Where Truth Lies by Christiane Heggan Read Free Book Online

you come and go as you please. For old time’s sake. And while you’re visiting your dad, tell him to do himself a favor and take a guilty plea. It’ll save the taxpayers money and get him a lighter sentence.”

    “You can’t ask an innocent man to plead guilty.”

    “He did it, Matt. You’ve got to accept that.”

    Matt’s fists tightened around the wheel. “Are we done here?”

    Josh moved away from the SUV. “For now. Just don’t abuse my kindness.”

    “Wouldn’t dream of it, Chief.”

Seven
    A lthough Matt had prepared himself, seeing his father behind bars hit him harder than he had expected. The only comfort was Fred himself. At sixty-three, the police veteran had never looked better. He was leaner and more muscular, probably because now that he was retired, he had time to work out. And in spite of the confinement, he seemed totally relaxed as he sat on his bunk, his back against the dingy wall, one ankle propped on his knee and reading the Bucks County Courier Times.
    “What’s the matter, Pop? You couldn’t stay away from your old stomping grounds, so you got yourself arrested?”

    Fred looked up, his blue eyes lighting up instantly. He tossed the paper aside and stood up. “Hello, son.” He took in Matt’s tall, lean shape. “You’re looking good. And tanned. Been skiing?”

    “You could say that.” Matt never discussed his assignments and his father knew better than to ask for more details.

    The two men reached through the bars and clasped hands. “How come they haven’t transferred you to the county jail where you wouldn’t have to put up with Josh?” Matt asked.

    “Haven’t you heard? Last month’s floods badly damaged the building. It looks like I’m going to be here for quite a while.”

    “Not if I can help it, Pop.”

    “Josh isn’t going to make it easy for you.”

    “Josh is an ass. Why you recommended him for the job of chief, I’ll never know.”

    “Nobody’s better qualified. He’s dedicated, fair—”

    “You want to rethink the fair part, Pop?”

    Fred shrugged. “He’s just doing his job, Matty. And he’s got to do it under extreme pressure—from the town, who wants me out of jail, and from the D.A. who wants to make sure I stay in.”

    “Not if your new attorney has anything to say about it.”

    “What new attorney?”

    “Lucy wasn’t happy with Miles Stewart, so I contacted a friend of mine who used to be with the bureau and now practices in New York City. He’s one of the best criminal lawyers in the country. Unfortunately, he’s wrapping up a case and can’t be here until November twentieth.”

    “I don’t need a fancy attorney, son.” He grinned. “I have a lot of faith in your abilities, even if I don’t approve of Lucy calling you.”

    “I’m glad she did.”

    As an afterthought, Fred asked, “You’re staying at the house, aren’t you?”

    “Not this time, Pop. I checked into the Centre Bridge Inn.”

    “Lucy will be disappointed.”

    “I’ll talk to her.”

    “Okay, but remember, my house is your house. Nothing will ever change that.”

    “I appreciate that.” He leaned against the wall. “Now, how about you give me your version of what happened?”

    Fred was silent for a long time. Matt folded his arms and just waited.

    “You were right, you know,” Fred said at last.

    “About what?”

    “Denise. I shouldn’t have married her. She was too young, too energetic, too unpredictable.” He paused. “Neither one of us had any luck with the Newman sisters, did we? You were the smart one, though. You had enough sense to break up with Felicia before things got too far. I, on the other hand, allowed my infatuation with Denise to turn into something so powerful, I couldn’t have walked away if I had wanted to.”

    “We don’t have to talk about that now.”

    “Yes, we do. Your disapproval of Denise changed our relationship, and I hated that. The truth is, I was too blind to see her for what she