Snodgrass, Catherine

by Another Chance AnotherTime (lit)

  "He's out front with Ms. Spencer, Dr. Samuels, and Dr. Roberts."

  What's Roberts doing here?

  "I'm afraid you won't be able to see any of them until after the arraignment tomorrow morning."

  Dani dropped her head.

  "The jail would allow a visitor to come in with me, but I don't think that's a good idea. Alec did sign a statement indicating that although he paid my retainer, the attorney-client relationship exists between you and me. But he's nothing more than a boyfriend. No privilege exists to keep him from telling others what we say here."

  She pulled up her chin. "Then you don't know Alec Edwards at all."

  "I know him well enough to say that he will do everything in his power to protect you. If he heard any of the information you divulge to me to help your case, I doubt he would have the patience to allow me handle it. He would inadvertently compromise our situation."

  She pressed her palms into the cold metal table. "You don't understand. I need him here." His strength, his comfort, his reassurance were her lifeline.

  "No." The answer was simple, direct, and unequivocal. "If you don't like that, then you can find another attorney, Ms. Morgan."

  Dani shielded her eyes from his view and covered up an onslaught of tears by pretending to rub away the ache in her forehead.

  "Now let's get down to business." He tossed the portfolio to the table and slid out a chair.

  "I'm innocent."

  He clicked his pen then poised it over a yellow legal pad. "Yes, I know. Alec and Ms. Spencer were quite adamant about that. I've also reviewed the investigation to date. Tell me..." He folded his hands under his chin and looked up. "What do you think could have prompted T.J. Costas to make these accusations?"

  "I've been over that a hundred times. I can only come up with one thing, but it makes no sense."

  Lauria didn't prompt her, but was content to wait for her to continue on her own.

  Dani shrugged one shoulder. "When I was at the hospital, a bunch of my students were visiting. We started discussing the latest homework assignment dealing with the Roman Empire. One of them had a map so we spread it out on the bed. T.J. sat across from me. Finally it was just him and me talking over the map. The next thing I knew Alec was hauling him out of there by the scruff of his neck."

  A flush heated her cheeks. "Apparently he was looking down my top. Alec told him to leave and not come back...and he wasn't polite about it either. I was actually afraid that Alec was going to hurt him. T.J. ran out of the hospital and I haven't seen him since. That's the only incident that's occurred."

  "Why you? Why pick on you? Why not Alec?"

  "I've asked myself that a dozen times. It just makes no sense."

  "Then let's see if we can't figure it out together. Tell me everything you can about this kid, starting with your first contact with him. No matter how insignificant, I want to know about it."

  * * *

  The desk sergeant flashed Alec and his companions another dirty look. They weren't welcome. Fine. Alec got it the first time the over-stuffed windbag glared at them. They were taking up space needed to process the in-flow of business, which had yet to diminish since Alec arrived. The place was as hectic as ER, and the clientele just as diversified, excitable, and demanding. Alec didn't begrudge the man his evil stares, but he did not intend to leave until Chuck finished talking to Dani.

  At least they were out of the way. Which was more than Alec could say of the two reporters circling for breaking news. They were the ones the desk sergeant should be glaring down. Instead, he didn't seem to realize they were there. The short, pudgy one even had a video camera slung over his shoulder.

  Kevin smacked Alec's arm and pointed across the room. "There he is."

  Chuck's face held no emotion, no hint of what he and Dani had discussed. And Alec knew he wouldn't break client confidentiality to tell anyone.

  Renee jumped up and met Chuck halfway. "How is she?"

  "She's holding up."

  A noncommittal answer if ever he heard one. Was she crying, hysterical, frightened? Alec stood. He'd been in the plastic chair so long his backside was molded to its shape and all Chuck could say was she's holding up.

  "I want to see her." I want to hold her and comfort her. I need to let her know I'm here for her and tell her how sorry I am I wasn't there when she needed me most.

  "We've already discussed this. The answer is no. You can see her at the arraignment tomorrow morning."

  Stubborn, straight-faced, unmovable. Good qualities in a lawyer, but hell when they stood between Alec and the woman he loved.

  "This is ridiculous. Dani didn't do anything." Renee's voice carried. Kevin caught her arm and shushed her. Too late. Ears cocked, the reporters pivoted their way.

  Chuck's gaze shifted toward them and then back to Renee. "Unfortunately, we will now have to prove that. For now, the best I can do is review the current evidence and arrange to have her released on her own recognizance. If that fails, I'll request release on bail."

  Renee started to cry. "I don't understand any of this. Who would accuse her of something like this?"

  Alec wanted to know that himself. She was open to her students-a little too open as far as Alec was concerned. Dani made herself available to them twenty-four hours a day. Hell, she even tutored them when she was in the hospital. She cared, genuinely. How could one of them turn on her this way? A better question was why?

  "You'll find that out in the morning, Ms. Spencer. Until then I won't divulge any information exchanged between Ms. Morgan and me. I have a meeting with the DA. I suggest you all go home and try to get some rest. Dani's going to need your support tomorrow-not tears. I'll see you in court then." He settled his gaze exclusively on Alec. "I'll walk you to your car."

  A good ruse. Maybe now Chuck would tell him what was going on. But the minute they were out of earshot of the reporters, Chuck rounded on him.

  "I'm telling you right now, Alec, stay away from this kid and his family. No matter how difficult it is, you can't take the law into your own hands."

  Alec glowered at him. "I wouldn't think of it."

  Chuck stared back, unblinking. "I've known you since high school. You've always been the calmest, most levelheaded guy I know...until now. You love this woman. You'll do anything to help her, and so far everything you have done has been the right thing. Don't screw it up now."

  "I don't intend to."

  "See that you don't, or you might find you're my client instead of the guy paying the bill." Chuck took two steps away, and then stopped. "Once she's arraigned, the press is going to jump on it."

  "Grace under pressure. That's my middle name."

  The sarcasm made Chuck smile. "And here all this time I thought it was Aaron. See you in the morning, Grace."

  It was a nice attempt to ease tension, but Alec wasn't amused. He'd smile again when Dani was by his side and out of this mess. Chuck was smart to warn him. As much as Alec swore his anger was under control, it seethed beneath his skin. But he honestly couldn't say what riled him most-the accusations against Dani or that he wasn't there to protect her from them.

  Alec shook the thoughts away and slid into his car. He couldn't do anything about either event now. He snapped his seat belt in place. Morning was an eternity away, night an endless void. Should he spend it at his apartment or Dani's house?

  It didn't matter. In either place he would be lonely without her. Going back to the hospital was always an option, but hardly fair to patients, since his mind was elsewhere.

  Alec drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. He couldn't help Dani. He couldn't help his patients. What could he do? He'd never felt so helpless, so at a loss.

  There was a tap on his window. Ira. He hadn't uttered a word since they left the hospital. Alec lowered the glass.

  "Ready to look for that enemy now?"

  Alec gave a slow nod. "Yes...yes, I am." He could do one thing. "Follow me. We're going to Dani's house."

  * * *

/>   Alec forced himself to stay seated when the guard brought Dani into the courtroom. She was shielded behind a Plexiglas wall for her protection. Chuck sat nearby in order to confer with her. Her dress was wrinkled from a night in jail, dark circles shadowed her eyes, but not one hair was out of place.

  "She looks terrible."

  Renee's whisper carried in the silence of the courtroom. Chuck shot them a warning glare to be quiet. Alec focused on Dani. His gaze hadn't left hers since she walked in. He longed to tell her how he felt, and even thought of having Chuck pass her the message. That schoolboy idea was dismissed as quickly as he thought of it. Now was not the time to tell her he loved her, and certainly not via a note.

  Alec pressed his index finger to his lips, kissed it, and released it discreetly her way. Her eyes glistened. She folded her hand beneath her chin and sagged into her seat.

  Again that helpless feeling surrounded him, along with guilt. Thanks to his session with Ira, Alec was relaxed and calm after a good night's rest. Too bad Dani couldn't have had the benefit of Ira's time.

  As for the rest, regression was a waste, as Alec suspected it would be. No new information was unveiled. Enemies of the past didn't seem to be present...yet. But the knowledge was there; now all Alec had to do was recognize this person when he saw him or her. Not an easy task. As Ira pointed out, Alec would have to see beyond the surface to the soul deep within.

  "All rise."

  The judge climbed to the bench. Dark circles rimmed his blood-shot eyes. His nose was puffy and red, evidence of one hell of a cold or some killer allergies. Whichever it was, Alec hoped it didn't detract from fair and impartial judgment.

  He narrowed his eyes, trying to see beyond the surface to what was hidden deep within. Nothing. He was probably trying too hard. This was supposed to be a subconscious feeling. A knowing, Ira called it.

  Arraignment was a short procedure. Others waited in queue behind Dani for their turn. The charges made Alec's stomach churn: lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, unlawful sex. And the minor in question? Chuck was right, Alec was furious.

  "How do you plead, Miss Morgan?" the judge asked.

  Dani stood, hands clutched before her. "Not guilty, your honor."

  The case was set for trial. The judge ordered her released on her own recognizance. At least they didn't have to worry about getting money together for bail.

  Dani looked Alec's way, and then beyond. Her eyes widened. She whispered something to Chuck. His gaze followed the direction she nodded. Alec twisted around in time to see a woman in a gray suit duck through the courtroom doors. His focus shifted to the two reporters perched on the last row. The woman was probably a cohort calling in her story.

  As Dani was led away for processing, Alec and the others filtered through the door. Chuck was right behind them. The reporters weren't long in following.

  Chuck steered Alec's group further from the vultures. "That woman. Did you see who she was? Dani says that's the nurse who gave her the injection."

  Alec tensed, ready to race outside to track her down. Discretion and common sense prevailed. At the rate the woman left the courtroom, she was long gone now. Plus any sudden action would have those reporters hot on his heels.

  "No. I missed her."

  Chuck cursed. "I need her. If I can convince her to testify that she was the one who shot up the IV, that will prove Costas a liar on at least one point."

  Renee clucked her tongue. "Fat chance of that. Even if you find her, how are you going to convince her to implicate herself?"

  "Immunity." Alec had seen enough courtroom drama, both real and fictional, to know that. "And we've got company." He jerked his head toward the reporters who strode forward, ready to record every word.

  "I'll handle it and catch up with you at the police station." Chuck blocked the reporters' paths.

  The last thing Alec heard as he ducked out the door with Renee and Kevin was, "I assure you my client is innocent of these heinous charges and we will do everything in our power to prove that. In the end, justice will prevail."

  All it was going to take was convincing an elusive nurse to step forward and say, "Yes, your honor, I tried to kill Danielle Morgan."

  Alec didn't think the woman was that crazy. For some reason she wanted Dani gone. The trial and a conviction were the perfect means to do so. The only question remaining was why?

  * * *

  Chapter Twenty

  Dani stuffed everything into her purse. She never realized how much she had crammed in there until she was forced to inventory the contents. It was taking as long to get out of this place as it was when she was brought in.

  "One watch."

  Dani shoved her hand through the band.

  "And one diamond ring." The property clerk held it up to the light, admiring the play of sparkle on the facets.

  "May I have my ring, please?" She held out her palm.

  The other woman gave a nervous laugh and pressed in the center of Dani's hand. "Sorry. It's just so beautiful. I've never seen anything like it. Must have cost a small fortune."

  Dani issued a noncommittal grunt. "What about my lunch sack?"

  The woman was ogling a ring worth thousands and here Dani was worried about a five-dollar insulated bag. She didn't care how it looked. These people ripped her dignity from her. The least they could do was return all her possessions.

  The clerk's smile faded. She looked in the bin, and then pulled out the bag. "Sorry, I must have overlooked it."

  A tiny ring she finds, a big bag she misses. Dani kept the comment to herself and signed the receipt for her things. Slinging the purse over her shoulder, she glanced at her policewoman escort.

  "Anything else, or may I go now?"

  "Detective Regan would like to see you."

  Now what? All she wanted was to go home. She wrapped her fingers around the strap of her purse. "Not without my attorney."

  "I understand he's already with him. They're in Interrogation Room Three."

  So much for that argument. Dani had no choice but to follow the policewoman. Once there she was left on her own. She eased the door open and stepped inside. Regan and Lauria stood, but Regan slid out a chair for her.

  "Miss Morgan...please sit."

  She clutched her purse tighter. "No, thank you. I've been released and I'd like to go home."

  Lauria hurried forward, arm extended to draw her in. "Something's come up, Dani."

  She ducked his reach. "Have I been accused of performing satanic rituals for my students? Sacrificing small animals? Fornicating on top of my desk with the principal or, better yet, other female teachers?"

  Regan pulled away from the intensity in her eyes. "It might not seem like it, Dani, but I'm on your side here. I don't believe these charges for a minute."

  "Too bad you couldn't have convinced your partner."

  "He's not my partner. We just work together."

  "Apples, oranges...it's still fruit." Dani didn't care how sarcastic her voice. She was exhausted and damned tired of this whole business.

  Chuck draped an arm around her shoulders. "Dani, please. All we want to do is identify the woman you saw. Detective Regan wants to bring in a sketch artist." He tried to pull her toward the chair.

  Dani held her ground. "Not without Alec."

  His arm dropped. Dani focused on the far wall. She was conscious of the men questioning each other with a look, and then Regan stomped away. Minutes ticked away. Dani kept her back to the door, her feet rooted in place, statue-like. And only one man could break the self-induced spell.

  His aura embraced her long before he could reach her. Dani turned as he crossed the threshold and was wrapped in comfort and protection, and then his arms closed a circle around her. She burrowed into the broad plain of his chest and slipped her hands beneath his jacket.

  "I missed you so." Her chin quivered.

  Alec tensed and tightened his hold. "God knows I missed you, honey." He kissed the top of her head.

  Te
ars spilled down her cheeks. A fear deep inside broke loose-the fear that she would never see Alec again. Yet here he was holding her, standing with her in this horrible fight. She had never known a greater love. Infinite emotions she couldn't begin to express boiled to the surface in those unstoppable tears.

  "I want to go home, Alec. Please take me home," she somehow managed to say.

  "We need her here, Alec," Chuck said. "We want her to work with a sketch artist to identify that woman."

  Feet shuffled around them. A chair skidded back. Dani dug her fingers into Alec's back.

  "It's all right, honey. No one's going to take you from my arms." Not this time. Not ever again.

  She knew in her heart those were his thoughts. It didn't matter that they made no sense. She took comfort from them.

  "What's the matter with you people? Can't you see she's exhausted?"

  "But this woman-"

  "Can wait until Dani's rested enough to concentrate on what she's doing. We'll be back tomorrow. The only place Dani's going right now is home."

  "Don't snap at me, Alec. You hired me to prove her innocence. That's what I'm trying to do."

  "And I know you'll do an excellent job...tomorrow." Tucking her under his arm, Alec left. Neither man dared follow.

  * * *

  Near the exit Alec stopped and stripped off his jacket. "Reporters are waiting outside. Throw this over your head. Maybe they won't harass you as much."

  Dani let the garment dangle from her hands. "I haven't done anything wrong. This feels like a witch hunt."

  Alec slipped the jacket from her fingers and tossed it over her head. "Then let's give them something to hunt."

  Dani pushed it to her shoulders and tugged the edges close. "No. I haven't done anything wrong. The more I try to hide, the more they'll hound me."

  "They'll hound you anyway."

  Alec was right. Once they grabbed onto any story, they ran it into the ground. She was no exception. No place would be a haven until this was resolved.

  "Do you suppose they're at my house?" Her voice echoed the defeat she felt.