Speed Trap. Patricia Davids

once when she confided in me about her illness. All she said was that she had caused him enough grief and couldn’t burden him with a child. I thought perhaps he was a married man with a family of his own, but that was only my assumption. Judy planned to place Colin up for adoption.”

      Mandy knew she should be saddened by the news, but she wasn’t.

      The reverend continued, “It was very important to Judy that Colin be raised in a family that shared the same faith she’d found such comfort in.”

      “Did Judy have any other family?”

      “No, she was alone.”

      And now so was Colin.

      The seed of an idea began to take root in Mandy’s mind. She could care for him, raise him in a faith-filled home.

      Was it possible? Maybe Garrett wasn’t the father.

      Adopting a child had never occurred to her before, but then, she hadn’t met Colin yet.

      There would be time to consider what such a move would mean later. Right now, she needed to focus on the case at hand. “Did Judy have any enemies?”

      “Not that I was aware of, but the man who murdered her friend was never caught.”

      Now that was some serious motive. “Do you know his name?”

      “No, and neither did Judy. The Kansas City police were never able to locate him.”

      That meant the case was still open. Mandy made a mental note to get the case file and review it for leads.

      “Judy was terrified this man would come after her. She hitchhiked out of Kansas City and ended up here. When I met her, she was living on the streets and struggling to stay off drugs. Our women’s shelter was a Godsend for her.”

      “Did you ever hear her say she was afraid of her ex-husband?”

      “No.”

      “What about money? Is there anyone who’d benefit from Judy’s death? Life insurance—anything like that?”

      “Judy was as poor as a church mouse. Believe me, I know how poor that is.”

      Mandy smiled. “You said that she planned to put the baby up for adoption.”

      “Yes, she had an attorney. Donald Victor is the man’s name. I’m sorry, I gave Mr. Bowen the card that Judy kept in her desk drawer, but I’m sure he’ll be listed in the phone book.”

      Bowen again. Mandy pressed her lips together to hold back a comment. She pulled her own card from her shirt pocket. “Thank you, Reverend Spencer. You’ve been a big help. If you think of anything else, please give me a call.

      After leaving the church, Mandy used the computer in her vehicle to look up Donald Victor, attorney-at-law. The address was across town. When she arrived at the location, she wasn’t surprised to see Garrett was there ahead of her. His dusty pickup, looking decidedly out of place, sat parked between a new silver Lexus and a cherry-red Corvette.

      Wiley, tail wagging and tongue lolling, raced between the partially rolled-down windows, barking at anyone who came close. As a watchdog, he wasn’t much of a deterrent, but then Mandy doubted a thief would pick the beat-up truck over the red beauty beside it.

      At least Garrett had chosen a parking spot in the shade of a tall sycamore tree. The consideration for his pet raised her opinion of him a notch. One.

      Pushing open the heavy glass doors with the firm’s name painted in gold lettering, Mandy entered a spacious foyer. In the center of the room, lush green plants were artfully arranged in pots beneath a domed skylight. The faint trickle of water from a small fountain could be heard over low classical music playing softly from hidden speakers.

      The thick navy carpet muffled her footsteps as she approached the receptionist seated behind a low counter.

      “Good afternoon. How may I assist you?” The woman’s voice was cool and cultured. Her perfectly manicured nails matched her red dress. Not a single hair dared spring free from the French twist at the nape of her neck. Mandy couldn’t help wishing she were dressed in something other than her drab uniform. She quickly dismissed the vain thought.

      “I’m here to see Mr. Victor.”

      The woman glanced at the computer screen. “Do you have an appointment?”

      Mandy smiled. “No, but this is official business. Has Mr. Bowen already gone in?”

      The woman relaxed and nodded. “Just a few moments ago. He was very insistent about speaking to Mr. Victor.”

      “Which way?”

      “Down the hall. First door on your left.” She picked up the phone. “Shall I let them know you’re here?”

      “Don’t bother. Mr. Bowen will be expecting me.”

      

      Garrett glanced over his shoulder when the door behind him opened. The sheriff hadn’t wasted any time getting here. She had a smile on her lips, but it wasn’t a warm one.

      He turned his attention back to Mr. Victor. The man was frowning at the woman who had just barged into his office.

      Mandy came forward and extended her hand to the attorney. “Sheriff Amanda Scott of Morrison County, Mr. Victor. I’m investigating the death of Judy Bowen.”

      She parked herself in the black leather chair next to Garrett. “What have I missed?”

      Garrett had to admire her brashness. “Not much. Mr. Victor was just telling me that he couldn’t give me any information. Maybe he’ll feel more comfortable talking to the law.”

      “I’m sure he will. You can go now, Mr. Bowen.”

      “I believe I’ll stay. This concerns me as much as it does you.” Garrett could do simple math. Judy left him a year ago. The baby was about four months old. He needed this man to confirm or deny what he suspected.

      She said, “As Judy Bowen is deceased, your attorney-client privilege no longer applies. Is that right?”

      Mr. Victor looked somewhat relieved. “Yes, that’s true, Sheriff.”

      “What can you tell me about her?”

      “Not much, actually. She came to me two weeks ago, wanting information about placing her son for adoption.”

      “I’ve always understood that private adoptions are very expensive.”

      Mr. Victor sat back and laced his fingers together over his pinstriped suit. “There was no cost to Miss Bowen. All fees and expenses would be paid by the adopting parents.”

      The man had the look of a college quarterback gone to seed. A thick gold ring glittered on his right hand. The overpowering scent of his spicy cologne permeated the air. Everything about him and about his office told Garrett he enjoyed the money he made.

      “And who are the adoptive parents?” Mandy asked.

      “Judy had not yet selected a family. Kansas law requires that both parents of the child relinquish their parental rights. It was my understanding that she intended to inform the father in person of her decision and obtain his permission.”

      “Did she give you his name?” Garrett asked quickly.

      The attorney opened the file on his desk. “Yes, I assumed you knew. You are listed as the child’s father.”

      Garrett sank back in his chair, his mind spinning. It was true. He had a son.

      Why hadn’t Judy told him?

      What did he do now?

      His past hadn’t exactly prepared him for parenthood. He had no idea how to raise a kid.

      Should he let this lawyer go ahead with the adoption? Judy must have believed it was the best choice, but was it?