The Reluctant Witness by Kathleen Tailer

Author:Kathleen Tailer
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2013-03-24T16:00:00+00:00

ELEVEN

The motel was no-frills, as promised, but it was cheap, clean and secluded. They were able to get two adjoining rooms, and after unpacking the few items they had salvaged from the national park, they made a quick lunch in Jack’s room from some supplies they had purchased at a grocery store.

There was no kitchenette, but there was a microwave and a small refrigerator, which made life a little easier and saved Casey from making multiple trips to the ice machine. After eating, Chloe asked to go read in the adjoining room. Casey let her go but stayed back to clean up the lunch leftovers.

Jack seemed to be watching her every move, and after a few minutes she started to feel a sense of foreboding and apprehension at his scrutiny. She put a clip on the bag of tortilla chips and stowed the rest of deli meats and cheeses they had bought for the sandwiches. Finally she couldn’t take it anymore. She pulled a chair up to the side of the bed where he was resting and looked him directly in the eye.

“Okay, Jack. I can tell you want to talk to me about something. What’s on your mind?”

Jack ran his hand through his hair. “Casey, I need your help. There’s no other way to say it.”

A sliver of fear went down her spine, but she steeled herself. With his serious expression, this couldn’t be good. “With what?”

“I need you to testify about everything you’ve witnessed that Stevens has done and said.”

Casey stood immediately and headed for the door, but Jack’s voice stopped her.

“Princess, please don’t leave. I wouldn’t ask if there was any other way I could prove this case, but I’ve run out of options. Stevens took my computer and the evidence from Denton’s cabin, and the bottom line is that we’re down to my word against his about what actually happened in the forest. Even if we get the proof that the cases were fixed and I can prove the conspiracy, I could still get convicted for Denton’s murder. You’re the only one who can testify about what really happened out there, and about how Stevens has chased us down and tried to finish the job at your cabin and at the national park. Your testimony would be vital. It would put Stevens in prison where he belongs.”

Casey fisted her hands and slowly turned to face Jack. His face was determined, yet pleading at the same time. It melted her heart, but it didn’t weaken her resolve. She had no choice in the matter. There was no way she could ever do what he was asking. If she testified, she would lose Chloe forever. And for what? Her testimony wouldn’t help Jack. No jury would take the word of a kidnapper.

“Don’t you think I want to help you? I wish I could, Jack. I really do. It’s just not possible.”

“Did you see what happened when I got shot?”

She looked away. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Of course it matters!” Jack said forcefully.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.