong.”
“And yet you’re freaking out that she’s going to crumble in the face of a man who already failed once when he tried to hurt her,” Kreskin pointed out. “You left her with your truck even though you wanted to stay and hover, which was a good move. It says you have faith in her, and the decisions she makes. Have faith that she knows what she’s doing.”
“I have faith.”
“So ... what’s the problem?”
“I don’t want her to go through any pain. That doesn’t make me a monster.”
“No. That makes you a good man. You’re going to make a great husband. This entire situation is messed up, though. If Smith thinks Maddie seeing Winthrop will help, I have to believe he knows what he’s talking about.”
Nick wasn’t convinced. “It’s happening. I can’t change it.”
“That didn’t stop you from trying to change it.”
“And I lost. Maddie won.”
“Then you need to put it behind you.” Kreskin gestured toward the greenhouse. “We need to focus on Shelby Capshaw. Her murderer is still running free. This is the best place we have to start looking.”
“Then we should look.”
MADDIE GRIPPED HER HANDS together as she waited in the small booth in the visitation area of the jail. She couldn’t ever remember visiting the county jail before — she wasn’t much of a rabble-rouser as a teen — and she was nervous about what would happen when Todd was led to the other side of the partition.
“I’m sorry if this is a stupid question, but has anyone ever thrown themselves through that window and managed to kill someone?” she asked the guard standing watch to her left.
The guard, who looked to be young and alert, smirked. “No, ma’am. That glass is unbreakable.”
“So it’s like bulletproof glass?”
“Yes.”
Maddie was comforted by the notion. “Good. I’m not saying I think that’s what will happen, but I just want to make sure.”
“You’ll be fine.” The guard’s voice was soothing. “If he says something rude or crude to you, tell me. I’ll handle him.”
There was something ominous about the words. “What do you mean?”
“The prosecutor called. We know why you’re here. We were given specific orders to make sure you were protected.”
Maddie’s eyebrows winged up. “That’s nice. I guess.”
“You’re an important witness, from what I gather. Someone said you were the one who almost died in the lake. Is that true?”
Maddie swallowed hard and nodded. “Yeah. That was me.”
“I would say you’ve been through enough with this guy, so much so I don’t understand why you would bother to visit him. You mus
t have your reasons, though, so I give you credit for sitting down with him.”
“I don’t think I had much of a choice.” Maddie rolled her neck to alleviate some of the stress she was feeling. “Can I ask you something?” She didn’t wait for the guard to acknowledge the question. “You’ve probably seen Todd while he’s been behind bars. How is he treated? I mean ... does he behave himself, or is he a jerk?”
The guard shrugged. “He’s not the worst of the bunch. He’s not the best either. He’s got a manipulative streak. Everyone has commented about it. We had a female nurse in the infirmary and he tried to schmooze her. She was transferred to another location about two weeks later, although she put up a fight.”
The news caught Maddie off guard. “Schmooze her? Like ... he didn’t touch her or anything, did he?”
“I’m not privy to all the information.”
Something told Maddie that wasn’t entirely true. “You heard the gossip, though, didn’t you?”
He sighed after a beat and nodded. “My understanding is that there was some touching. He managed to get her in the medical ward at a time when no one else was present — she arranged for that — and they were well on their way to happy town when a guard stumbled across them.”
Maddie was horrified. “Do you know who this nurse was?” She thought about Shelby Capshaw and the strength it would take to move a body. She was doubtful a woman could manage the feat, but that didn’t mean a female with the right motivation couldn’t find someone to help if she was dedicated enough.
“I don’t believe I ever heard her name. I’m not sure.”
“But she was transferred after that, right?”
“She was put on administrative leave and then transferred to the health department.”
Maddie had no idea if that was a demotion. “Was she angry?”
“Definitely. She claimed she and Mr. Winthrop were soulmates even though they barely knew each other. My understanding is that it was quite the embarrassment for the front office.”
“I never heard anything about it.”
“Why should you?”
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