The judge sighed. “Of course there is, and there’s plenty you’re not telling me. We’re both hiding things. But sometimes, mutual suspicion can make for a solid partnership. If my offer seems overly generous, it’s because I’m compensating you for the risk of being around me. There are people who want to hurt me.”
“You mean Wallace.”
“It’s bigger than one person. And I’m not the only one at risk. They know who you are. They’re watching you, too.”
The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. “Wallace knows my name?”
“Oh, yes. He’s the one who told me you lied on that form.”
“Are you suggesting that he’d hurt me?”
“I didn’t say that.”
Her voice rose. “But it’s what you meant.”
“I hope it never comes to that. I think your best option is to accept my offer and come stay in this house. At least then I can protect you.”
She bought herself a minute by gulping down some water. Obviously, Judge Conroy had a hidden agenda. Hell, it wasn’t even hidden. Wallace was implicated somehow. She could almost smell him lurking nearby. The thought of crossing paths with him again filled her with terror. This whole situation felt like a trap, but it was too late to escape. She was ensnared. Her choices were: Destroy her future and leave Danny twisting in the wind. Or willingly go deeper into the judge’s world, knowing it was filled with danger, but possibly get answers in the process.
Judge Conroy reached across the table and grasped Madison’s hand.
“I need a friend, Madison. I don’t have many of those. I understand you’re frightened, but I’ll do my best to make sure you don’t get hurt. And if there’s a way that I can help your brother, I will. Say you’ll do it, that you’ll help me.”
Madison felt the ground shift under her feet yet again. She couldn’t figure this woman out. Was she a victim, a criminal, a mentor, a savior? Did it matter? Against her better judgment, Madison was going to give the answer that the judge wanted to hear. For Danny, for her mother, for herself. But also for Judge Conroy, because somewhere deep down, she still believed in her. Despite every indication to the contrary.
20
On Sunday, Madison went to a regularly scheduled law review meeting, a Securities Reg prep session, and then took up a prominent position in the reading room at Langdell Library, where she studied for several hours. She kept to her normal routine and let herself be seen doing so, as the judge had instructed. The question was—seen by whom?
Late that afternoon, she left the library and hurried toward her dorm, glancing over her shoulder. The sun hung low in the sky. Shadows gathered, and dead leaves crunched underfoot, obscuring other sounds. She heard no one behind her, saw no sign of Wallace. Then again, he was a detective, skilled in the art of surveillance. He could be there, and she wouldn’t know.
In her room, she drew the blinds before packing a duffel bag with clothes for the week. Her stomach hollow with nerves, she wondered what Judge Conroy had in store for her. What kind of errands? Were they dangerous? Illegal? Both? The judge had threatened her with arrest. And that was terrifying. But the real reason she was doing this was to find her brother. She should have demanded answers last night. She would have, if the gun hadn’t spooked her. Danny had been missing from the prison database since yesterday morning. Tonight, she wouldn’t hold back. She’d confront the judge, even if it meant putting her own safety at risk.
She should tell someone where she was going.
She called an Uber, texting her mother from the back seat.
Sorry I haven’t been in touch. I got a job working for the judge, kind of like a pet sitter. Going to her house now and will ask about Danny. Will let you know what I find out. Don’t tell anyone, don’t worry, and most of all be careful. Love you.
She had the Uber drop her several blocks from Judge Conroy’s house. Creeping through the streets and alleyways, she watched her back. But she was alone on this frigid Sunday night. The temperature had plummeted. Scattered flurries wafted from the sky. Shivering, she slipped through the back gate and let herself in with the key the judge had provided. After disarming the security system, she turned to find herself staring down the barrel of Judge Conroy’s gun.
“Jesus.” Madison’s hand flew to her throat, her pulse rocketing with fear.
“Oh, it’s you. Thank God,” the judge said, lowering the gun. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”