Justice Delayed (Memphis Cold Case #1)(38)

“Excuse me?”

Uh-oh. She thought he’d been condescending. Maybe now would be a good time to mention Andi. “I mean, given what just happened here, anyone would be upset.”

She continued to take his measure.

“Ah . . . and Andi Hollister said to tell you hello—she’s meeting us here. She should be here soon.”

She gave him a curt nod. “And by the way, you’re wrong—I do have to be strong. You didn’t say what you wanted.”

For the first time since he entered her office, he heard faint strains of music. “You like Michael Bublé?”

Once again, surprise registered on Madeline’s face and then a smile. She glanced toward the phone on her desk, and he realized that was where the music came from.

“I came in early this morning and put on my Bublé playlist. His music helps me to stay focused while I work,” she said, her voice warming. “You?”

He was glad to know they shared at least one thing in common. “Just the opposite. It’s what I listen to when I get home and try to relax.”

“I can see that.” She planted her hands on the desk and rose. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a little fresh air. Could we walk while you tell me what you came to see me about?”



After Will left David’s office, he took the elevator down to the third floor to see the district attorney. He had a good working relationship with Laura Delaney and had been surprised when Andi told him she’d been Stephanie’s roommate. He wasn’t certain how she’d take being questioned about a murder that happened eighteen years ago.

It could prove to be sticky, with her election bid for the US Congress. She was running on her tough law-and-order record, and helping Jimmy get a stay of execution with no more evidence than Will had . . .

“Jace, is the district attorney in?” he asked her secretary.

“She is, Sergeant. Can I tell her what you want to see her about?”

“It’s about a case I’m working on.” He hated being evasive, but he wanted to see Laura Delaney’s reaction when he brought up the subject of the murder. Not that he thought she had anything to do with it, but often if people were prepared, they filtered their answers.

Jace picked up the receiver and dialed. “Will Kincade is here to see you about a case he’s working on.”

As he waited for the DA’s response, the entry door opened, and from the corner of his eye, he recognized Adam Matthews, Lacey Wilson’s ex. Questioning him again was on Will’s long to-do list. “Surprised to see you here,” he said.

Matthews stood a little straighter. “Yeah, well, I wanted to talk to Laura about Lacey’s funeral.”

“When is it?”

“Tomorrow at five.”

“I’ll let Andi know.”

“Andi?” He furrowed his brow.

“Andi Hollister. She was friends with Lacey. Your ex-wife had asked Andi to meet her at the airport Tuesday night.”

“Why?”

“Maybe because she was Stephanie Hollister’s sister? You knew her, didn’t you?”

The pilot pinched the bridge of his nose. “The name rang a bell the other night, but I still hadn’t put it together until just now.”

Connections clicked in Will’s mind. “By the way, did any of the women who lived at the Hollister house work your flights?”

Matthews rubbed his nose. “Not that I remember. I was just a copilot back then.”

“Sergeant Kincade, Mrs. Delaney will see you now.”

“Are you flying today?” he asked Matthews.

“Got called in for a commuter run—on my way to the airport now.”

“When will you be back?”

“Late this afternoon. Then I have another short flight.”

“I may want to ask you more questions later today.” Will turned to the secretary. “Thanks.”

“You know the way,” she said.

Will walked down to the end of the hall.

Seated at her desk, Laura looked over her reading glasses and motioned him to a chair. “What can I do for you, Sergeant? Have we discussed this case before?”

He liked the way the DA always cut to the chase. Laura had been the first female district attorney ever elected to the office in Memphis. And she had proven she could do the job.

He chose the leather side chair closest to her desk. “No. I’ve been moved to the Cold Case Unit. It’s my first case.”

She nodded. “Congratulations. I understand that’s a coveted job.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m working on the Stephanie Hollister murder from eighteen years ago. I understand you lived in the house with her.”

The only indication of surprise was a widening of the DA’s eyes. “When did that become a cold case? Jimmy Shelton confessed.”

“I know, but certain evidence has surfaced that bears investigating.”

“What evidence? It better be ironclad. Shelton’s execution has been delayed long enough. People want to see justice served.”

Will couldn’t keep from mentally changing “people” to “voters.” “Justice won’t be served if an innocent man is executed.”

She took off her reading glasses and hooked a strand of dark brown hair behind her ear. “Has his lawyer filed an appeal for a stay?”