Her Stolen Son Read Free Page A

to leave.”
    Colt didn’t like the images forming in his mind. “But he didn’t?”
    She twisted that ratty blanket in her hands, fidgeting. “No, he got angry, then pushy. I asked him to leaveagain, but he refused to accept my rejection, and he pushed me against the fireplace.”
    She paused, her breath coming faster. “Then Petey came in, and…” Emotion thickened her voice. “Petey tried to pull him away from me, but he threw him to the floor.”
    Her hands knotted into fists around the blanket. “So I grabbed the fire poker and ordered him to get out.”
    â€œThen he left without a fight? You two didn’t struggle?”
    â€œNo, but I did knee him in the groin. Then he did leave.” She ran a hand through her hair. “But he was seething and before he went out the door, he warned me I’d be sorry, that I had no idea who I was messing with.”
    She dropped her head into her hands. “God, I am sorry, but not that I told him to leave. I’m sorry I ever met the man.”
    So far her story matched Petey’s.
    Colt gripped the cot edge to keep from drawing her up against him. Her fragile body was trembling, her lip turning blue where she kept worrying it with her teeth.
    â€œWhat happened after he left?”
    She shifted restlessly, wiping at her tear-stained cheeks. “Petey was upset, so I cuddled him for a while and lay down with him until he fell asleep. This morning we were having breakfast when the sheriff knocked on the door.” She waved her hand. “Then they tore Petey away from me and arrested me….”
    â€œLyle didn’t come back during the night? Maybe he broke in and attacked you—”
    â€œNo,” Serena said firmly. “He didn’t come back, I didn’t fight with him, and I didn’t go to his place. In fact, I’ve never been to his house.” Her voice grew stronger. “And I would never leave Petey alone. Never. ”
    Colt frowned. “Do you have proof, someone who can alibi you?”
    â€œPetey, but he was asleep.”
    â€œDid you make or receive any phone calls during the night? Were you on the computer?”
    â€œNo, I fell asleep beside Petey, then woke up around four and went to my bed.”
    Damn. A typical single mother routine, but not much for an alibi.
    Colt tapped his foot, thinking. “Did the sheriff mention the evidence he has against you? How he knew you were involved with Rice?”
    Serena’s forehead puckered. “No.”
    â€œHow about the cause or time of death?”
    She shook her head. “No, he hasn’t told me anything.”
    A situation he would rectify.
    â€œTell me more about Rice. What did he do for a living? How did you two meet?”
    Serena heaved a breath. “He told me he was an entrepreneur, that he had investments in small companies. I run a bookkeeping business out of my home, and one of my clients gave him my name as a reference in case he needed my services.”
    He definitely needed more background information on Rice. “Have you phoned a lawyer yet?”
    A sense of despair seemed to wash over her. “No. I haven’t had a chance to call.” Her voice cracked again. “Besides, I don’t know who to call. I’ve never needed a criminal attorney before.” She swung her gaze toward the cell door. “I can’t believe I need one now.”
    Colt gave up the battle to keep his distance, and tugged her hands into his. “Listen to me, Serena. I know a good lawyer. I’ll put in a call to her.”
    The sheriff’s footsteps echoed down the hall, and Colt stood. “Hang in there. I’ll call my friend about arranging your bail. And I’m going to question the sheriff and find out more about Rice’s murder.”
    Sheriff Gray appeared at the door, keys jangling as he motioned to Colt.
    Serena rose and gripped his arm. “Please, Colt.