Free Knox's Stand by Jamie Begley Page B

of new employees, anyone could have planted that jewelry,” The Sheriff argued.
    “We’ll know that once we fingerprint it, won’t we, Sheriff? Now, if you two are done fighting about putting a murderer behind bars where he belongs, I need to get back to the office. I have court this afternoon.” Thurman left both Diamond and the Sheriff staring after him.
    “He’s a dumb fuck,” The Sheriff said.
    “Yes, he is,” Diamond confirmed, but he was a dumb fuck that had the power of the State of Kentucky behind him. He was more than able to put Knox away; innocent or not.

Chapter Nine
     
    “Thanks for the clothes,” Knox grudgingly thanked the lawyer as she handed him the paperwork releasing him from jail for the second time that week.
    “You’re welcome,” Diamond’s response was just as begrudging.
    His long steps had no trouble keeping up with her strides outside the courtroom where Viper and Rider were waiting.
    Before Viper could talk, Diamond cut him off, “The bond wasn’t raised, pending the result of the final autopsy. When the autopsy or fingerprints come back, he could be back in, Viper. Whoever called that tip in wants him to take the fall. Any enemies that want him out of the way?” Diamond questioned.
    “None. Even the Ohio branch of The Last Riders is calm right now,” Viper answered her question with one of his own. “Any idea who could be behind the call?”
    “No, but I think the reason they called the state police is they were worried someone would recognize their voice,” Diamond stated; after the sheriff had mentioned it, she had become certain that this was the case.
    The men all stared at each other.
    Diamond shifted on her feet. “If there’s nothing else, I’m going home. It’s been a long day, Viper.”
    Their attention turned to her. “Thanks, Ms. Richards,” Viper said.
    Diamond nodded. “I’ll be in touch.”
    Diamond left the men talking, going to her car which she had left in the sheriff’s parking lot. Opening her car door, she noticed The Last Riders had also parked their bikes not far from her car. She put the key in the ignition and it took a second before she realized her car wouldn’t start. Turning the key again, silence was the car’s only response.
    Diamond picked up her cell phone, but a knock on her window had her turning toward the sound to find Knox was staring back at her.
    Opening her door, he looked pointedly at the dead instrument panel. “Car won’t start?”
    “No. I’m calling a tow truck.”
    “Open the hood; we’ll take a look,” Knox said, stepping back from her car.
    “That’s all right; I can cal l— ”Diamond tried to put him off.
    “Open the hood.” Knox didn’t wait for her answer, going to the front of her car with Viper and Rider following. Reluctantly, Diamond pressed the lever, releasing the hood to her car, and then stepped out   to stand beside the men who were all staring down at her engine.
    Rider examined her engine several minutes before rising from the motor to look at her. “It’s the alternator. Leave it here tonight. In the morning I’ll go to the auto store and pick you up a new one.”
    “That’s okay. I can handle it.” Diamond could already tell she was going to lose the battle, though. Men had an abundance of testosterone on two subjects, women and cars. Giving up, Diamond went to her car and got her briefcase as well as her purse out.
    “How much does the alternator cost?” Diamond pulled her wallet out of her purse.
    “Don’t worry about it,” Rider said, closing the hood of her car. “I’ll pay for it and you can pay me back.”
    Diamond nodded her agreement. “All right.” Diamond locked her car. Scrolling her phone for taxis, she was about to call one when Knox spoke.
    “I’ll give you a ride home.”
    “No thanks, I’m calling a cab,” Diamond refused.
    “Don’t be stupid. I can have you home before you can get someone here.” Diamond paused; she was tired and not feeling