Free The Sooner the Better by Debbie Macomber Page B

actually consisted of two separate parts, designed to fit together. One half of the Star had been discovered in the 1930s and kept in a Mexico City museum. That piece had gone missing a few days after the second half of the Star was found on a new archaeological dig. But it disappeared under mysterious circumstances before its authenticity could be verified. Even worse, one man—a guard at the museum—was hospitalized and not expected to live. Another man, an archaeologist named Raventos, hadn’t been seen since the first theft. There was evidence of foul play. It was assumed that the same person was responsible for all these crimes. “And the police suspect Jason of being the culprit,” Thomas said, concluding his explanation.
    â€œThat’s not true!” Jason shouted. “I swear that isn’t true.”
    â€œFortunately for your friend,” Thomas said to Lorraine, “Lieutenant Jacinto is inclined to believe him.”
    â€œThank God,” Jason whispered, sagging against his chair. “They’ve searched everything I have. They tore my backpack inside out.”
    Her father faced Jason and met his look squarely. “If you’ve taken this artifact, it would be best to own up now.”
    â€œI didn’t!” Jason said fervently. “I swear I don’t know what these men are talking about. I’m just a part-time university instructor.”
    Lorraine noticed that he conveniently forgot to mention that the subject he taught was archaeology or that he’d just been on a dig. Not that she blamed him—well, not entirely. She understood the reason he’d given her: just mentioning his background would make him instantly suspect in police eyes.
    â€œThey said they were looking for a long-haired blond American male with round glasses and a bad cut on his right hand,” Thomas said.
    Jason shrugged. His own hair was dark and clipped short and he didn’t wear glasses. “I don’t know what to tell you. It isn’t me.”
    â€œI’m not sure I’d have made it to El Mirador without his help,” Lorraine told her father.
    Thomas leveled his gaze on Jason. “Like I said, lucky for you Lieutenant Jacinto believes you.”
    Jason sighed with relief.
    â€œI’ve been able to convince them to let you go back to your hotel room for the night, but they might want to question you again in the morning.”
    â€œOf course. I’ll do anything I can to clear my name,” Jason said eagerly.
    â€œI’ll be here if you need me,” Thomas added.
    â€œThank you, sir. I appreciate your help more than I can say.”
    â€œJason won’t disappoint you,” Lorraine said with confidence. “He’ll do whatever he’s supposed to do.”
    â€œWell, for tonight you’re free to go back to the hotel,” Thomas reminded him.
    â€œThank you again,” Jason said.
    Jason, Lorraine and her father left the police station together. The police had repacked his bag and returned it. Her father insisted on walking Jason to his hotel and stopped to talk to the proprietor, an old man who greeted Thomas warmly.
    Although Lorraine couldn’t understand what was being said, the gist of the conversation was obvious. The man in the hotel was to keep an eye on Jason.
    Thomas didn’t refer to her role in this fiasco until they were almost back at the house. “Why’d you lie about being Jason’s wife?” he asked her point-blank.
    â€œI…I didn’t know what else to do.” She knew she’d displeased him, but that couldn’t be avoided. “I certainly hadn’t planned on doing it,” she qualified. “But when he said I was his wife…” Lorraine gave a helpless shrug. “Anyway, I know Jason’s innocent.”
    â€œYou’re that sure?”
    â€œYes, positive,” she replied without further thought. “Yes,” she said again for