Order of Truth

by Lisa Caviness

  The intercom crackled with Shaw’s voice. “Shall I proceed?”

  He stared at the man who couldn’t see him. “Yes.” Lance turned to Casper. “Is my suite ready?” He checked his watch. Katarina’s flight should have landed. Many decisions lay ahead but for now he needed a little playtime.

  “Yes, sir. Your suite is ready, and Ms. Yurkov’s plane landed fifteen minutes ago,” Casper said.

  “Good. Let’s go.” He tossed one more look at Barry, who stared at Shaw with hope. Too bad. As Lance stepped out the back door, he didn’t look back when the sound of the gunshot followed.

  Chapter 21

  The firm had given everyone the option of taking time off before Jack’s funeral the following afternoon, but Lila took advantage of the quiet to get some work done. Despite her fear someone in the firm was on Lance’s payroll and could possibly be involved in Jack’s murder, she still needed to put forth her best effort. Several other attorneys must have had the same thought because the offices weren’t as deserted as she’d hoped.

  At ten that morning, she glanced up when a knock sounded on her door and Gia poked her head in. “I need caffeine. Want to go downstairs?”

  Lila pushed back her chair and logged off her computer. “Absolutely.” She grimaced as she stood.

  Gia stopped. “What happened?”

  Lila gave her a brief explanation of her accident, ending with her stint in the ER.

  “I can’t imagine how much pain you’re in. Why did you even bother coming in this morning?” Gia held the door open and followed her down the hall.

  “Because I need to get this brief finished for Steve by tomorrow. Regardless of how I might look, I feel much better,” Lila said.

  Fifteen minutes later, they were seated at one of the tables overlooking the outdoor courtyard.

  “You mind if I catch a ride with you to the funeral tomorrow? I still need to work through all the insurance hurdles.” Lila stirred her chamomile tea, inhaling the fruity aroma.

  “Sure. Are you going to be okay with the press there?”

  Lila shrugged. “The focus should be on Jack as a man, not his manner of death.”

  Gia leaned in. “This morning I went to talk to Hilary about a case. Before I could enter her office, I overheard her in an intense conversation about you.”

  Lila swallowed. “What do you mean?”

  Gia sipped her latte then set the drink back on the black marble table. “I assumed she was talking to someone at Dallas PD. She was yelling about your name being leaked to the media.”

  Now that Lila had more evidence pointing to a rogue element within HTP, everyone’s motives were suspect. Hilary’s sudden interest in her and her desire to represent her during the police interview took on new meaning. Mr. Talcott’s repeated warnings not to talk to the media also concerned her. Yet, these activities could be out of concern for the well-being of the firm. Time would tell.

  “You know, Hilary. She’s the picture of intensity.” Lila shrugged. She couldn’t tell Gia her fear that someone within HTP could be a murderer.

  When Cody picked her up, Lila noted his grim expression. “Bad day?”

  He pulled away from the building. “That’s an understatement,” he said, a bitter tone highlighted his statement. “We’ll talk later.” He kept his gaze glued ahead.

  “Would you mind driving me somewhere?”

  “I’m afraid to ask what you have in mind.”

  Forty minutes later, Cody pulled up to the curb of an expansive two-story European style house. “So, this is how a partner at a fancy law firm lives.”

  Lila stared at the house. “It’s sad. Jack worked hard to get where he was. I’ve met his family, they’re good people.” She expelled a loud sigh. “I don’t know what to say, but I promised Jack.” She opened the SUV’s door.

  “You sure you don’t want me to come with you?”

  “No, I need to do this myself.”

  Lila rushed up the brick-inlayed driveway and climbed the stairs to the front door. Seconds later, an older woman with short gray hair swung open the door. “May I help you?”

  After introducing herself, Lila discovered the older woman was Cheryl Struthers’s mother. The woman showed Lila to a sunroom situated off the enormous kitchen and dining area.

  “Lila, thank you for coming. Please call me Cheryl.” Jack’s widow had shoulder-length brown hair held back by a white headband. Tiny lines creased her face and her blue eyes held a tinge of red. Grief had a way of presenting itself and Lila found the pain of mourning had rooted into Cheryl’s body.

  “I’m so sorry for your loss. I thought the world of Jack.” Lila settled on the beige sofa.

  “The detectives told me you tried to save him. Thank you.”

  “I wish I could have done more.”

  Cheryl folded her shaky hands and placed them in her lap. “Jack was impressed with you. Although I know what a shock it must have been to find him, I’m sure he was comforted by the fact you were the last person he spoke to.”

  Lila cleared her throat. “Jack was thinking about his family until his last breath. He asked me to let you know how much he loved you and your children.” She shifted, her gaze landing on the multitude of family pictures adorning the room. They had two teenaged boys who were obviously active in sports judging by all their football, track, and soccer photos. A lump formed in her throat as she viewed a photo of the foursome at the beach all dressed in white shirts and khaki shorts, smiling against a bright sun, a white sand beach, and sparkling azure water.

  Cheryl dabbed at her eyes with a crumbled tissue, then reached for Lila’s hand. “That means so much to me.” Her voice hitched.

  “It’s the least I can do. Is there anything you need?” Lila covered Cheryl’s other hand. She couldn’t imagine the hole ripped into this family and the pain Jack’s absence caused.

  Cheryl sniffed and shook her head. “You and a few others from the firm are the only ones who seem to care. Walt Talcott came by but only seemed interested in going through Jack’s things. Can you believe he wanted access to the penthouse? He said he’d have a professional go through and clean the unit for us, but I think he was searching for something. I refused and then he had the nerve to get upset with me.”

  “How awful.” Tiny hairs on the back of Lila’s neck pricked to attention. “I’m so sorry. Jack taught me that our work was important, but we can’t be effective attorneys if we ignore the people we love.” Lila leaned forward. “Please take care of yourself and family. If there is anything I can do, please call.” Lila gave Cheryl’s hand a squeeze, then placed her card on the table. “I can show myself out.”

  The next afternoon held a schizophrenic feel—one moment full sun bathed the Dallas skyline, then the next rolling gray clouds materialized. Lila compared the weather to the happy and sad emotions flowing through her as she sat in a pew at the midway point of the enormous church. Jack would be pleased that the three-thousand-seat church was at max capacity, but Lila could imagine him commenting about what a waste all those flowers were.

  As Lila glanced around the church, she spotted what appeared to be the majority of HTP employees filling the seats. Even at such a somber occasion, the HTP hierarchy played a role, with four full rows of partners seated in front of the associates and staff. In addition, she saw judges, state and federal congressmen, a few senators, and dignitaries from around Texas and the country. The funeral was a who’s who among the rich and powerful. But among those power players, Lila also spotted a few pro-bono clients she and Jack had worked with.

  As Lila and Gia settled among the associates and support staff, her phone vibrated. She looked at the screen and her heart hitched when she viewed the text from Cody.

  You okay?

  She smiled. All good. Thanks.

  He responded with a thumbs up emoticon. Then he texted: I’ll be right behind you today. ABS.

  Lila read the text again as her belly fluttered. ABS among Alliance members meant always be s
afe. She needed the sentiment this morning. Something about Jack’s funeral had set her on edge. Maybe seeing Jack’s wife and family made her anxious. And what about Garvin Jennings? Would he show up to Jack’s funeral? She would have to be alert to anything.

  The din of the crowd quieted as Jack’s family filed in. Her posture rigid, Cheryl held on to her two teenage sons. An older couple followed with the somber expressions of parents who’d lived to see their child buried.

  “This is heartbreaking,” Gia whispered.

  Unable to find the words to express her thoughts, Lila simply nodded.

  Death was such a final and abrupt goodbye. She stared at Jack’s closed casket and pictured what her mother’s funeral would have looked like if she’d grown up in a normal family. As it was, April had no services, and Ivan’s had been a private affair. Even as Ivan’s grandniece Lila hadn’t rated, not that she wanted to attend. Aside from Reid and Carson, the rest of the family was one commitment hearing away from the psych ward.

  One after another of Jack’s colleagues and various VIP members of the community took their turns eulogizing the lost attorney. As the attendees appeared engrossed in the speeches, Lila recognized the detectives sitting at the rear of the church. She knew they were scoping out the crowd for signs from the unknown guilty party.

  Lila spotted Cody standing with other late comers in the back of the church. She knew Reid and Adam were there, but she had no idea where. Good agents would blend in.

  Almost three hours later, the services had moved to the cemetery. Lila and Gia stood near the back as the final words were uttered over Jack’s casket. When the service ended, most people lingered, many offering condolences to the Struthers family while others mingled. So far, Lila hadn’t spotted anyone who resembled Garvin Jennings.

  As Lila and Gia stood in line to greet Jack’s family, she spotted Talcott, Hilary, and Steve in conversation. Steve glanced up and stared her way. He nodded and for the first time Lila noted his shaken expression.

  Minutes later, Lila stood face-to-face with Cheryl Struthers. No words were exchanged as the two women hugged. When Lila stepped away, she spotted Hilary and Talcott staring at her.

  They wouldn’t have approved of her visit to Jack’s widow. Lila hadn’t been called aside, so she assumed they didn’t know. Blowing out a breath, she emerged from the open funeral tent.

  Gia squeezed her arm then slid on sunglasses. “I need to show face to a couple of partners. Bastards are taking roll of who attended and who didn’t. Be right back.” Gia sauntered off.

  Lila scanned the crowd and witnessed several handshakes and huddled conversations. A woman of advanced age stood next to her. Despite gripping a cane, she stood erect. Her shiny white hair tumbled in tiny curls around her head. “Jack was a good man,” she said in a low, even voice.

  Lila glanced down at the woman who measured up to her shoulders. “You’re right. How did you know Jack?”

  “Oh, I don’t. But I admired his…” Her eyes drifted away as her voice quieted. A few seconds passed then she shook her head. “I admired his commitment to doing what’s right.” The woman placed her hand on Lila’s arm, pressing upon her with surprising strength. “I know who you are.”

  The din of conversations around her dulled as the interaction became personal. The woman’s brown eyes bored into hers, holding her attention. “How do you know me? Who are you?” With proper interrogation skills shoved aside, Lila hurled out more than one question.

  The tiny woman smiled and tapped her cane again. “Maybe you’ll remember. Your memories lay behind the surface and within your reach.” They were standing in a grassy area and the cane pounding with the earth made a dull thudding sound. In rhythmic fashion, the woman continued to smack her cane against the ground.

  Lila’s gaze locked on to the cane. The wooden stick had green-and-white strips almost resembling the barbershop logo in another color. Thump. Thump. Her thoughts tumbled, landing her in murky memories of a long ago. Thump. Thump. Her eyes followed the up-and-down movement of the cane, acting as if it were a portal, but to what? The past? Thoughts continued to swirl, and Lila sensed she’d fallen down the rabbit hole. Thump. Colors swirled. Thump. The cane narrowed as the tip sharpened. Thump. The colors of the cane merged. Thump. Silver. Or maybe steel. Thump. A needle, the syringe holding a pale solution. Thump. Lila struggled to grasp on to something. Memories danced a wild wicked tango as images flashed before her. Instead of a cane crashing to earth, Lila focused on a sinister needle inching closer. Her pulse raced, and she longed to scream but no sound emitted. What was happening? The world tilted. Then nothing.

  Lila’s vision cleared and what had once been blurred images were now in focus. She could count the blades of grass. Bits of nearby conversations became sharp. Breathing in and out gave her confirmation she was alive. Lila glanced to her side. She now stood alone.

  Searching the crowd, she didn’t spot the woman anywhere. Her head pulsated as if a woodpecker had gone to town on her skull. Her gaze landed on Cody.

  He cocked his head then moved toward the parking lot.

  Seconds later, her cell buzzed.

  She glanced at the text from Cody. “You looked spooked. Meet later.”

  “Lila, you okay?” Gia said walking up to her.

  “Umm, yeah. I think.” She shoved the phone back into her purse. “Did you see that little old lady with the green-and-white cane?” Lila pivoted in an attempt to spot the woman.

  “No, not now.” Gia opened her purse and dug around in her bag.

  “You saw her earlier?” Lila placed a hand on her temple.

  “Of course. She stood right next to you.” Gia pulled her car keys from her bag and stared at Lila. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “I don’t know.” Lila shook her head. Once again, she peered over the crowd, but the woman had disappeared.

  Memories lay behind the surface and within her reach. Lila shivered. What did the woman know about her fleeting memories?

  An hour later, Lila entered her office. Through text messages, Cody tried to talk her into going back to his house, but she had a report to finish. She needed this job. Her position as outside counsel to Veridian may provide them with intel they could use against Lance. Gia had a dinner with her boyfriend’s family that evening and most of the HTP employees didn’t return to the office after Jack’s funeral creating a quiet hush over the offices.

  As soon as she sank into her chair, she eyed the lone window. Muzzle flashes, the whizzing of bullets by her ear, and clouds of furniture cushion fluff raining down on her penetrated her thoughts. She jumped up and pulled the shades, her office darkened enough with the gray clouds that she flipped on both the overhead light and her desk lamp.

  After she’d completed her brief, she texted Cody to pick her up in two hours before turning to a legal research question. Steve expected her findings in the morning. An hour ticked by before Lila shifted her gaze from the computer screen. Rolling her neck, she sipped water as images of the day again trickled in. The grief on Cheryl’s face, the wide-eyed shock on the faces of Jack’s sons burrowed into her memory. If only she could have saved him.

  The headache which had begun earlier raged on. She stepped out of her office and into an empty hall, trekking to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. On her way back to her office, she spotted Steve leaning against the wall. “Steve!” she called, catching up to him.

  “Lila.” Steve’s red-rimmed eyes greeted her. He stumbled, then righted himself. His blue striped tie hung askew, and half of his shirt was out of his pants.

  “I was coming to speak with you.” Steve slurred a few of his words.

  Alcohol-infused breath hit her in the face. “Whoa.” Lila took his arm and helped him down the hall and into her office chair. “How about some coffee?”

  He shook his head. “No. I need to talk to you. Jack is dead. His kids don’t have a father.”

  She’d never seen Steve in this condition. Lila shifted a few steps towar
d the door, her muscles tensed and ready to react. “It’s a very sad situation.” She placed the cup of tea on her desk.

  “Jack was good to you, right?”

  “Yes, he was a great mentor.”

  “Yeah, great mentor.” He leaned to the side in the chair and stared at his shoes. Steve’s hair was always impeccable, as if he’d just stepped out of a stylist’s chair. Now, a strand of his brown hair hung limp covering part of his face, creating shadows over his dull eyes. “How was your relationship with Jack? Did he talk to you about things going on here?”

  Lila glanced into the hall then sat in the visitor’s chair adjacent to him. She had no idea where Steve was going with this. “We talked about trends in law all the time and often discussed HTP cases outside our practice area.”

  Steve shook his head. “No, no. Did he talk to you about…unethical stuff? Illegal things?”

  Did Steve know about the hidden evidence? Her heart rate ramped up.

  He continued without waiting for an answer. “Jack was a good guy. Smart. When he found out about certain things going on here, he was very angry. He was a real attorney—by the book.” Sniffing, Steve picked at a thread on his gray pants. “I never thought I would be an attorney.” He grinned. “I wanted to be a rock star. I know it’s so cliché, but I could play the guitar. I thought I was good and was going get all the women.” He glanced up at her. “Sorry.”

  Lila splayed her hands out. “No worries.”

  “Anyway, Jack was such a good guy. No political favors or underhanded lawyering.” He scratched his forehead then twisted toward her. “I’m the reason he’s dead. I killed him.” Tears traced down his face.

  “Steve, what do you mean?”

  “I told him. I was supposed to keep the secret. I didn’t pull the trigger, but he died because of me. They killed him.”

  Lila scooted her chair closer. “Who killed Jack?”

  Steve straightened. “I like you, Lila. You’re smart. You’ll go far. I’m going to tell you something I should have told Jack.” He grabbed her hands. “Don’t trust anyone.”