Free The Deadly River by Jeff Noonan Page A

came out of the kitchen then with Lee’s breakfast. Ray rose to leave. “While you’re eating, I’ll call Sheriff Rose and let him know you’re in town. He’ll probably want to get you together with Don Warthen as soon as he can. Are you free this afternoon?”
    Lee spoke around a mouth full of toast and eggs. “Yeah.”
    “Okay, I’ll see what we can do.” With that, Ray headed for to the telephone in the far corner of the café. Lee attacked his food like a starving person, much to the amusement of Janet and Dawn who were watching his every move.
    Ray was soon back at the counter. “They’d like to see you as soon as possible, Lee. The County Attorney has to be in court this afternoon and, if possible, he’d like to talk to you before that. I hate to ask, but can you go down to Big River after you finish eating?”
    Lee thought for a moment. He hated to be rushed, but he couldn’t think of an excuse to duck out on this. Finally, with no other options available, he nodded his agreement.
    “Great!” Then Ray fell silent as he thought for a short time. Then he looked at Dawn. “But I don’t have anyone to watch the garage today, so I can’t go to Big River with Lee. Can one of you guys break loose and show him where to go there?”
    Lee immediately held up his hands in protest. When his mouth was empty, he answered for Dawn. “No, Ray. I can find my way alone if yougive me directions. It wouldn’t look good for you to be shadowing me everywhere. This is something I should do on my own. I can handle it.”
    Ray nodded. “You’re right. That would definitely send the wrong message. I’ll write down some directions for you. Good thinking, Lee. Thanks.”

    The nameplate on the desk said “Donald Warthen, ESQ, Mineral County Attorney”. The man behind the desk had the look of a person who had once been a college football star. Framed photographs on the wall, from college days far in the past, confirmed the impression. Even now he was a big man with a slightly expanded girth that he obviously worked hard to keep in check.
    The County Attorney stood to shake Lee’s hand, then immediately got down to business. He briefed Lee on what to expect at the trial and asked Lee to describe the robbery. As Lee talked, he took notes and interrupted to ask questions frequently. When the story was finished, he compared his notes with those he had taken from other witnesses. Satisfied, he sat back and thanked Lee for his cooperation.
    “The trial is scheduled for the second week in August. I may need to see you a few days before that to go over any new things that may come up between now and then. Can you be available if I give you a few day’s notice?”
    “Yeah. Shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll try to check in with Ray Moore at least twice a week until then. If you need me, just get word to him and I’ll show up.”
    Sheriff Rose, who had been a silent observer through most of the meeting, agreed with this approach. “Don, if you need him, let me know and I’ll work with Ray Moore to get him for you.”
    Warthen nodded. “Okay, Mr. Raines. Do you have any questions before we break up here?”
    Lee thought for a moment. “Only one, sir. I’ve been told that this guy might try to get out of a trial by trading info with you. At this point, are you sure the trial will happen? Also, are you positive of the trial date?”
    “Sorry, Mr. Raines. There are some things I just can’t discuss openly. Let me just say that, unless something changes, the trial date is firm. If there are any changes in the future, I’ll get the word to you as fast as possible. Okay?”
    “Sure. Thank you.” With that, Lee and the Sheriff rose to leave, both shaking hands with the County Attorney, who didn’t rise from his chair.
    As they went down the long hallway toward the courthouse door, Sheriff Rose turned to Lee and laughed. “You really didn’t expect him to answer that question about Willy trading info, did you?”
    Lee