BEFORE THE ALIBI
Tuesday, September 15
A soft knock on my door startles me. I relax when I realize it’s one of my housemates since it’s coming from the door that leads to the interior part of the house.
“Come in,” I call out, since I rarely lock that door.
Deacon’s head pokes in. “Hey, did I wake you?”
I sit up in bed, pulling the covers close since I’m in a thin tee that doesn’t hide much. “No, I’m still up. What’s going on?”
It’s not uncommon for Deacon to pop into my room, but given it’s close to midnight, it feels like this visit is because something is wrong.
I gesture at the end of the bed since it’s the only place to sit in my tiny room.
“Chris checked into that lawyer, Ben Bayliss. Dude is about as crooked as they come.”
This wakes me up. I’ve been debating what to do about CamilleBayliss and the news she dropped on me at the bar last week. I wanted to show up at their house and demand some answers but Deacon cautioned me to wait. To let him do some digging first. I have no doubt if Ben Bayliss was doing anything dirty in this town, Deacon’s cousin, Chris, would know about it.
“What did you find out?”
“He’s got a couple of judges in his pocket. A state senator too. Some credible rumors that he intimidates and blackmails witnesses to recant their testimony against his clients before trial.”
“Ugh. So do you think his interest in me has to do with Paul?” Paul has been sending me letters for the last couple of months, telling me he’s trying to get his case reopened because there’s new evidence that will prove someone else was driving the truck that killed my parents. I have no idea if that’s true, but just the idea that my parents’ murderer is roaming free has been incredibly upsetting. So when Camille told me her big-shot defense lawyer husband had my personal information, my first thought was he had taken on Paul’s case.
Deacon nods. “Yeah. Asked around and found the PI Ben uses. Guy named Vic. He’s a shady piece of shit too. And also has a massive gambling addiction. Until recently, Vic owed his bookie a substantial amount of money.”
I’m confused. “Owed? Did he pay it off?”
“He didn’t. But we did.”
I lean forward. “Wait. What does that mean?”
“Chris basically took over Vic’s debt from the other book so now he’s got to deal with us. We made him an offer. He tells us what Ben’s up to and why he’s interested in you, and in return he’s free and clear.”
This was not what I was expecting. “Why would Chris agree to this?”
Deacon shrugs. “He can be a tough son of a bitch but we’re family. And I told him how important this was to me.”
His words settle over me like a warm blanket. It’s been a really long time since anyone has cared enough about me to go out of their way like this.
“Did the PI agree?” This is huge. We can stop guessing and get real answers.
“He couldn’t start talking fast enough.”
My mouth gapes open. “Oh God, what did he say?”
Deacon leans closer. “Paul reached out to one of those groups that helps inmates appeal their cases. Somehow, his case landed on Ben’s partner’s desk. A guy named Hank Landry.”
“So Ben’s partner is taking his case?
He shakes his head. “No. Vic said Ben lost his shit when Hank brought it up. Made it clear that no one in his office would be taking that case.”
I hold my hand up. “But wait, I’m not following. Why does Ben care if Paul appeals his case?”
Deacon shrugs. “Vic said Ben only tells him what he wants, not why he wants it. Ben hired him to find out what new evidence Paul is claiming to have and where it is. Said he wanted it ‘no matter the cost.’ ”
I twist the comforter in my hands. “I’m guessing he hasn’t found it yet.”
