Read Online Riddle by Elizabeth Horton-Newton - Free Book Online Page B

what happened to you.” For a moment the air in the office grew thick and Kort wondered why Chad would have felt guilty. Chad lowered his eyes and fiddled with the resume as he continued. “When your lawyer asked for character witnesses I probably should have stepped up.” He looked back at Kort. “But I didn’t. Yeah my parents forbade me, told me not to get involved. I’d stood up to them before. But then I just couldn’t. It was like the town was divided and most people thought you were guilty. I guess, well, I was afraid I would somehow be judged.”
    “Chad we were kids. I don’t know what I would have done in your place. I hope I would have stood up but I probably would have stayed out of it too. I know my parents would have acted just like yours.” Shrugging he added, “It’s done. You have nothing to feel guilty about. I really do appreciate your giving me a job. That is if you are giving me a job.” A grin played around the corners of his mouth.
    Chad burst out laughing. “Hell yeah I’m offering you a job. Let’s get this paperwork out of the way and I’ll fill you in on job duties, pay rate, and all that fun stuff.”
    Any uneasiness that had cropped up between the men passed and they got busy filling out forms. When the formalities were completed Kort told Chad about his morning appointment with his parole officer.
    Chad smiled slightly. “I know. She called me. Is she a hardass?”
    Shaking his head Kort said, “I haven’t met her yet. I guess I’ll find out in a little while. Do you want me to come back afterward?”
    Chad thought for a moment before telling Kort that returning after his meeting was a good idea. “I’ll take you out to the site where you’ll be working and introduce you around. Give you an idea what we’re doing out there. It’s a big project. We’ve gotten a contract to upgrade and do some additions to the apartments on the ridge. You’ve come home at the right time bro.”
    As they walked to the door Chad continued. “I haven’t told anyone about your history. Most of these guys are fairly new in town. They may know, they may not. But if you have any trouble just let me know.”
    Kort squinted out at the brightening day. “Well Chad, it’s part of my life. It isn’t going away.” He looked back at his friend. “I may as well get used to dealing with it.”
    As he got back into his truck he returned Chad’s wave. Heading toward the court house he thought back over their conversation. Something niggled at the back of his mind. Chad seemed truly eager to help him but something just didn’t feel quite right. He was at the courthouse in a matter of minutes and pulled into one of the few available spots not marked “ Police Only ”.
    Taking a deep breath he looked at his reflection in the rearview mirror. The last time he had been in the courthouse was the day he had been sentenced. Letting his mind go back to that day he recalled it was early spring and the courtroom windows were open allowing a cool breeze to circulate the scent of red currant blossoms and mulch throughout the crowded room. Beyond the windows he could see the cherry trees beginning to green. By the time the blooms burst forth in their pinks and whites he would be far away.
    The sound of a car door closing nearby pulled him back to the moment. He watched a couple hurrying into the courthouse a young girl walking between them, her head down as if she wanted to hide from view. He waited until they were inside the building before getting out of the truck and following them inside.
    There had been a lot of changes since he had last been inside the old building. It was much brighter and the old lights had been replaced by newer and more energy efficient lighting. An information center now sat in the center of the main floor and the single ornate staircase had been replaced by a practical and modern staircase that led to the second floor courtrooms. His eyes immediately went to the courtroom with the