“It doesn’t prove that Danny strangled her.”
“Kate. Danny had means, motive and opportunity. I can make a case on the witness who saw him fighting with Mrs. LePlante on numerous occasions, heard him arguing with her that night. He was at her apartment at the right time she died. The coroner confirmed that last night.”
“I still don’t think he’s capable of killing anyone.”
“Even someone he hates?”
Kate leaned forward, jaw set, eyes narrowed. “No. Not even then,” she said vehemently.
“It’s time to close this case.”
“But I still haven’t analyzed the glass evidence, the fibers in the shower and the blood.”
“I don’t want you to waste time on this case. Move on.”
“Even if an innocent man’s life is at stake?”
“Kate, they’re rarely innocent. It’s a sad fact, but it’s true.”
Jericho’s cell phone rang, and he pulled the instrument off his hip. “I’ll be right there.” He looked down at her. “I’ve got to go.”
She shook her head and turned to stare at the computer screen. Facts were never wrong and this one was extremely damaging. Kate knew she wasn’t wrong. She seldom was. That was fact. Although she would have to admit that challenging Jericho to a match of wills might have been a bad idea.
The man played to win. Why, oh, why, had she agreed to this souvenir dare? She wasn’t as brave as she thought she was and surely not as brave as she wanted to be.
Something shivered along her skin. Something elusive and out of reach. Would he make her rise to the challenge and if and when she did, how would that feel, how would she deal with those feelings, and what would she do if they got out of control?
* * *
The clang of the cell at her back was loud in the air as she faced Danny.
“Miss Kate! I’m so happy to see you. Did you come to get me out?” He threw his arms around her and hugged her tight.
“No, Danny, I’m sorry I didn’t, but I’ve come to visit you and see how you are doing. Is everyone treating you all right?” She hugged him back tightly.
“I guess so. It’s scary in here, especially at night.” He sat on the cot and Kate sat next to him.
She put her hand on his arm and smiled. “How about I go to your apartment and get something of yours for you?”
Danny nodded enthusiastically and clapped his hands together. “Yes. That would be very good. You’re a kind lady.”
“Danny, do you know what’s going to happen tomorrow?”
“No. Not really.”
“You’re going to have to talk to the judge. It’s called your arraignment. You will be informed of the charges, advised of your rights, and the consequences of your plea and asked to enter a plea. Do you know what a plea is?”
“No.”
“You will tell the judge that you’re not guilty.”
“I’m not. I didn’t kill Mrs. LePlante.”
“Just tell him you’re not guilty. You don’t have to say anything else.”
“Will you be there?”
“Yes, Danny, I will.” She squeezed his arm. “Now before your plea, the judge is going to inform you of your rights. You have the right to confront any witnesses.”