Read Online The Last Execution by Jerrie Alexander - Free Book Online Page B

shook J.T.’s hand and then Leigh’s. In his opinion, Willem held on to her longer than necessary.
    “Good to see you again. The bullet’s under the microscope. We’re ready when you are.”
    “Then let’s get to it.” J.T. didn’t like the casual manner with which Willem tucked Leigh’s fingers into the crook of his arm and walked her down the brightly lit hall. The two of them chatted and left him to follow. Irritation stung and spread across his skin like poison ivy.
    Willem released Leigh and hit the button to open the swinging doors. An icy blast of air cooled J.T.’s skin, ending his daydream where he’d jerked Leigh away from the lecherous technician. A couple of white-coated techs raised their eyes from what they were working on, and one joined them at the front table.
    “Pull up the bullet for us,” Willem instructed the young man.
    An image appeared on one of the computers. As expected, the damage made the damn thing unrecognizable.
    “What can you tell us?” J.T. asked.
    “We can’t identify the weapon with any conviction,” Willem answered.
    “If I find the rifle?” J.T.’s experience warned him against getting his hopes up.
    “There’s not enough striation to tie this bullet to a particular rifle barrel. Wouldn’t hold up in court.”
    “Send all four bullets to Virginia.”
    “I expected as much.” Willem passed a clipboard over with the work order filled out for J.T. to sign.
    “Thanks for your help.” J.T. turned toward the door.
    “I’ll walk out with you.” Willem sidled up next to Leigh.
    “We’ll find our way. We’ve taken up enough of your time.” Leigh brushed past J.T.
    He found her waiting for him in the hall. “I have an appointment this afternoon. Will you drop me at my car?”
    ****
    Tuesday, April 27, 6:00 p.m.
    Leigh picked up one of Ethan’s shirts, straightened out the wrinkles, and added it to the stack her mother had started. She stopped folding clothes and leaned back, her gaze on the pile of clean laundry. She’d shared her conversation with Jason’s attorney with her mother and father. They’d already been through so much with her, dumping more crap on them seemed unfair.
    “I hired my own lawyer today. Someone to fight for me.”
    “Why didn’t you let one of us go with you?” Her father kept his voice low.
    “You guys already do too much for me.” She patted the laundry. “Like this.”
    “Nothing we’re not happy to do.” He dismissed her statement with a shake of his head. “Your attorney, what’s her name?”
    “Karen Parker.”
    “This Ms. Parker, she specializes in children’s rights?” He glanced toward the den where Ethan lay sprawled on the rug. His favorite cartoon had captured his attention.
    “Children and parental rights. I’m confident the Carrington name and fortune won’t intimidate her.” Leigh’s parents were deeply involved in her and Ethan’s life. She held nothing back. “Legally, Jason has no claim on Ethan. Tomorrow, Ms. Parker will speak to Morgan Anderson and reiterate my position.” Leigh rubbed her temple where a headache rode right under the surface. “I don’t get it. What does Jason really want?”
    Leigh’s dad bolted from his chair. “The SOB better not come on my property, not after all he’s done.” Pink flushed high on his cheeks, and his hands flexed into fists.
    Leigh blinked back emotion swelling behind her eyes and in her chest. Her father’s anger reminded her of the last time she’d heard this much rage in his voice. He’d stood over her in the hospital, murmured soothing words while tears cascaded down his face. She’d never seen him cry before or since. That her stupidity had caused so much pain and anguish ripped her heart open.
    “I should’ve killed him,” he whispered to no one.
    Leigh went to him, clasping his hands in hers. “Dad, don’t even think such thoughts. We’ll get through this.” She laid her head on his chest. The strength she drew from him had kept