Thirty-One
Dan was waitingoutside the building when Keith and Kirby emerged in street clothes, both grinning from ear to ear as they approached him.
“What the fuck happened?” Keith asked as he hugged Dan so hard, he nearly cracked his ribs.
“We produced evidence that showed it was possible someone else had motive to kill Tanya, and he was in the area on Friday night.”
Kirby hugged Dan, as tears streamed down his face. “They really dropped all the charges?”
“They really did, and they’re going to issue a statement that’ll fully exonerate you of any involvement in Tanya’s murder.”
“Thank fucking God,” Keith said. “I don’t know how you did it, but damn, man. We owe you everything.”
“What he said,” Kirby said. “Thank you so much, Dan. We’ll never have the words…”
“I’m glad I could help.” He produced his phone. “I assume yours are dead. Could you please call your mother to tell her the good news?”
Kirby took the phone from him. “With pleasure.” He dialed his mother’s number and put the call on speaker.
“Hi, Dan. How’s it going? Please tell me you have some news.”
“Hey, Mom, it’s me, Kirby.”
Keith leaned in. “And me, Keith. We’re out—and all the charges have been dropped.”
Judith’s scream was so loud that people on the sidewalk turned to see what was happening.
The three men grinned like fools.
“Kara married her magician,” Keith said. “I don’t know what he did, and I don’t really care, but we’re free and clear, and it’s all thanks to him.”
“Thank God,” Judith said. “I’m going to go call Dad and text the others. We’ll have a celebration dinner here tonight. Is that okay?”
Kirby glanced at Keith, who nodded.
“That’d be great, Mom. Tell everyone we can’t wait to see them.”
“They can’t wait to see you, too. This is the best news ever. Thank you so, so much, Dan. You have our eternal gratitude.”
“Glad I was able to help.”
After they ended the call, he took back the phone and texted Kara.The boys have been sprung. All charges dropped. Will call you shortly.
She didn’t respond, which meant she was either sleeping or doing something away from her phone.
“Where can we drop you guys?” Dan asked.
“I want to go home and take a real shower,” Kirby said.
“Me, too,” Keith said.
Dan held the back door to Walter’s car for them to get in and then went to the passenger seat.
“Hey, Walter,” Keith said. “How’d you get hooked up with this guy?”
“He was looking for a driver to get him around. He said he does his best work in the car.”
“Do you need directions?” Dan asked Walter.