“I’m headed to Panama City in the morning,” Harry said. “I’ll track down Mr. Cowan and get our confirmation, one way or the other. What about Braxton’s lawyer in the med mal suit?”
“I finally got a meeting set up. Took forever because the guy’s always in trial.”
“When?”
“This afternoon. Meeting him in Huntsville at a brew pub there that he likes.”
“You’re an alcoholic. You sure that’s a good idea?”
Jason ground his teeth together. “Trying to be agreeable. I need something from this guy.”
“What?”
“Anything? An angle. Something I’m missing. Knox Rogers was around Braxton, Jana, and the Cowan family for two and a half years. If Cowan is our alternative killer, who better to fill me in on his possible motive than Braxton’s attorney in the malpractice case.”
“I hear you, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.”
“Thanks. What about Braxton’s office staff?”
“I’ve spoken to his receptionist and medical assistant, and neither had anything we could use. Still trying to track down his nurse, but she’s in surgery almost every day.”
“What’s her name again?” Jason asked.
“Beverly Thacker.” Harry started to stand but then sat back down. “You know it’s not too late to get out of this, J. R. You could withdraw. The court could appoint Jana another lawyer. You could still look after your nieces, just like you’re doing now. You don’t need this, man. We don’t need it.”
Jason rose to his feet. “I’ve told you, Harry, I don’t have a choice. One wrong move by Jana’s defense lawyer, and Nola and Niecy get hurt, you understand?”
Harry also stood and grabbed his arm. “Have you considered how you’re going to feel if you make that wrong move? You already waived a preliminary hearing. Was that wise?”
“It’s what Jana wanted. Besides, all the state would’ve had to do is introduce Pike’s confession to show probable cause and have the case bound over to the grand jury. I didn’t want to waste any time. I knew she’d be indicted, and I wanted to get us to the arraignment as fast as possible so that we could have a quicker trial date.”
“Why?”
“Because whatever happens here, good, bad, or ugly, I’d rather it happen fast for my family’s sake.”
“You’re walking through a minefield—you know that, don’t you?”
“Yes,” Jason said. “Again . . . better to walk fast.”
Harry leaned forward and whispered into Jason’s ear. “The private security detail we’ve hired is the best around. They removed the tracking device that Cade put on your car, and the guards are watching you and your nieces like a hawk.” He peered down at the table. “But Cade’s people are watching too.”
“I know,” Jason said. “And I appreciate all you’ve done, Harry.”
“It may not be enough. Cade is smart. His people are good. What I’m saying, amigo, is that I can’t guarantee your family’s safety.”
“I understand,” Jason said. “Have you learned anything more about Cade’s connection to Pike or Cowan?”
“Nothing.”
Jason turned to go, but Harry held on to his arm. “What if I do find a connection to Cade? How are we going to be able to use it, given the threats he’s made?”
Jason wiggled out of his grasp. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
40
Tyson Cade put two packages of Twinkies on the counter along with a twenty-ounce Sun Drop.
“What’s the good word, Doob?”
It was 2:30 p.m. at the Alder Springs Grocery. A slow time for a stop in, though things would pick up soon when school let out. Dooby Darnell pushed her bangs out of her eyes and seemed to flinch a little. “Nothing, Tyson. That’ll be five dollars and thirty-seven cents.”
Tyson dangled a one-hundred-dollar bill in front of her. “Heard anything about the Jana Rich murder case?”
She ran both hands through her fluffy auburn locks. “Trial in October,” she said. “That and her lawyer . . . her brother . . . has moved back to town and is watching over her girls.” She glanced around the store. “I’ve also heard rumors that he’s set up some kind of fortress over there at Mill Creek. A lot of security.”
“Anything else?” Tyson snapped. “That’s old news.”