Alibi II Read Free Page A

she certainly wouldn’t have the opportunity that she has now to start her life all over again. Come on, very few people get a second chance at life. I admire that about you, Delgado, you’re all right with me,” said Ross, patting Tommy on his back as they walked down the street.
    “Yeah, you know, there are a lot of things about me you don’t know. I’m just a great guy, an all-around American hero. It’s what I do, I save lives,” said Tommy, thinking of all the people he really had saved.
    “Oh, boy, men just can’t take a compliment and say thank you. I should have never said a word.”
    “Want to grab a bite before heading back to the station?”
    “Always that, you gotta ask?” she joked back.
    “Snockey’s?” he asked, one brow arched.
    “Oh, boy, oysters and stewed tomatoes, now you’re talking.”
     
    Daisy Mae Fothergill had survived the unthinkable. She didn’t know how she had managed to get on the witness stand, speak clearly, and answer each and every question presented without breaking down for fear. But she had.
    She had seen the look in Nard’s eyes. He was devastated, completely, she thought to herself. What could I do? I had no choice. She reasoned with herself, all the while thinking of the murderer’s fate. He gets whatever happens to him. She again reasoned with herself. His face had looked like a confused question mark. He must have really thought I was going to say we were together. He really thought I would listen to Sticks. Why didn’t Sticks tell him? He looked at me like he wanted to kill me, Daisy thought to herself.
    It was true, Nard had no idea that Daisy wasn’t testifying on his behalf. How could he? He was nothing more than a stranger sitting in the courtroom. But if Nard’s looks could kill, she knew she’d be dead. Please don’t ever let him get out of jail, Daisy thought to herself. She had realized a long time ago how drastic and how serious the situation was when faced with the reality of living a life in police protective custody. The entire fiasco was unbelievable. How did I even let myself end up in this situation? Being removed, and built over, wasn’t what she had in mind. At least I got to keep the money from the bank. Daisy was ready for a “fresh start,” as Tommy Delgado called it. He had spent three days and three nights breaking her down, making her agree to testify, after capturing her in Tennessee and bringing her back to Philadelphia.
    “Look, what do you want from me?” he had said, taking the last possible pull from his Newport as he smoked the cigarette all the way to the filter before crushing it with his fingers in the ashtray. “I’m giving you a chance to get out of here and make something of your life.”
    “Who said I need you to give me a chance?”
    “Well, maybe I should just send you back out there on the streets and let the wolves that are looking for you tear you apart!” he yelled, frustrated with repeating himself. The way he saw it, testifying was the only chance she had. What the hell is wrong with this girl? They’ll fucking kill her. Is she that stupid that she can’t see I’m trying to save her life?
    “Listen, Daisy,” said Tommy, as he tried another approach. He took a seat next to her, running his fingers through his hair. He looked at her, then pulled out his pack of cigarettes, lighting another. “These guys you’ve let yourself get caught up with are very dangerous. Let me tell you, kid, it started with three dead guys sprawled out in an apartment. Then, a young woman and her nine-year-old son were found dead in the same building, believed to be possible witnesses. I got a dead owner of the nightclub where you worked, Daisy, killed for what? Then your landlord is beaten to death. All because of you and this fucking alibi bullshit, and you’re gonna be next,” he said, drawing on his cigarette.
    “How do you know I’ll be next?” she retorted, as if he didn’t know what he was talking