Read Online The Watchman by V. B. Tenery - Free Book Online

lets ’em go. The D.A. hates him with a purple passion, but lawyers love to get their clients before London. He’s the guy who sentenced Jessie’s husband to five years for capital attempted murder.”
    “London’s wife and son are clients of mine as of last Friday night. That’s why I cancelled dinner.”
    “Yeah, I figured that out from what you told Jessie.” Amos shook his head. “You trying to redefine stupid? London’s trouble with a capital T. Deal me out on this one, buddy. I want to retire with a full pension. If I were you, I’d back off while I still could.”
    I peered across the table at my old friend. “You wouldn’t if you’d met his family.”
     
     
     
     

5
     
    Noah’s Home, Hebron, Wyoming
    Tuesday afternoon the doorbell sounded, followed by an impatient knock. I opened the door and Jake Stein’s solemn face stared up at me. “It’s about time. I’ve been trying to reach you all day.”
    “Yeah, I tried to return your call a couple of times. What’s up?”
    Jake threw his coat on the tree by the door. “London pressed charges against you for breaking and entering.”
    “How did you find out? I haven’t been served.”
    “I was at the courthouse and got wind of it. Told them I was your attorney and spoke to the D.A. He gave me a look at the tape from London’s security system. Doesn’t look to me like they have a case. They must prove intent to commit a crime. No evidence of that I can see.” He stopped and stared at me. “You didn’t take anything, did you?”
    I shook my head. “Come on in the kitchen. I’ve got a pot of fresh coffee.”
    Jake followed and took a seat in the breakfast nook. “The D.A. agreed to a hearing before Judge Josiah Burns Wednesday morning at nine. He’s the visiting judge the city uses when London isn’t available. In this case, London is the alleged victim so Burns is sitting in. Burns is honest and he dislikes London even more than I do. That’s off the record.” Jake accepted the coffee mug and took a sip. He rolled the coffee around in his mouth like a wine taster. “This isn’t bad for Food Mart coffee.”
    “Thanks for the compliment, I think.”
    “Well, it isn’t imported French roast, but it’ll do, kid.” He glanced around the room. “I like what you’ve done with the place. Is boring your style of choice or is this an accident?”
    “What can I tell you? I’m a bachelor.”
    “So am I. That doesn’t mean you have to live like a plebeian. White walls without accessories only work in a monastery. Really, Noah—”
    I held up my hand. “Stop complaining. Grab your cup and come to the dining room. Maybe it will be more appealing to your refined sensibilities.”
    Jake shadowed behind me and pulled out one of the upholstered chairs at the dining table, his eyes alight with pleasure. “Don’t tell me you did this?”
    I shook my head. The area contrasted greatly with the rest of my home. The room had style with warmth that invited you in. Filled with rich colors and textures, the walls painted in a fashionable gold shade that accented the fabric in the drapes. “McKenna Thornton,” I said.
    “You should get her to do the rest of the house.”
    I glared at him, and he dropped the subject. He knew the history between McKenna and me.
    He took the last sip of his coffee, and I returned to the kitchen and brought back a carafe to refill his cup.
    “What are you going to do about your clients?”
    “Our clients,” I said.
    “OK, what are you doing about our clients?”
    “Trying to gather the information you wanted. It takes a little time to obtain all the records and get the doctor’s report.”
    “Don’t get defensive.”
    “I’m not―”
    “You are. Tell me why.”
    I ran my fingers through my hair and stalked to the window. I hated the way Jake could read me. “I’m frustrated. I can’t do anything but wait. Meanwhile, London is scheming ways to get his family back. Patience is not my long