Free Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon

Liz know once she’s settled in at the condo.”
    “I’ll get the engine warmed up.” Dan disposed of his own cup and headed out the door.
    Three minutes later, as the two marshals returned from stowing the bags, Liz appeared in the doorway. She’d pulled a sweater over her head and carried a jacket over her arm. Meaning she’d have no more need of his.
    Stifling an unexpected surge of disappointment, Jake forced himself to switch gears as he addressed her. “We have some media out front, so we’re going to make a quick exit. Dan’s already in the car.”
    He took her arm, and the remaining men closed in tight around her.
    “It’s a good thing I’m not claustrophobic.” She surveyed the circle of marshals.
    “Bear with us for two minutes. Once you’re in the car, you’ll have more breathing room.”
    At Jake’s signal, the group exited the front door and headed toward the Suburban.
    The instant they appeared, the quiet Saturday morning came to life. The media vans spewed out camera-toting technicians, and reporters waving microphones began calling out to Liz.
    Jake tightened his grip on her arm and glanced down. To his surprise, she didn’t seem fazed by the shouted questions and circus-like atmosphere.
    Then again, she’d been involved in some high-profile cases through the years. Doug had mentioned once that one of them had drawn national attention. She’d even been quoted in Newsweek . No doubt she’d had more than her share of exposure to the press.
    As she slid into the Suburban and he prepared to close the door, one of the young officers who’d been stationed at the perimeter of the property jogged over.
    “Excuse me, sir, but there’s a neighbor from across the street who’d like to talk to the judge. Delores Moretti.”
    “Delores is here?” Liz bobbed her head, trying to find an opening in the wall of men. “I’d like to see her. Jake?” She touched his arm.
    He hesitated. The exposed position wasn’t good. But it was hard to say no to her after all she’d been through. And as long as they formed a human shield, it should be okay. For sixty seconds.
    “This has to be quick.”
    “I understand.”
    “Okay.” Jake turned to the officer. “Let her come over.”
    The man walked a few feet away and motioned to a stout, gray-haired woman standing on the sidelines. She ducked under the police tape and trotted up the driveway.
    “What’s she holding?” Jake eyed the shallow aluminum container in her hands and directed his question to the officer.
    “Some kind of food.”
    Behind him, Jake heard a tiny, soft chuckle from Liz. “That would be Delores.”
    When the woman drew close, Jake spoke again. “Ma’am, we need to make this fast.”
    “This won’t take but a minute.”
    Stepping aside, Jake created a gap wide enough for the woman to squeeze through.
    During the brief exchange that followed, he did a continuous scan of the neighborhood, as did Spence beside him. But the conversation behind him was more interesting than the view in front of him.
    “Cannoli! Oh, Delores, you shouldn’t have bothered.”
    “It wasn’t any bother at all. Not that they’ll offer much consolation. But words are no good at a time like this. They won’t change what happened to your poor sister or take away your grief. So I did what I could. I went to church and lit a candle, and I said a rosary. Then I came home and made your favorite dessert. You know Harold and I are here for you if you need anything, Liz. All you have to do is call.”
    “I know, Delores. And I appreciate that more than I can say.”
    Jake felt the woman move behind him, and knew she’d leaned forward to give Liz a hug.
    “Don’t you worry about anything right now except keeping yourself safe. Just lay low until all this is over.”
    “I don’t think I have a choice in the matter. As you can see, I’m surrounded by U.S. marshals. Will you let Reverend Mike know I won’t be able to help at the shelter tomorrow