Page 90 of The One for Forever

Nash steps over the threshold, broad and intimidating as usual. “That’s because Madison is eating for two,” he says gruffly. “You just love food someone else paid for.”

“Yes, Sergeant,” Cliff squeaks.

Madison and I crack up. “Come on,” I say. “I think the others went into the kitchen.”

We all grab food and eat, gathering around the kitchen counters, laughing and joking. It’s exactly what I need. Time with friends and family. I’m not related to any of these people, but they’ve shown me what a family truly should be. People who stick together no matter what happens. Even through fights and uncomfortable truths. People who forgive each other.

My classmates used to think I was lucky that my parents were so hands off. I don’t think I’ve ever had a fight with my mom or dad. Not even when I was a teenager. I’m glad I had stability, of course. They were never cruel to me. I could’ve had it so much worse.

But they didn’t try very hard with me, either. They didn’t work to show they cared. When you really love someone, you’re willing to push through the hard parts. You step up when your loved one needs you. Exactly what everyone in this room is doing for me right now.

Especially Rex. The man I love with my entire heart. Whether he wants more kids or not, I’m his. There’s no other option for me.

And when he puts his arm around my waist and gives me a peck on the lips, in front of everyone, I’m beyond grateful that we get to show those we care about what we mean to each other.

After dinner, we gather in the living room. I sit on the couch with Rex snuggled against me. Madison takes one of the easy chairs, Nash perching on the arm beside her. Danny and Lark hold hands on the other end of the couch.

“Why don’t you start at the beginning?” Madison asks. “I’m guessing we all have a different level of familiarity with the case.”

“That’s what I was planning on,” I say. “Maybe you all can help brainstorm. We need a fresh look at what’s been going on, because I’ve hit a dead end.”

I start with the murder of Thompson Hayworth. Everyone in the room has been keeping track, at least vaguely, of the Printz case. It’s impossible not to, given the level of media scrutiny. Plus the fact that nearly all of us are involved in law enforcement in some way.

I tell them about our initial preparation for the trial. Amber’s social media campaign to gain sympathy, and her legion of young male fans convinced she was innocent and in need of saving.

“She went the damsel in distress route,” Nash says. “No wonder she had so many admirers willing to believe whatever she said. Way too many guys are ready to do anything as long as the ask comes from a pretty face.”

“Just like too many women will believe anything a charming man tells them,” Madison adds wryly.

“Good thing nobody in this room would ever fall for such manipulation,” Lia says, planting an affectionate kiss on Cliff’s head.

His brow wrinkles. “Hey, wait a minute.”

“It’s not just you, Cliff,” Danny says. “Let’s face it. All the guys in this room are suckers for our women.”

Everyone laughs. Rex’s thumb brushes my neck, and he winks when I look over.

Then I continue. “After the West Oaks Bar Association gala, the threats against Lana and me turned into real-life harassment. But that same night, someone left a note in my purse. They claimed to have information on the Printz case. I contacted the source, who said they had to remain anonymous because it was too dangerous to come forward yet. But they promised eyewitness testimony that Amber left the spa during the key time period.”

“Which is exactly what Pete Diamond provided,” Lark says.

I nod. “I was out of commission for a while after I got the concussion, thanks to another attack by one of Amber’s fanboys. During that time, I didn’t hear another word from the anonymous source. Then Sylvie Trousseau at Bennett Security tracked down Pete Diamond’s information.”

Rex touches my thigh. “But he’s not the only person you suspected of being the witness.”

“Right.” I tell them about our trip into Los Angeles to speak with Christian Hayworth, Thompson’s son, as well as Thompson’s assistant, Kendall Simms. “But I didn’t think either of them fit the profile of the witness. Pete Diamond seemed to be the most likely person. He was Thompson’s chauffeur, and he drove Amber to the spa that day. So when I finally spoke to him, I was more than ready to believe he was telling the truth aboutbeing the secret witness who had contacted me. That’s why I called him as our star witness.” Guilt sours my stomach. “I did have some reservations, but I needed his testimony so badly.”

“And Lana signed off on it,” Rex reminds me. “I couldn’t tell he was lying either. Assuming he was lying at all. Someone could’ve threatened him after that. Or persuaded him some other way not to tell the truth on the stand.”

“Exactly what I want to find out. Was there ever a secret witness at all, or was it a set up from the start? Just another elaborate piece of Amber’s campaign to make herself look innocent.”

Danny whistles. “If that’s true, it’s pretty diabolical.”

“And would’ve required some major strokes of luck in Amber’s favor.” Madison is tapping her chin. “Quinn,youwere the one who contacted Pete Diamond after he disappeared. If it was a setup from the start, how did they know you’d be so persistent in finding Pete?”

“I was thinking the same thing,” Lark says. “From everything you’ve told us, it sounds like the secret witness was legit. But he or she simply got cold feet.”

Nash and Danny are nodding along. “Maybe the same person who threatened Pete Diamond into changing his story also intimidated your anonymous witness,” Nash suggests.

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