Page 52 of Into These Eyes
Bastard. That’s the problem with people who get to know you too well. “Fine,” I relent, and swap bowls with him. “I think they call that blackmail.”
“Not when you’re trying to deprive me of the simple pleasures in life.” He stabs his fork into the salad and comes up with a chunky piece of bacon. “Would you like some? Maybe to go with that rabbit food you tried to pass off as a meal?”
Since he hasn’t realised this is just the entrée, I ignore his sarcasm and jump right in. “The reason I don’t feel bad about not spending more time with my father is because he’s a lying, deceitful fucking prick.”
Pete’s fork stops an inch from his mouth, frozen for a moment before he lowers it. Staring at me with surprise, he waits for an explanation.
I tell him everything, then eat my salad while he takes it all in.
“Jesus fucking Christ. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. But I do need your help. If you’re okay with that, of course.”
“I’m always okay with that. But … is your sister around? How the hell’re you coping?”
“I’m dealing with it.”
He stares across at me, his food forgotten. The sympathy in his eyes sends my gaze to my half-finished salad.
“Gavin Lake,” I say, “I want to get his conviction quashed. How do I go about that?”
When he lets out a deep sigh, I meet his eyes again, sending him a silent plea not to try and tell me what I should and shouldn’t be doing. Only I can decide that, and I’ve made my decision. With or without his help.
“You want to help the man you’ve hated all these years?”
I nod. “One hundred percent, yes. He’s a victim of my father’s lies, Pete. The only thing Gavin Lake’s guilty of is telling the truth. Always. And no one believed him.”
Pete drums his fingers on the table, then stops. “But hehaslied, hasn’t he?”
“What?” I frown. “When? He’s always maintained his inno—” And it hits me. My meeting with him six months ago. He told me he was sorry for what he’d done. He’d told the parole board the same thing. That’s why he’s out. Because he showed remorse for a crime he didn’t commit. I’d been so distracted about Dad’s confession, I’d forgotten all about Gavin’s.
Only one thing makes sense. “I guess he figured out the law’s an ass.”
Pete gives me a reluctant nod. “He never would’ve been granted parole without admitting what he … never did.”
“It’s a sick fucking world, Pete.”
“You don’t have to tell me. But, Jamie, it’s not your responsibility to help him. There are plenty of lawyers who specialise in overturning convictions. You don’t have to concern yourself with his side of things. You’ve got enough to deal with.”
I take a long drink of water. “My father stole the life he should have had. Nothing’s ever going to make up for that. But I can make sure the life he has going forward is one of a completely free man. That won’t happen if he’s still seen as a convicted murderer now, will it?”
“Let someone else deal with it. Doesn’t have to be you. In fact, you should be distancing yourself from this. Can’t you see how triggering it’ll be?”
“I’m the one who heard my father’s confession, Pete. Theonlyone. I’m involved whether I like it or not.”
He leans forward. “I don’t think you’ve thought this through. It’s not just about your father’s confession. The detectives who investigated your mother’s murder will come under scrutiny. They’re not going to like that.”
I stare at him, utterly confused by his resistance. “So, you’re telling me, an innocent man has to remain guilty to prevent ruffling a few feathers?”
He sighs heavily. “No. I just want you to understand that this isn’t going to be all rainbows and sunshine.”
I slam my fork against the salad bowl, causing a few heads to turn. “I’m not an idiot.”
“I’m all too aware of that. But I’m also aware that you’re going through a major emotional life event. Whether you want to admit it or not. I don’t want you ending up broken from this, Jamie. I really think you should take some time off so you can come to terms with everything before you make any promises or decisions.”
I swallow, suddenly doubting myself. Pete’s the most upstanding person I know. Ethics and integrity through the roof. He taughtme, for fuck’s sake. “I’ve already promised.”
“I doubt the guy’s going to hold you to it.”
