Read Online Beyond Suspicion by Catherine A. Winn - Free Book Online Page A

is…”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œThey might not be the ones who took him.”
    For just a brief second Shelby wondered if her mother was accusing her. She forced that thought away.
    â€œMom…” Shelby shook her head slowly. “It has to be them. I wish I had been more suspicious and said something.”
    â€œI know, but it isn’t your fault.” Her mother leaned back in her chair and put both hands around her cup.
    Shelby wished she could search for Josh, but she had no idea where to start. She was the only one who had seen them. Valerie had her license. Maybe she would drive her around. She was about to suggest it when her mother sighed deeply.
    â€œYou seem a little better this morning,” Shelby said. “I was getting worried. Did the medicine help?”
    â€œWhat? Oh, yes, but I only took a half a pill. I was able to get a few hours of sleep with no dreams. This morning I decided I couldn’t fall apart. When Josh comes back he’ll need me.”
    â€œI need you, now.” Shelby decided to tell her about the computer. “There’s something…”
    â€œDon’t do that.” Her mother interrupted in utter disbelief. “Don’t try guilt, not now, Shelby, please don’t do that.”
    â€œBut I wasn’t trying—”
    â€œExcuse me.” She abruptly left Shelby alone in the kitchen.
    â€œBut I wasn’t doing that,” she whispered.
    Shelby choked down a bowl of oatmeal and dry toast, rinsed her things and put them in the drainer to dry. Her mother was doing the best she could right now. Shelby understood that, but her mom had no idea what was being said and how it made her feel. Except—right now, though, none of that mattered. She loaded the clothes in the washer, measured the soap and softener, and then turned the dial. Standing there, listening to the washer fill, she came to a decision. From now on she would just have to handle things alone.
    Roger’s attention was on the TV screen as she walked into the living room. His expression had the same vacant stare as her mother. She kept silent on the way to her room, then she curled up on the unmade mattress. She wanted to sleep and escape from thinking, but she had cleaning to do. Instead of getting busy, she just lay there. About twenty minutes later the doorbell rang.
    Did something happen? Too anxious and worried to go see, she sat up, straining to hear the male voices. Soon Roger tapped on her door.
    â€œShelby, Mr. Quick is here.”
    â€œI’m coming.” She slid off the bed, beginning to tremble. A lawyer was here to defend her for something she didn’t do.
    Shelby was biting her bottom lip as her mother came out of her bedroom at the same time. She put an around Shelby’s waist and hugged. “It’s going to be fine. I’m sorry about earlier.”
    â€œThat’s okay, Mom, I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.” Shelby hugged her back.
    â€œI know, honey.”
    They walked arm in arm to the living room.
    â€œMr. Quick, this is Shelby and my wife, Melissa,” Roger said.
    â€œSo nice to meet you.” He shook both of their hands.
    When he took Shelby’s hand, he regarded her quizzically and she knew he was sizing her up. Surely he could feel the nervousness in her hand. Would he think that made her guilty? She wasn’t sure. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Quick.”
    He sat in the armchair facing Shelby as she sat on the recliner. She folded her hands in her lap. Her mother and Roger sat in their usual spots on the sofa.
    â€œSo, tell me what’s been happening,” Mr. Quick said, turning toward Roger and her mother.
    Whew. He wouldn’t start with her. It would give her a minute to calm down.
    They explained about the media, what happened at the police station, and everything they could remember. Shelby sat silently, warming to her attorney. His reactions to what they said were