Page 18 of Twice Missing
Noah felt a surge of anger at the mention of his brother's name coming from Daniel's lips. "I had help," he said curtly.
"You are too modest," Daniel countered. "I did everything in my power to steer you away, to keep you clear of investigating, barring tossing your ass in jail. What was meant to happen, happened."
"Glad to see you've accepted it," Noah said, unable to keep the bitterness from his voice.
"Have you?" Daniel asked, his tone suddenly sharp.
"What?"
"Accepted Lena's death?"
Noah felt as if he'd been slapped. He stared back at Daniel, acutely aware of the man's probing gaze. This was a test, he realized. Daniel was pushing boundaries, seeing how far he could go, trying to assert whatever scraps of power he had left.
"Have you accepted that in all your attempts to clean up High Peaks, you are only creating a bigger mess?" Daniel continued, not waiting for Noah's response. "I know, I was in your shoes once. I believed that my actions could change things. That the wrinkles your father created in this community could be ironed out with the right man at the helm. I soon realized that was faulty thinking, akin to chasing my tail. Nothing more than a bootstrappingargument that ended with more crime, more secrets, more unanswered questions."
Noah felt his patience wearing thin. "I already heard your justification."
"You heard only a portion," Daniel countered. "There's a lot you could learn from me, Noah. A lot about this town, your father, the Ashfords, that could bring about the change you seek. The question is, are you willing to listen, or will your hatred for what I did to your brother cloud your thinking?"
Noah took a deep breath, trying to center himself. He hadn't come here to rehash old grievances or to be lectured about the complexities of High Peaks. He had a specific purpose, and he needed to steer the conversation back on track.
"Look, I'm not here to discuss the community," Noah said firmly. "I need to hear what you know about the Emily Carter case that was not included in the case files."
Daniel's eyebrows raised slightly. "You assume I know something?"
Noah felt his frustration mounting. "Please. You praise me with one hand and then dumb me down with the other. Lay aside your rivalry with me and give me some credit."
"Is it credit you seek?" Daniel asked, his tone maddeningly calm.
"It's justice for a woman," Noah shot back.
"One?" Daniel's reply was so unexpected it knocked Noah off balance.
"What do you mean, one?" Noah asked, a sense of unease growing in the pit of his stomach.
Daniel rose from the table, causing a nearby correctional officer to glance their way. "Just stretching my legs," Daniel explained. "I sit in that cell more hours than I care to." He looked at Noah. "Walk with me."
Noah hesitated, glancing at the CO. The officer gave a small nod, and Noah stood, following Daniel as they began to circle the perimeter of the visiting area. Noah was acutely aware of the scrutiny of the COs as they walked, their eyes following every movement.
"You think this is an open and shut case, don't you?" Daniel asked as they walked.
"Is it?" Noah countered. "I came here to know what you think, as you were involved in the case."
"And why should I tell you?"
Noah considered his next words carefully. "I could make things a little easier for you in here."
Daniel's laugh was harsh and humorless. "That would suggest you are making them hard. Are you?"
"If my reach extended that far, we wouldn't be having this conversation."
"Glad to see your hate for me is still alive," Daniel remarked dryly.
Noah narrowed his eyes. "I could ensure you have access to perks that commissary money could give you instead of bartering, which is probably what you've had to do. I'd speak to the warden."
"Bribery," Daniel said, his tone flat.
"A mutual agreement," Noah shot back.
