"Thank you for cooperating. With your skills, you could've escaped anytime." Shaun surveyed the area around them. "I shouldn't tell you this, but they found the letter. It points to motive. They also found a P228 with your prints. There was GSR on your hands and shirt. I hope you didn't play me."
"Shaun, I swear I didn't do this." Martin put his head in his hands.
Shaun whispered, "I'll talk to Austin. This isn't his fault." He got up. "I'm heading out. No one is assigned yet to bring you to court in the morning."
Martin jumped at the hollow sound of the lock engaging.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Wednesday, August 26th
Dawn broke on another gloomy, rainy day. Elizabeth sat at her kitchen table sipping a cup of tea when Julian opened the front door for Joyce and Ruth, stepping out as they entered. "Tell us what you want us to do, Beth," Ruth said.
"Honey, we’re so sorry. I can't believe Marty did this. Patrick told me the police brought him into the hospital for lightheadedness and nausea. They found opiates in his system," Joyce broke the privacy laws.
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around herself. Time felt like it was slowing down as her stomach churned, but she projected a steely demeanor. "Thank you. My father's assistant Melinda is meeting me at my father's home to help plan the funeral. She knows all the protocols. She's been sleeping with him for years. I need you to keep her out of my way. Let her choose the funeral suit."
"We’ll do anything, honey. Did you tell Julian about her?"
She rocked on her toes, "Not yet. I need to think a few things through."
"What are you looking for?" Ruth asked.
Elizabeth put her cup in the dishwasher. "I'm not quite sure yet."
Police kept guard at the Reed home to prevent looters. Elizabeth, with Julian at the lead and her friends on either side, walked up the porch steps. Melinda sat waiting on the porch swing. "Julian, where did my dad die?"
"The den." Elizabeth walked with purpose down the center hall until she stood on the threshold. "Chère,the area hasn't been cleaned up."
"Mr. Dupart, I've seen blood before. Melinda, Mr. Dupart is my assistant; if you need anything, speak to him. Now everyone, leave me be." Elizabeth entered the den and engaged the lock behind her.
Alone, Elizabeth put on a pair of gloves. She looked at the blood-spattered furniture and walls. Rolling her shoulders, she started a precise search of the room, beginning at the desk. She opened the two file drawers. Each contained paperwork about running the home. She found a copy of his will, the same version she had in her files. "I guess you assumed I would be dead first."
A mark in the corner of the lower drawer caught her eye. A false bottom popped as she pried into it with a letter opener. Inside was a key.A key to what?The police missed it. Judging by the dust in some areas, she figured the police missed a lot.
Checking the bookcase and running her hands around every piece of art and every window molding, she found nothing. The fireplace mantel held no surprises. Her fingers dug deep inside the firebox. Pushing on a depression, a hidden door in the bookcase snapped open. "Gotcha, you bastard." A turn of the mysterious key revealed a digital camera. Without thinking of any ramifications, Elizabeth dropped it into her purse.
Julian banged on the wood. "Elizabeth, open this door."
Elizabeth opened the door to find Julian ready to kick it in, his facial expression fierce, his eyes fixed over her shoulder. The room was the same as when she went inside.
Elizabeth smiled. "I'm fine, Julian. I found a copy of my father's will. I'm sure his attorney has the original. Melinda?" She thrust the papers into her hands. "You'll find what my daddy wanted inside. Julian, can we go to court for the arraignment? I need to look Daddy's murderer in the eyes."
Julian pressed his lips together. Elizabeth ignored his perplexed body language.
The Silverton County Courthouse was an old building. The gleaming mahogany-accented courtroom harkened more to a Western than a contemporary trial. Mike and Kieran sat behind the defense table, and Martin's parents and family sat between Tate and Bruce in the next row. Julian escorted Elizabeth to a seat two rows behind them. The gallery was loaded with media and gawkers. They listened to the arraignments of a burglar, a shoplifting case, and a DUI case before the judge took a ten-minute recess.
Current traveled through the room. Murmurs echoed, and more reporters filled the remaining seats. Cordelia Snow, flanked by Zach and two assistants, moved to the defense table. Two Silverton police officers escorted Martin, dressed in street clothes but wearing shackles, to stand beside his legal team. Cordelia whispered something to him, and Martin mouthed, "I'm sorry," to his parents and Kieran. He turned to his side and froze.
Elizabeth's eyes pierced him.Trust me. Trust in us.The words arced between them. His lips pressed together, and she placed her hand on her heart in return.
The bailiff stood and spoke, "All rise. The court of Woodbury County is now in session. The Honorable Judge Ronald M. Weese presiding."
Judge Weese, dressed in black robes, took to the bench. "In the matter of the People of the State of Iowa versus Martin A. Bailey. Counsel, please state your appearances."
"Jacob Krebs for the state, Your Honor."
"Cordelia Snow for the defense, Your Honor.”
