Justice Delayed (Memphis Cold Case #1)(64)

“Why do you want to know where Jillian is?”

“That’s confidential. How about it?”

When Will didn’t answer, Caldwell said, “It’s worth the trade.”

“I don’t have to trade, I can subpoena your files.”

“But then it’d be too late to save your cousin.”





20


AT NINE O’CLOCK FRIDAY MORNING, Andi viewed the changes she’d made to the video for the evening news. “Do you think you could let me into Stephanie’s studio?” Will’s question wouldn’t go away. She refocused on the video, and a few minutes later saved it to an online site for the producer.

Now if she could get an interview with Chloe. She dialed the hospital room, and Chloe answered. “Good morning, this is Andi Hollister.”

“Morning.”

“How are you?”

“Okay.”

One-word answers weren’t good. Maybe this wasn’t the right time to do an interview. She didn’t want the girl to think interviewing her was the only reason for Andi’s interest. “I’m coming downtown in a bit. Is there anything I can bring you?”

“No.”

“Are you upset with me, Chloe?”

There was silence on the other end. “No. I . . . I just don’t feel good.”

“How about a milk shake? That always perks me up.”

“No, really, I’m not hungry. But thank you.”

Chloe’s voice had that I-want-to-hang-up tone. “Okay, just call me if you need anything.”

“Andi . . .”

“Yes?”

“Never mind. Good-bye.”

The line went dead, and Andi stared at the phone. Something was bothering Chloe. She thought about her schedule, wishing she had time to stop by the hospital.

Her thoughts returned to Will’s request. Andi pushed away from the computer and paced her apartment. She’d like to help him. Really, she would.

She rubbed the front of her legs. Maybe it was time to face whatever it was that sent her into panic mode just thinking about entering Stephanie’s studio. Before she could change her mind, she texted Will to meet her at the studio at three thirty. Her parents had just resumed their Friday afternoon golf game with another couple, so they’d be away from the house all afternoon. He texted back a thumbs-up emoji.

When had she taken the last dose of Lortab? Had to be at least eight hours ago. What’s your pain level? Andi blocked Treece’s warning. Her friend didn’t understand. And as soon as Andi had time, she’d get off the pain pills. But right now, she needed them, not just for pain but also to curb the anxiety that dogged her.

An hour later, euphoria rode with Andi on the elevator to the district attorney’s floor at the Criminal Justice Center. A moment later, she was ushered into Laura Delaney’s private office. A side door opened, and Laura stepped into the room.

Andi had interviewed her a few times for the station, and each time she’d been impressed that the forty-year-old attorney could walk in four-inch stilettos. She swallowed a laugh at the image of herself in those shoes.

Gold bracelets clinked on Laura’s arm as she moved toward Andi in a white blouse and gray skirt that matched the gray heels. A matching gray jacket hung on a rack by the door, ready to be slipped on when needed. The district attorney was the picture of success.

“How can I help you today?” Laura took her place behind the desk and motioned Andi to a leather side chair.

“I’d like to make a documentary on your congressional race,” Andi said. She perched on the edge of the chair and put her feet flat on the floor to keep her legs from jiggling up and down. Suddenly her head swam, and she gripped the chair arms for balance.

“Really?” Interest lit Laura’s eyes, and she held up her index finger. “Let me get Spencer in here.”

Andi took a deep breath to clear her head while Laura texted her husband. A few minutes later, Spencer Delaney entered the office. He embodied the tall, dark, and handsome cliché, and if ever a couple were a perfect match, at least outwardly, it was the Delaneys. Andi could easily see them in a glossy brochure for a luxury car.

She laid out her idea for the documentary. “One last thing,” she said, wrapping up. “The documentary won’t air until after the election, four months from now, but it will air whether you win or lose.”

Andi was banking that Laura would win, though. The DA was well liked while her opponent was relatively unknown.

Laura’s shoulders straightened. “You are looking at the next representative from this district.”

“That’s what I’m counting on,” Andi said.

Laura stood and walked to the window that overlooked downtown Memphis. After a minute, she turned, and after a quick glance at her husband, extended her hand. “I look forward to working with you on this.”

“Good!” Spencer Delaney clapped, his brown eyes dancing.

Andi rose and shook her hand. Laura had perfected the political handshake. Not too tight, but firm. She’d perfected the smile as well with teeth showing and eyes focused totally on Andi as though she were the only person in the room.

Laura winked at her husband, then refocused on Andi. “Do you think you can keep up with me?”

“I’ll try.”