by Carly Morgan
“For how long?” Ares picked up his pen, waiting to jot down the time.
“How long was I in the bathroom?” She shrugged. “I handled my business. Washed my hands.” She scrutinized at her hands. “I may have snooped a little.”
Ares raised his eyebrows. “Oh? What’d you find?”
“The usual stuff. Shaving cream. Razors. Medicine. Lotion. Soap.” Birdy’s confidence betrayed her and she looked away, studying her chipped nails.
“What kind of medicine?” Ares asked.
Birdy thought about it. “Adderall. Ritalin. Codeine.” She shrugged again. “There were other bottles as well.”
Ares jotted the information down.
“Do you think it might be something?”
“It’s possible. Best to check it out.” Ares tapped his pen on the paper. “What happened?”
“I heard a thud and figured he might have fallen. When I came out of the bathroom, he wasn’t there.” She was shaking. “I left his room, rounding the corner.” She swallowed heavily and it was obvious she was remembering what she’d seen. “He was on the floor. There was blood…” Tears fell from her cheeks. Katie couldn’t imagine how that must’ve been. Even though Birdy didn’t like Bentley, no one wanted to see a dead body.
“Birdy, it’s okay.” Katie nodded, trying to be supportive.
Ares, not so much. His expression remained cool as ice. “Tell me what else you saw.”
Birdy dabbed her cheeks with the back of her hand. “There was a gun on the floor beside him. White stuff was everywhere. And blood. Lots and lots of blood.” Birdy let out a ragged breath.
“Can you think of anything else?”
She shook her head, but stopped. “There was a pillow over Bentley’s head. Without thinking I removed it.” Her mouth opened like she wanted to say more, but nothing came out. Horror filled her eyes.
“I called the police.”
Ares took out the police report. “It says Bentley’s blood was on your hands.”
Birdy nodded. “Yes. I think it was from the pillow. That’s the only thing I touched.”
“And the gun? It was registered to you.”
Birdy sighed heavily. “That’s the mystery. I have a gun. It’s registered, but I didn’t bring it with me.”
“Where did you get it?” Ares asked.
“My father gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday.” She laughed harshly. “That right there gives you the sum of our relationship.”
Ares didn’t smile. “When’s the last time you used it?”
“A few days ago,” Birdy said, closing her eyes.
Katie was surprised by the news. She hadn’t known Birdy owned a gun, let alone used it.
The surprise must have showed on her face because Birdy added, “Kiki, I was bored. You were gone. I went to a shooting range. You have to believe me.”
“I do,” Katie said carefully, listening to her heart.
Ares had his pen in his hand again. “What’s the name of the range?”
“It’s Woodhills on 20th.”
Ares wrote it down. “Anything else?”
Birdy didn’t respond right away.
“She called me,” Katie said, glancing at Ares.
“Oh?”
“Yes, she told me Bentley was dead, that he’d been shot between the eyes.”
“And where were you?”
“Maui,” Katie said. Ares nodded, completely unfazed, as if the entire situation were perfectly normal.
“Okay. I think I know enough to get started for now. Hang tight, Pa— Birdy. I’m going to do everything I can to get you out of this.” He packed his pen and paper in his briefcase and stood.
“Thank you,” Birdy said, fresh tears staining her face.
“Hang in there. It’s going to be fine.” He focused on Katie. “Will you walk out with me?”
She’d wanted to stay longer, but saw that he had something on his mind. “Sure.”
After saying goodbye to Birdy with a promise to return, she followed Ares outside. It was a bright evening. The air was still warm, even in the shade, and it smelled of fresh-baked bread, meaning there was a bakery nearby.
“How does her case look? The detectives wouldn’t tell me anything,” Katie said.
Ares looked at her, surprised. “You already spoke with them?”
“Sure.” She didn’t say it was because they were questioning her, but he seemed to already know.
“It doesn’t look good. First of all, her fingerprints were pulled from the gun. Second, she found the body. Third, it was her gun. Fourth, her alibi is weak at best. Made up at worst—”
“But that’s crazy,” Katie interrupted. “And she isn’t making anything up. You can count of Bird to be honest.”
“If you say so.”
“I do.”
“Well, the DA is going for murder one. It should be quite the spectacle, considering who her family is.”
“It’s your job to make sure she isn’t made a spectacle and you better do right by her.” She knew her threats were empty, but she was upset and angry and scared and worried.
“I will.” He rubbed a hand over his short hair. “Will you bring Birdy some clothes for her arraignment?” Ares asked, his features softer than they were before.
“Of course I will.”
“Good. Thank you.” He stuck his hand out. “It was nice to meet you, Katie Green.”
She wasn’t sure she felt the same but decided to be polite. “You too.”
Chapter 14
Katie reached her brownstone and slowly climbed the stairs. She was physically and mentally exhausted. Once she got inside, she grabbed a water bottle, took a drink and then walked into her room, where she fell, face first onto her bed. All she could think about was the last twenty-four hours. Grabbing her journal, she quickly wrote:
Dear Diary,
My best friend has been accused of murdering my ex-fiancé. I couldn’t make that up, even if I wanted to. It’s awful. And I feel so helpless. Birdy needs me and all I can do is be supportive. It’s frustrating. And it boggles my mind. She would never do what they’ve accused her of. The worst part? They have evidence that makes it seem likely she did do it. I feel overwhelmed. I don’t know how to help her. And I’m exhausted. Must sleep.
She flipped onto her back and stared at the ceiling. What should I do? she wondered, hoping for an inspirational response. When an answer didn’t immediately come, she closed her eyes and allowed her mind to wander. It went to Max and the last time she’d seen him. He’d dedicated a song to her and she’d run out of the bar. They’d texted, but she hadn’t given him details. Not that she’d had any to share.
Her phone vibrated. Lifting it, she saw it was a text from Max. Dread and excitement swirled in her belly.
He said, I know what happened with Birdy. I’m so sorry. What’s going on? I’m sure her dad has things handled, but is there anything I can do?
He didn’t seem mad. Relief flooded her. Thanks, Max. Her dad sent one of his lawyers. A guy named Ares. I’m hoping he knows what he’s doing. She debated what to say next. There isn’t anything you can do right now, but thanks for texting me.
Of course. Anytime.
Are you still in Maui?
Actually, I’m in the air. Cutting my trip short, too.
Despite everything, she smiled. Max really was one of the most thoughtful people she’d ever met. Safe travels.
I’d like to get together soon. Okay?
Sure. She did want to see him, but coming back to New York had given her a reality check. He was still a musician. That meant being on the road a lot. It meant groupies and lots of people vying for his attention. Sure, he was in a Christian band, but it didn’t change the facts. He would be gone a lot. And that wasn’t the kind of life she wanted. If the horrors of the last day had taught her anything, it was that life was short and unpredictable. She needed to make the most of it. That meant reevaluating her goals and doing what was right for herself.
When she woke, it was still daylight. She checked her phone, curious about how long she’d been sleeping. It felt like a while.
“Oh my goodness.” She’d slept the rest of the day and through the night. It was eight thirty the following morning and Birdy had a court appearance. She needed to get Birdy her suit for her arraignment. She jumped out of bed and quickly threw on her tan suit with a pale pink shirt and taupe heels. Her hair went up in a ballet bun. In the bathroom, she checked her face and brushed on concealer to hide the bags under her eyes.
Finished with herself, she ran into Birdy’s room and dug through her closet, looking for the grey suit. She found it, then grabbed a white shirt, and black heels. As an afterthought, Katie grabbed her lucky charm—a bracelet made of tiger-eye beads. A small golden elephant dangled from it. She slid it on her wrist and dashed out the door.
She took a cab and checked in at the precinct.
“Bird,” she said when she saw her. “I’m sorry to be late.”
“It’s okay. Thanks for coming.” Birdy changed, finishing just as they came for her. “I’ll see you in there?” she asked as they walked her away in handcuffs.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Katie said, forcing a smile so her friend wouldn’t see her cry. “See you in a few minutes.”
Bird nodded as the officers shuffled her out of the room and down the hall. “See you.”
Katie watched them stuff her friend into the back of their police car like a turkey on Thanksgiving Day. The driver flipped on the red and blue lights and took off down the street. Once they rounded the corner, Katie began to walk. She hadn’t thought past getting Birdy her clothes. Now she would have to walk to the courthouse. There was no way she’d make it on time unless she took a cab. Going to the curb, she stuck out her hand to flag one down.
Instead of a cab, a limousine pulled over in front of her. She stepped back, a little surprised and frustrated that it would block her view.
Max got out of the limo. “Katie.”
“Max. Hey.” She hadn’t expected to see him here. It was hard to think; her brain was being pulled in too many directions at once. “I’m so glad to see you, but I can’t stay. I need to get to the courthouse for Birdy’s arraignment.”
“That’s why I’m here. Let me give you a ride.”
“Thank you.” She and Max rushed to the limo, where he held open the door for her. Once inside, the limo pulled into traffic.
“What are you doing here?” she asked after they’d been driving a moment. “You found me.” Despite her urgency, she couldn’t help but glance around. The inside of the limo was large and luxurious, and it screamed “money”.
“I did.” He smiled sweetly as he glanced out the window, then back at her. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m fine.” She placed her head in her hands. “Not really, but it isn’t about me. I’m worried about Birdy. I can’t even imagine what she’s been through.”
He rested his elbow on the back of the seat and leaned his head against his hand. “I get that, but you need to be strong for Birdy. When’s the last time you ate?”
A sob escaped her throat. “How do you do that?”
“What?” He took a seat next to her, tucking her head into his shoulder.
“Know exactly what I’m feeling, what I need.” She sniffled. “Thank you, Max.”
“Anytime, Katie Kat.”
She laughed. “It’s still not working for me.”
“I’m going to keep trying. It’s kind of grown on me.” He handed her a tissue.
She blew her nose. “So, what’s new with you? Besides all this I mean.” She needed to think about something else.
“The label wants us to record another album, which means another tour.” He rubbed his hands down his face. “I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”
“Oh.” Katie leaned forward, a knot twisting her stomach. “Is that a bad thing?” It reminded her once again that despite the fact that she liked Max a lot, she didn’t love what he did for a living. In fact, it made her sick. He’d be gone all the time. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but she didn’t believe it. Distance made people forget the ones they cared about.
Max shrugged. “It means travelling. Planning the shows. Long hours. Late nights. Hotel food.” He shrugged. “It’s only been a couple of months since we finished our last tour.”
“But it’s good they want you to record another album and are willing to pay for another tour, right?”
“It is, definitely.” He brushed back his hair. “I appreciate the pep talk. Thanks for talking to me about this. It means a lot, especially with all you’re dealing with.” He patted her hand and took a deep breath. “Enough talk about me. Tell me what happened.”
Katie met his gaze and told him all she knew. It didn’t go unnoticed how handsome he was. Her body, mind, and soul responded to him. He’d slicked back his hair the way she’d seen it the first time she met him. And he had on a dark gray suit with a light gray shirt and a silver tie. “Birdy is trying to be brave,” she continued, “but she’s scared, and I don’t blame her.” Katie was barely holding it together, and she wasn’t the one on trial for murder.
“Neither do I.” He shook his head solemnly. “I checked into her lawyer, the man named Ares. He’s got a great record and seems very thorough.”
“I got that feeling from him as well. He’s definitely a shark.” She searched the landscape beyond the window, working to distract herself.
Max reached over and squeezed her hand lightly. “Hey, it’s going to be all right. We know Birdy didn’t do this. Justice will prevail, right?”
She’d believed that was true. It was the reason she’d gone to law school in the first place, but recently life felt less about justice and more about money. She had all the credentials, but no one would hire her. “I hope so,” she finally said.
The limo pulled over and parked.
“We’re here.” Max opened the door.
Katie got out. “Here we go.”
Chapter 15
Birdy’s arraignment didn’t go well. She pleaded not guilty. Then the prosecutor asked that she not be released on bail, as he believed she was a flight risk. He listed Birdy’s father’s job and their family money as evidence. Judge Reginald Jones denied Birdy bail.
Pandemonium erupted all around them.
Katie ran to Birdy, desperate to hug her friend, but the guards wouldn’t let her. Birdy was still sobbing when they led her away.
“It’s okay, Birdy. It’ll be okay,” Katie shouted, deliberately lying to her friend. She didn’t feel like it would be okay, but she had to say something. Max had been beside her the entire time, but now she couldn’t find him. She looked, even tried calling his name, but he was nowhere to be found.
Outside, she still couldn’t see him, but found Ares. He stood on one of the steps, and was talking on his phone. She guessed he was probably talking to Birdy’s father. That couldn’t be a comfortable conversation.
She texted Max. Sorry I lost you. I’m out front on the steps. She went over to Ares, determined to give him a piece of her mind. She was frustrated with the situation and needed to take it out on someone.
Ares hung up and began descending.
“Mr. Devereux, wait,” Katie called.
“Miss Green.” He scrutinized his watch, apparently in a hurry to get somewhere.
“What are you doing to free Birdy? Because that didn’t go very well.” She crossed her arms, trying to hold in her emotions.
“On the contrary. Everything went as expected,” Ares said calmly, to her utter annoyance.
“But she’s still in jail.” Katie put her hands on her hips.
“I’ve got my people digging. We’ll find something. In fact, I think we’ve even got a lead. Don’t worry. Miss Bird will be out before you know it.”
“It’s impossible not to worry. I have a
list of worries a mile long, Mr. Devereux.” A lone tear trickled down her cheek.
He ascended in her direction so they were on the same step. “I promise you, I’m doing all I can. We will get Birdy out.” His features softened and his usual patronizing look disappeared. “Okay?”
“I guess,” she said, nodding.
“Good. Now, I’ve got another appointment, but we’ll talk soon.”
“Sure.” She watched him jog down the remaining stairs and get into the back of a car before it drove away. There had to be something she could do to help. She had a law degree for goodness’ sake.
She went down the steps, deliberating different possibilities. Nothing really stood out, but she continued to go through scenarios as she headed in the direction of home.
Her phone buzzed.
Want to eat? Max texted.
Katie’s stomach growled and she smiled. I’m not hungry. She needed to figure out how to help her friend. She didn’t have time to eat.
Yes, you are. And if you’re going to help Birdy, you need to keep your strength.
Fine.
Good. Get in.
What?
Look behind you.
She did. Max’s limo was following her. Stalker much?
Hardly ever. ;) I just want to be there for you.
She was surprised to find she believed him. Worry about what would happen when he went on tour nagged at her heart, but she ignored it. Now wasn’t the time. Max was a good man. Whatever happened, they would work through it. They were forever friends, after all.
The limo stopped at the curb. Max got out, holding the door open for her.
She climbed in. “Thank you,” Katie said, and meant it. “Not just for the ride, but for being there for me today.”
“Don’t thank me until you’ve tasted my bananas foster french toast.” He slid onto the seat beside her, pulling the door closed behind him.
“You sing. You cook. You dress to impress.” She eyed his suit and he chuckled. “Is there anything you can’t do?”
He grinned at her as he pushed a button and the partition went down. “’We’re going home, Lincoln.”
