Ava's Gift. Jason Mott

heard her suck in her breath, watched her lean over as if she was going to be sick. Her blue eyes were instantly liquid with tears.

      “Joey, please. Let me have five minutes with him. Please.”

      He turned his back on her, walked to the window and pulled open the blinds to let in the morning sun. Minutes passed before he turned to address her once more. “Stud was arrested four days ago. It seems he’s not only a wife beater but a murderer.”

      She gasped. “He murdered someone?”

      “Actually, three people. Remember when Tom Mallory was killed just before you left town? Stud was the one who shot him. Several weeks ago, he killed Milo Tandi and a dancer at the Shedd. I won’t bore you with the details. I just thought you’d feel better knowing that he’s locked up.”

      “He killed Tom? Why?”

      “Because he thought you were sleeping with him. He also tried to kill Jacky and me for the same reason.”

      “Oh God.”

      She was shaking. In spite of his attempt to remain indifferent, Joey said, “He’s crazy, Rhea. The best place for Stud Williams is six feet under, but instead he’s going to Joliet Prison. I guess that’s the second best place for him.”

      She brushed at a tear clinging to her scarred eye. “Joey, let me see Nicci. Just for a minute. Let me explain why I won’t be seeing him for a while, so he doesn’t think I’ve abandoned him.” More tears. “Please.”

      Joey stepped forward and pressed another button on his phone panel. The action brought the door swinging open and Gates into his office.

      “Yes, Mr. Masado.”

      “Find a suite for Ms. Williams. Something with a view. She’ll be spending a lot of time staring out the window.”