After Dark by Beverly Barton

Author:Beverly Barton
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Published: 2000-08-16T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

A horde of reporters awaited them when they emerged from the county courthouse where Judge Harper had apprised Lane of the formal charges against her—felony murder. Bail was set at a hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and the trial was slated to begin on October 2. This was a high-profile case, with both the victim and the defendant well-known in the community. Quinn had made it clear to Wes Stevens that there would be no plea bargaining because his client was innocent. And Quinn had assured Lane that in a case such as hers, involving circumstantial evidence, the burden of proof would most definitely be on the state.

“And they can’t prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you murdered your ex-husband,” he had told her.

The morning rain had left the streets and sidewalks wet, with iridescent puddles of water and oil glistening on the concrete. Gray clouds obscured the afternoon sun, casting a gloominess over the town that matched Johnny Mack’s deadly mood. He understood exactly why Lillie Mae was considering confessing to Kent’s murder. Hell, if he’d been in town when it happened, he would confess himself, to spare Lane the misery she was enduring.

Although she was beautiful in her simple tan slacks and white cotton shirt, she wore no makeup, which brought attention to the dark circles under her eyes. She looked so tired. So fragile. So in need of a strong shoulder to lean on. And he was determined that no matter how much she protested, he was going to be that strong shoulder.

Quinn warded off the press, answering some questions with a smile and others with a growl, while Johnny Mack protected Lane. Holding her around the waist, he lifted his other hand in a warning signal to Back Off and blasted the crowd with his killer stare. As if understanding they were in danger of being annihilated, the reporters allowed Johnny Mack to lead Lane through their clamoring crowd and out to his waiting Lincoln Continental, which he had rented earlier today. No need to hide his wealth at this point, since everyone in town knew he was worth millions.

Once inside the vehicle, Johnny Mack leaned over and fastened Lane’s safety belt. Without conscious thought, he brushed the loose strands of blond hair off her cheek and tucked them behind her ear. Any excuse to touch her. If he did what he really wanted to do, he would lift her onto his lap and wrap his arms around her. Then he would take an M-16 and blow the reporters to smithereens. Outside the safety of his car, news-hungry vultures from local, state and national television and newspapers surrounded them. Even reporters and photographers from the local Herald. Miss Edith’s doing. He would bet his life on it. As co-owner of the town’s newspaper, she had probably cracked the whip, issuing orders to cover the news, regardless of the fact Lane’s arrest was that news.

Johnny Mack watched Lane as she gazed at the marauders shouting questions at her, while the force of their combined bodies actually swayed the big car.

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