Justice Delayed (Memphis Cold Case #1)(67)

“And if she supported the stay and whatever evidence we uncover is thrown out, it would hurt her at the polls,” Will said.

“You got it. We should hear something from the petition today or tomorrow. And a few prayers would certainly help.”

If quantity of prayers counted, they should get the reprieve. “Thank you, ma’am.”

“I told you, it’s Maggie.”

An hour and a half later he forgot and called her ma’am at least three times. The last time, she called him on it.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “But my aunt was a stickler about Jimmy and me calling anyone in authority ma’am or sir.”

“But I’m probably not even five years older than you.”

Will’s neck burned. “If it’s any consolation, I’m having the same problem with David.”

She laughed. “Yesterday was the first time I’ve really had a conversation with David other than cross-examining him in the courtroom. Tell me a little about him.”

Will reviewed what he knew about his boss and how much of it he could relay. He liked Maggie, but the lieutenant was . . . “He’s very private,” he finally said. “Widowed, with a daughter around ten, plus he’s a great boss.”

“I didn’t know he was widowed. What happened to his wife? Or is that part of the privacy?”

“No, it’s public knowledge, but he never talks about it. She was murdered, and the killer hasn’t been caught.”

“Is that why he lobbied for a Cold Case Unit?”

He glanced at her and then just as quickly returned his eyes to the interstate. “So you do know something about him?”

“I always research the background of witnesses in my cases but somehow blocked the part about his wife. Now that you mention it, I remember my information indicated she went by her maiden name.”

“She did. Lia Morgan was a well-known photographer before they married, and most of the time she used that name rather than Raines.”

A text alerted, and Maggie checked her phone. “Laura reminding me that Lacey’s funeral is at five. Do you think we’ll be back in time to attend?”

“I plan to be. I told Brad I’d be back by three thirty to check over the studio where Stephanie was murdered, and the cemetery is only ten minutes away from the Hollister house.”

“You think you’ll find something the original investigator missed?”

“I hope so.”

“Is there a report on what the crime scene techs found eighteen years ago?”

“No report. I don’t know if crime scene techs even went over the room after Jimmy confessed. George Barnes was the investigating officer, and he didn’t even conduct a gunpowder residue test on Jimmy.”

“You’re kidding,” she said.

“No. Can you use that?”

“Yes. I’ve successfully defended three people he arrested. If the court in Jackson turns us down, I’ll definitely use that in my appeal.”

Will flipped on the turn signal and took the exit to 155 North. “We’re five minutes from the prison.”

Maggie became increasingly quieter as they entered Riverbend. He knew how she felt, especially when the doors clanged shut behind them. He didn’t know how Jimmy had stood being locked up here seventeen years.

As before, Jimmy was sitting at the table when they entered the small conference room. Walter Simmons had warned Will that Jillian’s visit had left his cousin shaken, but he hadn’t expected total defeat. Everything about Jimmy said he’d given up. He hadn’t shaved and his clothes looked as though he’d slept in them. “Are you all right?”

Jimmy raised his head and looked at him. “Sure. Fine and dandy. I don’t suppose you have a reprieve or a stay order in that briefcase, Ms. Starr?”

“Afraid not, Jimmy. But we’re not finished. We have two days.”

He dropped his head again and stared at the table.

Will sat across from him. “Look at me.”

He continued to stare at the table.

“I said look at me.”

Jimmy lifted his gaze.

“I promise you, I’ll do everything in my power to get the evidence to set you free.”

“I know that, Will.” He turned to look out the tiny window. “When Jillian showed up, I thought she had come to help me get out of here. But when she walked through that door to leave, I knew it was over.” He pressed his fingers against his temples. “I’ll almost be glad when Sunday night gets here. I . . . I can’t take much more.”

“Don’t talk like that!” Will wanted to shake him. “Let’s go over everything again, starting with Jillian’s visit. What did she say?”

Jimmy slumped in the chair, then he shook himself and with a fortifying breath, sat up straighter. “She was scared. Said she shouldn’t have come. That ‘he’ had someone here at the prison watching me. That’s when she practically ran out the door.” He balled his hands. “The last thing she said was God forgive her, but she couldn’t help me.”

So Jillian did know something. Something that sent her into hiding. “Did you tell her Lacey was dead?” Will asked.

“Didn’t get a chance.”

“I talked with your mother yesterday,” Maggie said. “She thinks Stephanie was into something illegal. She had to get that impression from you. What do you think she was doing?”