SYNOPSIS: Jason Franco is an aspiring novelist stuck in a dead-end job working for a newspaper in a small town where nothing exciting happens until someone rapes and murders a young woman only eighteen years old. All evidence points to the woman's boyfriend who confesses to the crime. Jason is assigned to write a follow-up story for the paper and soon suspects that the local police are covering up for one of their own. Jason enlists the help from a high school classmate who works at the state crime and the two soon fall in love. Jason and his girlfriend, Tina, follow the leads, and Jason finds himself a target for the rapist turned murderer. An attempt on Jason's life puts him in the hospital as the alleged rapist commits suicide. An unexpected turn of events put Jason back in the cross hairs of a different killer.
Benedict Foxx, Defense Lawyer
August 1, 2015
On Saturday, several people showed up at the barbecue to wish Paulo well. Paulo made a pitch for Angelina’s memorial, and people started stuffing money in a large jar. At some point Sean found himself standing next to Paulo’s new lawyer, Benedict Foxx.
“Thanks for coming up on such short notice and bailing Paulo out,” said Sean. “It means a lot to all of us.”
“Yeah, I can see that. He’s a nice kid. Thanks for considering me.”
“So what happens now? Does he have to stand trial?”
Benedict took a drink of his beer. “I don’t think it’ll come to that.”
“Why not.”
“If the missing evidence doesn't turn up soon, we'll file a motion to set aside the verdict based on prosecutorial misconduct. He Attorney General will probably tell the County DA to drop the charges, and Paulo will go free.”
“Because of the investigation into the TPD handling of this case?”
“Yeah. The AG hasn’t released the results of the investigation into the TPD which means it mustn’t be good. It’s political now. The AG is a Republican as is the DA. I’m sure the AG has to figure how not to embarrass the DA before releasing the results of the investigation.”
“What about the Police Chief, Jeri Cruse?”
“Truthfully? No matter what happens he’s history. Best scenario--he’ll be fired. Worst case scenario–he'll be charged with obstruction of justice. He might be able to resign.”
Paulo strode up to Sean and Benedict. He was holding a wad of money. “Here Mr. Tyler. Here’s the first deposit for Angie’s memorial.”
Sean took the money. “Please call me Sean. I opened the account. Both you and I can make deposits, but I’ll deposit this.”
“Thanks. I’ll have more money Monday. A guy in Lingle said he has been collecting cash in his neighborhood. He sent me a text and wants me to pick it up.”
“What’s his name?” asked Sean.
“No name. He wanted to be anonymous. He just gave me an address and a time to meet him.”
“Did Angie's mother come to the barbecue?” asked Sean.
“No,” said Paulo. “I asked her but she isn’t ready to talk to me just yet.”
“I guess Kate Smith didn’t come either?”
Paulo shook his head. “No. Isn’t she talking to you?”
“No. Not yet. She’s still grieving.”
Jason saw Tina parking her car and he rushed over to greet her. “I see you made it. I thought Dyanna was coming too.”
“She did. We came up early so Sy could change our oil. Sy asked her out for coffee. She'll be here later.”
Jason admired Tina's outfit. She was wearing her signature cowgirl hat with shorts and boots. “Did Sy like your outfit?”
“Yeah, except I wasn't wearing a bra. I stopped off at home to put this one on.”
“So I'm guessing Sy gave you a discount.”
“Yesss,” answered Tina as she pumped her fist. “I got the classmate ten percent discount.”
“Ten percent? He gives me fifteen. I guess I get the close friend discount.”
“That rat! Dyanna and I both didn't wear bras. Didn't you tell him I was your girlfriend?”
“Uh, must have slipped my mind.”
“Then you're a rat too.”
Tina and Jason hiked over to Sean and Benedict.
# # # #