Defenseless by Adrianne Byrd Read Free Book Online Page B

Mrs. Durden.” He began gathering things up from his desk.
    â€œThe clipping is about a housewife who stabbed her husband to death.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œSo the housewife’s name is Dorothy L. Walters. Sonya and Laura’s mother.”

Chapter 6
    â€œL et me see that!” Dwayne stormed.
    A tight, smug expression possessed Carmen’s lips as she handed him the article.
    â€œI don’t believe this!” He stared at the newspaper clipping.
    â€œBelieve it,” Carmen chimed in.
    Dwayne leaned against his desk and continued to read. “The article states that Mrs. Walters claimed she didn’t remember the incident, then later changed her story admitting to the crime.”
    â€œSound familiar?”
    Anger replaced his frustrations. “Why in the hell didn’t she tell me?” He flung the article onto his desk.
    Carmen stood motionless with a satisfied look plastered into place.
    â€œCarmen, see if Anthony is back, then have him get me as much information as he can concerning that case.”
    â€œI’m sure he’s just returned from his vacation. He’s not due in the office until tomorrow.”
    â€œCall him anyway. I need an extra person on this,” Dwayne said, unconcerned.
    â€œYou’re going to keep the case?” Carmen asked, shocked.
    â€œThat remains to be seen.” Dwayne grabbed his briefcase and stormed out of the office, his anger evident in his powerful strides. He made it to the jailhouse in half the time. He was anxious to meet Sonya’s sister.
    Dwayne knew he should drop this case. He’d specifically told Sonya how much he hated surprises, and this definitely qualified as a surprise. Yet when Carmen asked if he was still handling the case, he was unable to follow his strict policy, and Sonya’s solemn face still haunted him from yesterday.
    After waiting for what seemed like eternity, Dwayne was ushered in to see his client.
    The small, sad face of the distraught woman glanced up to greet him. There was no display of any other emotion. She wasn’t what he expected. He had envisioned a replica of Sonya: a fiery, hazel-eyed woman with a domineering aura. However, this woman was the opposite of that vision. She seemed too meek and fragile to be Sonya’s sister. He searched her pained expression for similarities but found none. She looked to have weighed about one hundred pounds. Her complexion was a rich mocha with a kiss of cinnamon, except for the discolored bruises across her face. Her unbrushed hair hung long enough to lie comfortably on her shoulders. When he finally met her soft brown eyes, an instant brotherly protectiveness attacked his heart. He knew then that he was going to do all her could to help her.
    â€œHello, Mrs. Durden,” he said, extending his hand. “My name is Dwayne Hamilton.” Her soft, chilled hands escalated his protectiveness. “Your sister has hired me to defend you.”
    Laura nodded in understanding.
    Dwayne took his seat and prepared to take notes. Yet at his client’s unnerving silence, he put down his pen. “Perhaps you should begin by telling me your version of what happened, Mrs. Durden.”
    â€œI killed my husband.”
    Dwayne flinched at the emotionless confession. When she didn’t continue, Dwayne tried again.
    â€œDid you tell anyone else this?”
    â€œNo,” she whispered.
    â€œGood. I suggest that you don’t.”
    A lone tear streaked down her face.
    â€œYour sister has, of course, given me a different scenario. May I ask which I am supposed to believe?”
    Laura’s bottom lip began to tremble as she attempted to dry her face. She didn’t answer his question.
    â€œMrs. Durden, I can’t help you if you don’t help me. You refused to post bail. I doubt your sister knows that. Do you mind telling me why?”
    â€œBecause I feel so guilty.”
    â€œYou don’t remember killing your