Free Justice by David Wood

his shoulder at the Washington Monument jutting up over the thin tree line. No matter how many times he visited the nation’s capital, he found himself mesmerized by the history represented here.
    “Not much to look at, is it?” Bones’ sweeping gesture took in the museum’s gray façade.
    “It gets better on the inside. At least, it does if you like history.”
    “I hear they’ve got one of Elvis’ outfits from his Vegas days in here.”
    “They’ve got a little bit of everything,” Sterling said.
    Maddock held the glass door for the others and the group proceeded inside. Five minutes later they were ushered into a tiny office with the name LISA ACIE etched on a nameplate beside the door.
    Lisa Acie, a woman of medium height with light brown skin and long, lustrous black hair, greeted them with a warm, friendly smile and shook hands with each of them. Maddock didn’t miss the way her gaze lingered on Bones as she invited them to sit.
    “I have to say, I don’t get many interview requests,” she began, taking off her glasses and laying them on her desk. “What exactly can I help you with?”
    “We’re interested in Billy Lee,” Maddock said. “We understand you’re a descendant.”
    “That’s correct.” She was speaking to Maddock, but her eyes kept drifting to Bones. “His life is fairly well documented. I’m not sure how I can help you.”
    That was true. William “Billy” Lee was George Washington’s slave and personal valet. One of the most trusted people in Washington’s circle, he attended to Washington’s personal needs and filled a variety of roles. An expert horseman, he became Washington’s huntsman, the man in charge of the hounds, on Washington’s frequent hunting trips, and served him throughout the Revolutionary War and until his passing.
    “The Smithsonian has a collection of Lee artifacts that are currently off display,” Sterling interjected.
    “That’s true. It’s a small collection. Is there something in particular you’re interested in?”
    “A journal,” Maddock said.
    “I’m sorry. If Lee kept a journal, it was lost over the years. There’s no journal in the collection and no one in the family has mentioned one.”
    Maddock didn’t miss the way her eyes flitted downward and her fingers twitched. She might not be lying, but something wasn’t quite right.
    “The journal we’re looking for belonged to George Washington. We think he entrusted it to Billy on his deathbed, possibly to be passed along to Lafayette.”
    Acie froze, panic filling her eyes.
    Bones reached out and took her hand. “Someone we care about is in danger because of this journal. If there’s anything you can tell us…”
    Acie’s eyes moved to the open door of her office. “Close the door.” When Bones had complied, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m making such a big deal of this. It’s just not something the family talks about.”
    Bones nodded. “Sort of like my great uncle’s third…”
    “Focus, Bones!” Maddock snapped.
    Acie managed a grin. “You’re right. Before he died, Washington entrusted a journal to Lee with instructions that it be passed along to Lafayette, but Lee only passed along a few pages and kept the rest for himself.”
    “Why?” Bones asked.
    “Bitterness. Billy Lee was a trusted confidant, a friend to Washington. He stayed by Washington’s side while this country fought a war in the name of freedom, yet he remained a slave until Washington’s death. ‘All men are created equal’ my ass,” she added under her breath.
    “Makes sense,” Bones said.
    “Not entirely. Lee claimed that Washington broke his promise. He told his descendants that he actually remained enslaved for several years after Washington’s death, but that doesn’t make sense, since he was freed in Washington’s will. The family just chalked it up to his alcoholism.”
    Maddock wished he could tell her that it did make sense,