She drew in a deep breath, obviously fighting for control. From what Ive been told, Lana, the housekeeper, found William dead in his bed. Today is her day off, but she left a sweater there last night and went back to get it. It was late enough in the day that William should have been up, so she checked on him. She immediately called Zack West, and he and some of his deputies responded. They found Hope passed out on her bed. Apparently she was the only one home at the time of the murder.
Charlie frowned, his mind reeling. Before hed moved back here to try his hand at ranching, Charlie had been a successful, high-profile defense attorney in Oklahoma City.
It was that terrible moment in time with Grace followed by the unexpected death of his father that had made him take a good, hard look at his life and realize how unhappy hed been for a very long time.
Still, it was as a defense attorney that
he frowned at her thoughtfully. What do you mean she was passed out? Was she asleep? Drunk?
Those icy blue eyes of hers darkened. Apparently she was drugged. She was taken to the hospital and is still there. They pumped her stomach and are keeping her for observation. Grace leaned forward. Please, Charlie. Please help her. Something isnt right. First of all, Hope would never, ever take drugs, and she certainly isnt capable of something like this. She would never have hurt William.
Spoken like a true sister, Charlie thought. How many times had he heard family members and friends proclaim that a defendant couldnt be guilty of the crime they had been charged with, only to discover that they were wrong?
Grace, I dont know if youve heard, but Im a rancher now. He wasnt at all sure he wanted to get involved with any of this. It had disaster written all over it. Ive retired as a criminal defense attorney.
I heard through the grapevine that besides being a rancher, youre working part-time with West Protective Services, she said.
Thats right, he agreed. They approached me about a month ago and asked if I could use a little side work. It sounded intriguing, so I took them up on it, but so far I havent done any work for them.
Then let me hire you as Hopes bodyguard, and if you do a little criminal defense work in the process Ill pay you extra. She leaned forward, her eyes begging for his help.
Bad idea, a little voice whispered in the back of his brain. She already hated his guts, and this portended a very bad ending. He knew how much she loved her sister; he assumed that for the last couple of years shed been more mother than sibling to the young girl. Hed be a fool to involve himself in the whole mess.
Has Hope been questioned by anyone? he heard himself ask. He knew he was going to get involved whether he wanted to or not, because it was Grace, because she needed him.
I dont think so. When I left the hospital a little while ago, she was still unconscious. Dr. Dell promised me he wouldnt let anyone in to see her until I returned.
Good. There was nothing worse than a suspect running off at the mouth with a seemingly friendly officer. Often the damage was so great there was nothing a defense attorney could do to mitigate it.
Does that mean youll take Hopes case? she asked.
Whoa, he said, and held up both his hands. Before I agree to anything, I need to make a couple of phone calls, find out exactly whats going on and where the official investigation is headed. Its possible you dont need me, that Hope isnt in any real danger of being arrested.
Then what happens now?
Why dont I plan on meeting you at the hospital in about an hour and a half? By then Ill know more of whats going on, and Id like to be present while anybody questions Hope. If anyone asks before I get there, you tell them youre waiting for legal counsel.
She nodded and rose. Shed been lovely a year and a half ago when hed last seen her, but she was even lovelier now.
She was five years younger than his thirty-five but had always carried herself with the confidence of an older woman. That was part of what had initially drawn him to her, that cool shell of assurance encased in a slamming hot body with the face of an angel.
Hows business at the dress shop? he asked, trying to distract her from her troubles as he walked her back to her car. She owned a shop called Sophisticated Lady that sold designer items at discount prices. She often traveled the two-hour drive into Oklahoma City on buying trips. That was where she and Charlie had started their relationship.
Theyd met in the coffee shop in the hotel where shed been staying. Charlie had popped in to drop off some paperwork to a client and had decided to grab a cup of coffee before heading back to his office. Shed been sitting alone next to a window. The sun had sparked on her hair. Charlie had taken one look and was smitten.
Business is fine, she said, but it was obvious his distraction wasnt successful.
Im sorry about William, but Zack West is a good man, a good sheriff. Hell get to the bottom of things.
Once again she nodded and opened her car door. Then Ill see you in the hospital in an hour and a half, she said.