“You’re going to run!” I shouted. “You’ve been jerking me around this whole time?”
“Not at all. I wanted to be sure what you wanted.”
“Just tell me what I can do.”
“Well, you can endorse me.”
My head spun a little. I didn’t know if it was the strength of Kenya’s pour or her news.
“And you can tell that boyfriend of yours, I expect his endorsement.” She smiled.
“You sly boots,” I said. “When were you going to tell me all this?”
“Now. You’ve been busy.”
I put my drink down and threw my arms around her. “Thank God.”
“Just do me a favor and keep it to yourself for now.”
She got up, went to the kitchen, and came back with a fresh pitcher of mimosas. She refilled my glass and then her own. She raised her glass and clinked it with mine.
“To new beginnings in the new year. For both of us,” she said.
“That’s worth drinking to.”
“You really think the jury is going to buy Bennett Cutler’s shtick? How’s he planning on explaining the fact his client had trinkets from the crime scene in his possession?”
“He’s going to argue someone else could have collected them. Or at the very worst, his client is a weirdo who collected them after the fact but didn’t actually murder that girl.”
“And her family has closed ranks around that creep,” Kenya said. “You know I’m going to court with Hayden next week on that bogus restraining order her mother filed.”
“I’m thankful for that. This has been horrific for Hayden. But … her grandfather at least seems to be willing to support her.”
Kenya shook her head. “She called here right before you got here. He’s tried to contact her. She’s not ready. Hayden feels pretty traumatized by all of them. She may never trust her family again.”
“That’s understandable. She has to do what feels safe for her right now.”
“I suppose telling you this won’t help the pressure you feel. But Hayden’s terrified about what happens if Simmons gets acquitted. She’s making plans to leave town.”
I nodded. “That poor kid. I just wish someone could get through to her mother. She won’t take my calls.”
“Mine either. I tried,” Kenya said. “She blocked my number.”
“Jamie Simmons,” I said. “The gift that keeps on giving. Even from jail.”
“Who do you think Cutler’s going to call first?” she asked. “Do you think he’ll put Simmons on the stand?”
“I hope so,” I said, feeling a rush of adrenaline. “I’d like to tear him to pieces on cross.”
“That’s the Mara I know and love.” Kenya smiled. “You’ve got this. I still like your side of this thing a heck of a lot better than Cutler’s.”
“Thanks,” I said, not realizing how much I needed her to say it. Whether it was the booze or the pep talk, I was feeling more myself. A little jolt of adrenaline went through me as I thought about getting Kenya back where she belonged. What we could do. With me trying cases, Sam as sheriff, and Kenya back in the big office.
But first, I’d have to tear Bennett Cutler and Jamie Simmons apart.
28
“The defense calls Claudia Luke to the stand.”
