The Perfect Alibi (Robin Lockwood #2)(37)

“I told him about the hearing when your clerk called yesterday, but he wasn’t in his room this morning,” Gloria said.

“Are you telling me that he’s run off?” the judge asked.

“We don’t know that,” Blaine said, straining to sound reasonable. “There may be some explanation.”

Judge Redding looked grim. “If there is, he’ll be telling me about it in prison clothes. I’m revoking bail and denying the motion for a new trial.”

The judge turned to Kellerman. “You tell your people to bring him in.”

“It will be the first thing I do as soon as I get to my office. But there’s another matter I’d like to take care of right now.”

“What is that, Mr. Kellerman?”

The DA nodded toward Carrie Anders and Roger Dillon, who had been sitting in the back of the courtroom. “I am placing Blaine Hastings Sr. under arrest for obstruction of justice.”





CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN


Robin was talking about a case with Jeff Hodges when the receptionist told her that Carrie Anders was on the phone.

“Hey, Carrie, what’s up?” Robin said.

“I have some news about Blaine Hastings.”

“What about him?”

Anders told Robin about the Hastingses’ scam.

“That is ingenious,” Robin said. “But why are you telling me about it?”

“You know Doug Armstrong was Hastings’s lawyer?”

Robin nodded.

“I assume you know that Armstrong’s partner was murdered.”

“Yeah, it was on the news.”

“Frank Nylander was beaten to death, and Armstrong is missing. Hastings threatened Armstrong. He’s a suspect in Nylander’s murder and Armstrong’s disappearance. You had a run-in with Hastings at the sentencing, and I wanted to give you a heads-up in case he decides to go after you.”

Robin’s features hardened. “I hope he does.”

“I know all about your martial arts background,” Anders said, “but Hastings is a beast, and he doesn’t have any qualms about hurting women.”

“We’ll see who hurts who.”

“Don’t handle this by yourself, Robin. You call 911 if Hastings comes anywhere near you.”

“I will, and thanks for warning me.”

Robin told Jeff what Anders had told her.

“You have a gun, right?”

Robin nodded.

“Don’t go anywhere without it until this shakes out.”

“I won’t.”

Jeff hesitated. “Look, I know you can take care of yourself, but I’d like to babysit you until we have a clearer picture of what’s going on.”

“I appreciate the offer, but—”

Jeff smiled. “Face it, Robin. You’re a damsel in distress, and you need a brawny knight to protect you. I’m also a terrific cook. From what I know about your eating habits, you need a decent meal even more than you need a bodyguard.”

Robin couldn’t help smiling. Even if she wasn’t in danger, she found the thought of spending an evening with Jeff appealing.

“Are you going to be stubborn?” Jeff asked.

“I don’t need a he-man to protect me, but I can use a good meal.”

“Good. Let’s finish up our work on this case. Then I’ll see you home.”





CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT


Randi Stark had been a mess ever since Robin’s call. It was terrifying to think that Blaine Hastings was on the loose, and her mother’s wails and hand-wringing didn’t help. When she couldn’t stand to be in her mother’s presence another minute, Randi said she was going to bed. She was so anxious, she didn’t see how she could sleep—but she had to get away from Maxine.

As soon as she was in her room, Randi texted Annie Roche and told her the news. Annie panicked. She wanted to know if she was in danger. Randi told her that Blaine wouldn’t go after her, but Randi cautioned Annie to be careful. Randi would be the one he went after if he went after anyone, After she turned off her phone, Randi tried to do some schoolwork, but she couldn’t concentrate. She had a television in her room. She turned down the sound so her mother wouldn’t hear it and come barging in. Then she tried to find a show that would distract her and eventually put her to sleep. Nothing worked.

Randi got into bed and turned out the lights. She closed her eyes and Blaine Hastings glared at her. Randi got out of bed and walked to her window. She pulled the edge of the shade aside and gazed into the night. Then she froze and her heart started tripping. Halfway down her block was a streetlight. Someone was leaning against it; someone with a build like Blaine Hastings’s. Randi leaned forward. Was it Blaine?

Robin had given Randi her cell phone number, and she punched it in.

“Yes?” Robin answered after several rings.

“It’s Randi Stark. I think Blaine is watching my house.”

“Calm down and tell me why you think he’s watching you.”

“There’s a man standing under the streetlight. He’s staring at the house.”

“And you’re certain it’s Blaine?”

“I … No, but who else would be watching my house at this hour?”