Page 58 of Justice for Daesha

Amos’s eyes went wide. Those words seemed so weird coming from that gentleman’s mouth, but he agreed. That length of time was a very long time to work a job so emotionally and mentally demanding. The old gent deserved to be able to fish and spend time with his family. “Sir, if you didn’t do it, and you don’t think your sons did it, who did?”

Marshall shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve wondered if she was cheating on someone else with them and that person got mad. Otherwise, I have no idea. But I can tell you, I had nothing to do with it. Lawrence and I have known each other for years, and Alice and Lucy were friends. We were hurt when Dorinda died, and then Alice was right behind her. And what happened to Daesha?words can’t even describe. I wish she could find someone who’d truly love her. She’s a wonderful person.”

“She has,” Amos blurted out without thinking.

“Really? That’s great! Who?”

“Um, me, sir.”

CongressmanKelso gave him a warm smile. “Well, let me tell you, she’s quite a catch. You’re a lucky man. That girl is smart and generous and loving. Are you in love with her?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then you should ask her to marry you. She’ll make you a good wife.”

“I’m seriously thinking about it, sir.”

“Good, good! You tell her I said hello and I wish she’d come visit me. Haven’t seen her or Lawrence in a long time. Maybe I should invite all of you for dinner some evening.”

“Well, sir…” Amos saw it as a great segue. “She’s having to be especially careful. Someone has threatened her because of the investigation.”

“Oh, my. I hope you’re taking care of her.”

“I am.”

“Good. Well, I don’t know what else I can tell you, except that if I can help in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll be here in town until Congress reconvenes, so I’ll be easily available until then, and after that, if you need me, just contact my office and I’ll come back here if I need to.”

Amos took that as his cue and stood. “Yes, sir. Thank you. And I appreciate your time.”

“You’re most welcome. Hope to see you again sometime under better circumstances. Maybe at a wedding?” he said and winked.

Amos let out a little chuckle. “Maybe!”

“Let me see you out.” Marshall stood and walked with Amos to the front door. On the way, he pointed out some of the architectural features of the house and talked about when it was built. They reached the door, shook hands, and Amos was on his way.

He drove straight to the office and was glad to see Mack’s car still sitting there. When he reached the office doorway, he stuck his head in. “Got a second?” Mack pointed to a chair and Amos closed the door before he sat down. “I went to see AinsleyKelso and he spilled his guts. Then I went to see the senator.”

“And?”

“I have to tell you, I don’t think he killed Dorinda. I know he’s a politician, and I know they all know how to lie and lie well, but I really don’t think he would do that. The man seemed to adore her. He spoke highly of her and her family, told me I should marry Daesha, wanted us to come to dinner some night. I don’t know who left that note, but I don’t think it was him.”

“Hmmm.” Mack sat back in his chair and tented his fingers over his mid-section. “So if it wasn’t him, who was it?”

“I’m guessing one of the brothers, but damned if I can figure out which one.”

“Gonna have to.”

“Well, just so you know, if the AG calls again, Ididgo talk to him, and I don’t think he was the one who called her. He was very, very nice, and I don’t think I’ll have a need to talk to him again. So I most definitely am not harassing him.”

“Duly noted. Get on it and see if you can figure this out.”

“Will do.” It was a tall order, but it was the order of the day, and Amos wasn’t giving up. Not yet anyway.

* * *

“I’ve heardthis place is nice.” The Jeep came to a stop in the parking lot and they both got out. Flannery’s Grill &Pub was the band’s gig for the weekend, and it was supposed to be the best night spot in Bardstown. Landing a gig there was quite a coup, and they had, thanks to Greg.

“I’m glad we’re getting to go back to what we really do. Last weekend was fun, but it was draining. New Country is a lot easier on the body of a thirty-something.”

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