“One of the arresting officers told Vee that Ms. Stanton had a one-way airline ticket to California for last night.” She shook her head. “That could be seen as a flight risk.”
“Could bond be denied?” Daphne asked. “She’s dangerous. How do we know she won’t come after one of us? We should tell the judge.”
Joe Eads laid his hand on Daphne’s. “Judge Gregory won’t allow witnesses at this juncture. Since we have a few more hours before the arraignment, I could make a call to the prosecutor.”
I looked from Leigh to Trish.
“Vee,” Trish said, “if you’re also concerned, I can reach out to the prosecutor’s office on your behalf.”
Is Bre dangerous?
“Daphne,” I said, “we have security.” I looked at Grant. “You hired someone for Daphne’s house, didn’t you?”
“I hired Stephen’s Security. They have a team watching over the property and Daphne.”
“I don’t know what I think,” I admitted.
Cammy spoke, “While we’ll work to keep this new development away from the Coopers, it will be difficult to separate the two.” She laid her hands on the table and exhaled. “I would imagine that investigators for both sides will be contacting everyone in this room for statements.”
The idea made my stomach twist. “Do we have to talk to them?”
“If you don’t,” Trish said, “they’ll present you with a warrant. As this progresses, each of you will need to decide if you want to go on record as compliant or not.”
Mr. Eads spoke up. “There’s nothing wrong with waiting for a warrant. I suggest that everyone comes up with anything you know or knew about Bre Stanton and Reid.”
My jaw clenched as I stared across the table at my father’s attorney. According to Bre, he knew Dad wanted to file for divorce. If he knew, did Daphne? My gaze went to my stepmother. Did she know about Dad and Bre?
“Will that include you, Mr. Eads?” I asked.
A crimson blush bloomed from beneath his shirt collar, coloring his neck and cheeks. “As Reid’s private attorney, I’m bound by confidentiality.”
“But you don’t represent Bre, so you could be asked to make a statement about her?”
Leigh interjected. “None of this will occur quickly. Serious felony cases in the Commonwealth of Kentucky rarely go to trial in less than a year.”
“What about here at the football complex?” my stepmother asked. “If Bre is released on bond, you’re not going to allow her to work here, right?” Her pitch grew higher with each word.
“Aunt Rachel,” I asked, “you were the one who said you needed Bre’s help for the CEO position. What do you think now?”
“I find it impossible to believe that Bre could or would harm Reid.”
“They arrested her,” Daphne shouted.
My temples were back to throbbing. I turned to Leigh. “Will you please notify all of us as soon as the arraignment is complete?”
“Ms. Stanton’s employment is a subject that should be decided,” Cammy said. “Under the circumstances, if she is released on bond, I would recommend paid suspension.”
The heads around the table nodded.
“Paid suspension, no access to Maker’s Mark, and an option to work remotely with Mom,” Grant volunteered.
My aunt nodded. “That would work.”
Once we’d exhausted all the options, our meeting finally adjourned. One by one, people left until it was only Aunt Rachel and me remaining.
“Vee,” Aunt Rachel said as I collected my things.
Sighing, I feigned a smile. “Thank you, Aunt Rachel. I hope naming you as CEO won’t cause problems between you and Uncle Darin.”
