“Sure. Hi, Troy,” Tom said.
“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Not great,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about the conversation we had a few weeks ago, and my conscience won’t let me rest.”
What did that mean? “How so?”
He hesitated for a long moment. “I just told Kayla that I lied for Victor regarding his alibi.”
My mouth dropped open, but I wasn’t too surprised. I’d gotten the feeling that something was off when we’d met with him. “Okay… So just to clarify, you didn’t see his mother stop by that day?”
“Correct. But I want to make it known that I never believed Victor was a murderer, and I still don’t. He did a lot of ugly things, but he didn’t have a record, and I honestly don’t think he had anything to do with Daniel’s death.”
I shifted so I was closer to Kayla’s phone. “You must have concerns though. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have called.”
“Well, yeah. After hearing about Kayla’s recent attack and that weird phone call she got… I’d never forgive myself if something happened to her because I lied.”
Kayla winced, and I took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly. “Why did you do it? I get that you don’t think he killed anyone, but why lie to the police?”
“Well, that’s where this gets sticky.” He cleared his throat uncomfortably and was quiet for several seconds. “He knew I was cheating on my wife.” I could almost hear him swallow. “And he threatened to tell her if I didn’t validate his story.”
Ironically, his wife must have caught on anyway, but I didn’t state the obvious. He didn’t need me to say what he’d already figured out, and there was only one thing of importance here. “Are you willing to go to the police with this?”
He let out a deep sigh, and I sensed he was inwardly beating himself up for what he’d done. “I don’t want to, but I’ll do it.”
I nodded. “I respect your willingness to make this right.”
“Thank you,” Kayla said. “The last thing I want is for you to get in trouble, but the police need to know so they can look into Victor. I’ve always had a bad feeling about him, and if he was involved at all, he needs to be held accountable.”
“Tell me who to talk with and I’ll set up an appointment,” he said.
Kayla immediately started looking through her contacts. “Hold on, I’ll text you the detective’s phone number.”
Tom sighed again, and it was one of those weary bone-deep sighs that came from a man who knew he’d messed up. “I’ll take care of it, Kayla. And I’m so sorry for the trouble it’s caused you.”
“I’m not upset with you,” Kayla said. “Just thankful you’re willing to tell the truth.”
We said our goodbyes and then Kayla texted Detective Marlow’s phone number to Tom. She glanced at me and grimaced. “If Victor is behind Daniel’s death, he needs to be brought to justice.”
“I agree.”
A call came through on Kayla’s cell, and she answered. “Lillian… Are you back already?”
Lillian spoke excitedly on the other line, and Kayla’s expression darkened. She nodded. “Yes, I’m free right now. Can you meet?”
I frowned. So much for our dinner date, but whatever this was about had to be important if she was canceling.
“Perfect,” Kayla said. “I’m with Troy. We’ll be there in a few minutes.” After she ended the call, she glanced at me with apprehension on her face. “There’s something I haven’t told you.”
Ten minutes later, we were at the public library, and we’d requested one of those private meeting rooms with glass windows that looked out towards the study area. Kayla shifted in her seat, twisting her hands in her lap. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
“I do. You’re about to find out if the person you trusted all these years is not the man you thought he was.”
Nothing shocked me anymore these days, so when Kayla told me that one of Robert’s former employees had evidence he might be involved in a Ponzi scheme, I couldn’t say it came as a surprise. Something about that guy had bothered me from the beginning.
Of course, the biggest issue I had with him was his level of ease in falsely accusing me. Whether his poor character extended to cheating his clients as well… I had no idea.
“Sorry,” Kayla said. “I know I’m dumping this on you all at once, and I probably should have said something sooner, but it’s still hard for me to accept. I won’t believe an accusation about a friend without seeing proof.”
“You don’t have to be sorry. You’re loyal. You always talk about how good Robert has been to you, but you’ve been good to him as well. Not many would have put up with half the things you’ve dealt with concerning him.”
She pursed her lips and gave me a look. “What are you trying to say? That I let him walk all over me?”
I had to tread carefully here. “No, but I think it’s great you’re putting boundaries in place. He knows how to pull at your heartstrings.”
She let out a deep sigh and looked almost despondent. “You believe he’s guilty, don’t you?”
“I have no idea one way or the other. At least we’ll know in a few minutes.”
A woman with brown hair, appearing in her late forties, waved as she approached, a large bag slung over one shoulder. I relaxed. “See? She came just like she said she would.”
Kayla got out of her seat and opened the glass door for Lillian. “I didn’t get the chance to ask on the phone, but how was your trip?”
Lillian smiled. “Wonderful. We’re already planning our next vacation.”
“Where to?” Kayla asked.
“Not sure yet, but we both want
