Page 10 of Trace of Doubt
You’re not wanted here.
6
At my trial the prosecutor laid the groundwork for first-degree murder. He alleged that Travis had discovered I’d hacked into his bank account and embezzled five hundred thousand dollars, but the defense claimed a third person had to have been involved. Where would a seventeen-year-old stash so much money? And how? The prosecuting attorney claimed I had an accomplice, but lack of evidence helped to eliminate those charges.
The note shoved under the cabin door threw me back to the days when suicide looked inviting. Depression had stalked me like a shadow for as long as I could remember, and the two incidents since I’d been released coaxed me into a well of despair.
Officer Hughes stepped into my personal space and waved the note in front of my face. He conveyed his contempt without opening his mouth.
He whirled to Edie. “I warned you about spending time with an ex-con. You’re risking you and your kids’ lives for a stupid be-like-Jesus mission.”
As much as I disliked the man, he raised a good argument. “Officer Hughes, I agree Edie needs to keep her distance from me until the issues are resolved.”
“More than six feet,” he said.
Edie stood from the sofa. “I won’t be told what to do.”
My new friend had a bit of naiveté going on. “We can’t be seen together as friends. You and your children take priority, whether the threats are connected to me or something else.”
Her countenance fell. She closed her eyes—not for drama as much as helplessness. “You’re both right. I’ll stay away until an arrest is made.”
“We’ll visit in person when this is over. You’ve been a tremendous source of encouragement, Edie. Because of you, I have a plan and can move forward.”
“Shelby, you have a job, and I planned to help with the transportation.”
“Never have I expected you to cater to my needs. I have two good legs, and I can take care of myself.”
She shook her head. “It’s five miles each way, and—”
“I’ll loan her my bicycle,” Officer Hughes said. “Anything to keep you two apart.”
Edie braced her hands on her hips. “You’ll bring it today?”
“I suppose.”
What a good turn for the day. “I’ll store your property inside the cabin until I purchase a lock and chain. And I’ll take good care of it until I can buy my own bicycle.”
“What about your online research?” Edie said. “We were going to work on your business plan together.”
“I’ll use a computer at the library, and we have our phones.”
Officer Hughes huffed. “Great idea, Shelby.” I despised the way he spoke contempt into my name. “That way you won’t beimposin’ on anybody. Make sure you don’t take matters into your own hands, or I’ll have to pick you up.” He focused on Edie. “You’ve listened to reason, so wrap this up. We have no idea who could be watching the place.”
“Sundays,” Edie said.
Officer Hughes and I stared at her for clarification.
“Shelby and I can see each other on Sundays in church. No one will suspect a thing.”
“We’ll discuss it,” he said.
“No, we won’t. You have no say in what I do at church, especially since you never darken the door.”
He held up his clipboard that had the note attached. “I have my report to submit. I’m waiting here until you drive off. Then I’ll swing it by the sheriff’s office and pick up my bike.”
A bicycle would allow me to report in to the parole officer, explore the town, research at the library, find a printshop, stop by to introduce myself to my new employer, visit Pastor Emory, and even pay a visit at two boutiques. Such a long list. What I couldn’t get done today, I’d finish tomorrow.
I hugged Edie. There was so much I wanted to say, but not with Officer Hughes observing me through his microscopic lens. I dreaded the next encounter with him. But I’d be armed with my own stubborn resolve.
