“Yes.”
Josh tangled their fingers and squeezed in silent comfort. Numb, she exited her house, walking between the two men. A police car blocked her driveway, and bright yellow crime scene tape formed a barrier around the spot where a still form lay. As they moved closer, her steps slowed. A harsh groan rammed its way up her throat as she stared at Robert’s swollen and bloody face. Because itwasRobert. His white business shirt was red with blood and hung loose. At some stage, he’d loosened his tie, and her gaze darted to his mottled neck. The bruises.
Ashley couldn’t bear it any longer. She turned toward Josh and buried her face in his chest. Tears formed in her eyes while Robert’s bloated visage replayed through her mind in a loop. Josh’s arms wrapped her in a comforting embrace.
“Are you okay?” he murmured.
“No. This is crazy. Nothing makes sense. I’ll call our campaign manager and cancel my meetings for this morning at least. I can’t… I didn’t… I told you Robert wasn’t responsible for this nastiness.”
She remained in Josh’s arms but eavesdropped on the chatter between the cops.
“…tortured. Poor bastard.”
Gerry strode over to Nelson, and they had a hurried discussion before footsteps on the gravel told her one or both of them were approaching her and Josh.
“The local boys have things in hand,” Nelson said. “We can go now.”
“I can’t,” Ashley said. “Robert died because of me, and I don’t understand why.” She swiped away a tear and stood taller. “It’s too late to cancel the meeting at the agricultural show.”
“Call Summer. Get her to cancel your engagements for today,” Josh said.
Ashley turned to Nelson and Gerry. “Do we know anything?”
“Not yet,” Nelson said. “But we will catch him.”
“Should I give a press conference and appeal for help from the public?” Ashley asked.
“Let me speak with our boss.” Nelson’s brown eyes held approval.
Ashley nodded. Robert had been proud of her and approved of the way the campaign was going. She’d do this for Robert. She raised her chin. “Let’s do this.”
Keeping busy helped. Ashley spoke to various farmers, suppliers, and farmers’ wives during her visit to the agricultural show. She assisted judges in picking the best sponge cake and chose a winner for the children’s decorated sand saucer.
The entire time, reporters dogged her heels and fired questions at her regarding Robert’s death. She told the first ones she intended to hold a news conference at four in the afternoon, but the information didn’t appease them. After that, Nelson, Gerry, and Josh kept the reporters at a distance, and Nelson called in uniformed officers to bolster security.
“Excellent job,” Josh said. “Although you picked the wrong winner in the kids’ floral saucer contest. That red-haired boy had the best arrangement.”
Gerry snorted, although when Ashley glanced his way, he wore a poker face.
“The judge’s decision is final,” she stated. “Let me say my goodbyes and we’ll head to the factory opening.”
By four, fatigue clung to Ashley. Smiling and chatting and keeping up a happy appearance took more energy than one supposed.
The press conference took place outside her electorate office in Manurewa. The detective in charge of Robert’s murder investigation spoke first before handing over to Ashley.
“First, I want to offer my condolences to Robert’s family and friends. I’ve known Robert Giles for many years after meeting him at a young Labor party conference. He has been essential to my career, and I couldn’t have reached the position I’m in without his counsel and hard work. He was not only my colleague but also a dear friend. His murder is a senseless act, and I am cooperating with the police in every way I can to bring his murderer to justice.
“If you have witnessed anything, no matter how small or have knowledge that might help the police catch Robert’s murderer, please come forward. Contact the police, so Robert, his family, and friends get justice. Thank you very much.”
Ashley ignored the flurry of questions and retreated into her electoral office.
“Where to now?” Nelson asked.
“I rescheduled tonight’s meeting in Mangere, so we can head home early,” Ashley said. “Tomorrow, it’s back to the grind.”
Nelson’s phone buzzed. “Can you wait while I take this call?”
“I’ll be in my office.” Ashley had given her staff the day off, and the day’s mail waited for her. “Want to help me with the mail?” she asked Josh.
