Snap Judgment by Richard T. Cahill

Author:Richard T. Cahill [Cahill, Richard T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloodhound Books

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

As Dom and I left Aggie Lawson’s farm, our conversation focused on the old pick-up truck.

“Finally, we have something to work with,” I said. “I still have to compare the pictures with the DVD, but I am certain they match.”

“I don’t think there’s any doubt,” Dom agreed. “It’s the same truck. May not help us as much as you think though.”

“What are you talking about?” I demanded. “We just found the truck used in the murder. That puts Al Lawson right at the top of the list of suspects.”

“Maybe,” Dom replied.

I couldn’t understand why Dom wasn’t as excited as I was. This was a major development in the case; perhaps our biggest break thus far. Still, Dom was a top-notch investigator. If he had reservations, he probably had a good reason.

“What’s bugging you, boss?” I asked.

“Don’t get me wrong, Connor, it’s a big find,” Dom said frowning, “but it’s not the smoking gun you think it is.”

“How do you figure?” I asked.

“The keys are there for anyone to use,” he continued. “Plus, there’s something else you don’t know.”

“What’s that?” I demanded.

“In the last year or so of her life, Aggie Lawson was dating Judge Hardy,” he said. “Worthington certainly knows that, and if we bring forth the truck without any more evidence—”

“He will claim that Hardy used the truck to commit the crime,” I said, completing his sentence.

This case was like a roller coaster. We learn something that brings us up with excitement, only to find out something else that plunges us back down.

“Damn it,” I shouted, pounding my fist down on my thigh. “I can see it now. Worthington will put Al Lawson on the stand to tell the jury how devastated his mother was. Then, that slimy worm will argue that Hardy did it for his sweetheart.”

I let out a scream in frustration.

For the next few miles, neither of us said anything. Finally, I started talking, more to think out loud than have a conversation.

“Well, we know the truck was used in the murder,” I said. “We know that both the Lawsons and Judge Hardy had access to the truck and could have used it since the keys were in the visor.”

“And all three had motive,” Dom added. “So, we got nothing.”

“Aw, shit,” I grunted.

Dom looked over at me. When he saw the look in my eyes, he changed his tone.

“I’ll do a full background check on Al and Jamie Lawson tonight,” he said. “Maybe I’ll find something. Meanwhile, let’s get an early lunch. There’s a diner about a mile out with some great chili. The only thing hotter than that chili is this waitress there named Maxine. Connor, you should see her. She’s got a set of legs on her that…

I started tuning out as Dom further described Maxine. My mind wandered back to the Russell murder. In my career, I had handled many cases. None had been as frustrating as this one.

In truth, if I was prosecuting, this would be a really simple matter. The DNA of John Hardy was found on the victim’s clothes.

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