Chapter Twenty-Seven
Parking at the courthouse, Josh spotted his father’s rental car. His dad was in the driver’s seat and seemed to be gathering some items together before getting out.
“Perfect,” Josh said to himself as he shut his vehicle off and hopped out.
The morning air was still crisp and cool even down at the lower elevation.
The courthouse lawn was starting to green up and the trees had buds that would soon be leaves.
It was closer to spring down here, although the forecasted storm would not only hit Pinecone Junction, but also the front range too.
Josh had learned that spring storms would dump a large quantity of wet, heavy snow and then melt fast. That’s when everything really greened up.
One of his favorite times of the year in Colorado.
His dad saw Josh approaching and unfolded out of the vehicle with the same briefcase he’d had for years in his hand.
Supposedly, Josh’s mom had given his dad the briefcase for his first trial.
His dad had won that trial and said it was his good-luck charm.
That good-luck charm was now battered and well-worn.
“Morning, Josh,” his dad said.
“Hi, Dad. You have a minute?”
“Sure. Although can we walk and talk? I don’t want to be late.”
“That sounds good,” Josh said. “I have a case I need to testify at as well. Then I’ll be in to watch a little bit of Pops’ trial.”
They started walking toward the entrance, matching strides.
“What do you need?” Josh’s dad asked.
“This homicide, the recent one. We believe that the remains could be Amber.”
“I guessed as much when you were asking me to find out information. I feel for her family and I hate seeing a life cut short. It’s so sad.”
“It is,” Josh said. “The thing is, if it is her, then I think someone is trying to frame me for her murder. I don’t know who to trust other than you and Maya.”
“Why would they be trying to frame you?” his dad asked, a surprised look on his face.
Josh filled him in about Amber’s phone call and the evidence.
“And you have this evidence? You think it could prove that someone else killed Sydney? And whoever knows the truth is the person trying to frame you?” his dad asked, adding, “You have to understand. This sounds a little bit paranoid.”
“I know how it sounds, but I really believe that someone is using my past to try to make me the perfect suspect. And I do have the evidence,” Josh said. “I guess I don’t know for sure what it would prove, because I don’t have anything to compare the evidence to.”
“Is that evidence in a safe place? Somewhere that whoever wants it won’t be able to find?”
“It is,” Josh said, still wondering if giving it to Maya was the right choice. What if something happened to her?
“Do you think whoever this is would try to come after you? Are you in danger?”
“I don’t know. They seem more intent on framing me right now,” Josh said. He’d been so worried about Maya and her safety, he hadn’t thought much about his, but his dad had a good point. He needed to be more aware as well. “But I also have a question for you about the senator.”
“What is it?”
“Did you accidentally run into them at the airport or did Mom invite them?” Josh asked. He knew Maya was right. The senator and his family deciding to visit didn’t seem like a coincidence. There were other places in Colorado the rich, famous, and political liked to visit.
“I’m not sure,” his dad said, pausing before the front doors.
“I’d have to ask your mom. She was the one who surprised me with the Bradfords joining us.
But you know how she likes to invite others along when I’m working.
I guess I can’t blame her. It would be lonely by herself, and she gets tired of staying in a town she doesn’t know.
Plus, she likes to see you and knows you’re working, so I guess I assumed she invited them. ”
“Have you and Mom kept in touch with them since Dale became a senator?” Josh asked.
“What are you implying?”
“I don’t know, but Amber called about Sydney’s case and now the Bradfords are here and there’s evidence pointing toward me.
We both know that they weren’t happy about Sydney’s life choices and…
” Josh paused, having a hard time admitting what he needed to.
“And how I was involved in that. I think they always blamed me for her death somehow. Do you think they’d try to get back at me?
Especially if evidence proved the guy in prison wasn’t her killer?
Would they try to frame me just to have someone serving time?
Or do you think one of them could be involved with Sydney’s death? ”
“I’ve known Dale for years. I can’t imagine he would do any of that, but I guess you never know,” his dad answered.
“Sydney told me once that her dad liked to slap her around. Her mom and brother too. I guess he could be pretty abusive. What if her father is involved somehow in her death? You have connections with both Dale and the DA’s office.
Would you be willing to investigate this case a little bit more?
Maybe after court today? I hate to ask you that… ”
“No, I’ll do it,” his dad interrupted. “I don’t mind. And I didn’t know that about Dale, but on the other hand, I’ve witnessed his temper when I worked with him, so I guess it shouldn’t surprise me.”
“Thank you,” Josh said. “I didn’t want to ask. You’ve bailed me out enough over the years.”
“Son, I haven’t said this to you enough, but I love you,” his dad said.
Josh thought he saw some tears on the edge of his father’s eyes.
“I will always be there for you,” his dad continued, putting a hand on Josh’s shoulder.
“I’m proud of you. You’ve turned your life around.
You’ve been sober for several years. You’ve met an amazing woman who is good for you.
You’re good for each other. I can see that.
You have a good—no, great—life out here. I will always be happy to help you.”
Feeling a little choked up himself, Josh couldn’t speak at first. His father had never said anything like that to him and he could tell Dad meant every word.
“Thank you,” Josh said.
“When we get through all of this—Wayne’s trial, this homicide investigation you have going—I’d like to spend some time with you. Just the two of us and catch up more. And talk about when you’re going to ask that beautiful lady you’re living with to marry you.”
“No pressure there on the marriage thing,” Josh said with a laugh, then getting serious again. “I’d like that. Spending some time together would be good.”
“Good, we’ll plan on it, and there is no pressure on getting married. I just can see how good Maya is for you.” His dad glanced at his watch. “I better get inside, but I’ll find out more about Sydney’s case and get back to you. And if anyone is trying to frame you, they’ll have to get through me.”
“Love you, Dad,” Josh said, giving him a hug.
They went inside and each headed in a different direction.
Josh knew that his dad was the best and was serious about taking on anyone trying to set him up.
Maya too. She wouldn’t let anyone frame him without figuring out who and why.
But that didn’t stop the feeling he had that someone was out to get him.
Sure, he hadn’t killed Sydney, but their party life led to her meeting someone who did.
Josh wondered how badly the senator would want revenge for Sydney’s death—even if it meant convicting the wrong person.