Emma scrunched up her face into an ugly mask. “Doesn’t it bother you, at all, that while he’s in a cell, the killer is out there free?”
“Emma, I’ve told you all I can, but you must know that I’m just following where the evidence takes me.”
Emma’s shoulders sagged. “Then you’re either on the wrong trail, or someone is framing him.”
“He lied to us.” It was the only thing that Amanda was comfortable disclosing.
Emma stiffened. “No, that’s a lie.”
“It’s not.”
“My son isn’t a liar.”
“He held back information from us, Emma.”
“If he did, I’m sure he had his reasons.”
It was clear no amount of talking would break down the walls of defense Emma had erected around her son. “I’m sorry that you can’t see my side in this, and for how you feel…”Like I’m the enemy… untrustworthy…“But I need to go. Please let me do my job.”
“Amanda, if you have any doubts, and I meanany, let him go. You owe it to him to see this through.” Emma left the room.
I owe it to him…?She wasn’t sure why. He was the product of an affair, an only child, alienated from his birth father, but how was any of that Amanda’s fault? She sat there, staring after Emma, hot tears filling her eyes. She was quaking from the storm that moved in, assaulted, and beat her. All she was endeavoring to do was her job. She wasn’t naive to think it would win her any popularity contests, but when it rallied against the personal like now it was hell.
No shame in backing out…
Malone’s words resurfaced, but surrendering wasn’t part of her makeup. She’d dig so deep that when this case was closed, the guilty would be behind bars. Even if that was Spencer.
SEVENTEEN
Amanda’s phone rang as she turned down the street for Spencer’s house. She answered after seeing Trent’s name on the display.
“There you are. Did you get my note?”
“And your gift, thank you. I should be at Spencer’s within the minute.”
“Okay. See you soon.”
He didn’t sound surprised she was coming over. Though she had debated whether it was a smart idea after Emma’s attack on her at Central. Amanda was still shaking. And how dare she talk to her father? As if he could wrangle her under control. She’d also be lying to say she wasn’t insulted that Emma questioned her trustworthiness. As if she were one to preach from that pulpit. Emma had slept with a married man. Yet despite all that, Amanda hoped the hurt caused by the interaction would wash away and not fester for long.
Amanda parked in front of Spencer’s house, just as Trent was walking out the front door. He met her halfway down the walkway.
“We’re just wrapping up, but there’s nothing in his house or vehicle that’s incriminating.”
“That’s good news, at least.”
“And there’s still the hope his gun won’t be a match. Hopefully, we’ll know more later today.”
“Hopefully,” she parroted. “Malone brought me up to speed. You’ve been quite busy this morning, convincing Spencer to part with his prints and DNA, and getting them all sent to the lab.”
“Just doing what I can.” His voice turned soft, and she couldn’t handle that. Like he was showing her pity. It was the coffee all over again.
“Speaking of, thank you for handling the interview with Spencer so well. I could have done it if Malone hadn’t vetoed me.”
He waved a hand. “I have no doubt, and there’s no need to thank me.”
His humble response made her all the more appreciative he was her partner. “I would have been here sooner, but Emma came into Central and basically cornered me.” If Trent hadn’t been so kind, she might have been able to keep this to herself, but he made her want to open up to him. It was crazy to think she had initially resisted being paired with anyone.
“My God, Amanda. I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”
