“And maybe something will. If the police don’t have any leads to focus on, they’ll look for one. And I’m worried they’ll find something that will incriminate Sierra.”
“Let’s worry about that when we get there,” Alex insisted.
She shook her head. “I can’t. Alex, I have to protect my family. They are my world, and I won’t let that world crumble over truths that can be twisted into lies. But before I go, there is one other thing I need your help with.”
“Anything. Just ask.”
Julia slid her eyes closed, building her will to say the words she didn’t want to say again. “Before Lydia trapped me in the fire, she told me something. I need to know if it’s true before I deal with any fallout from it.”
“Just tell me what you need.”
Julia clicked her tongue and sighed. “Lydia claimed Sierra wasn’t Grant’s. I need to know if she was lying or not. I already have the samples. They’re in the middle right drawer of my desk. Kyle knows about this, and he’s going to run the test. Make sure he gets those samples.”
“I will.” He crinkled his brow. “But why not give them to him yourself?”
“I’m not going to tell him what I’m about to do. He wouldn’t agree.”
“Neither do I. Maybe we ought to pay Grant’s Sequel a visit so we can double-team you.”
Julia offered him an amused glance. “Very funny. I’m heading to the station. Wish me luck.”
Alex pressed harder against the door. “Wait, wait. Let me get you legal counsel before you go.”
She shook her head. “Mitchell’s there. He’ll represent me.”
“One last try. Julia, please rethink this. Let the chips fall where they fall, then we’ll come up with a plan.”
“Sorry, Alex. I can’t take that chance. I’ll be okay. Handle things on this end. I need that information about Sierra when I get back.”
Alex’s jaw flexed but he lifted his hand as he nodded. “I’m on it. The parentage of the Peak Princess is now my prime objective.”
“And remember, mum’s the word,” she said with a wag of her finger.
“My lips are sealed. Good luck, Sunshine.”
She nodded at him before she pulled the door open and left the room behind. Determination filled every step she took despite the quivering that filled her stomach and the weakness than made her knees tremble.
She squeezed her jaw tight to stop her lower lip from trembling. A tangle of thoughts raced through her mind, a mix of concern and fear.
Had Sierra done something?
She didn’t want to believe it of her stepdaughter, but she couldn’t help but wonder if Sierra had decided to put an end to Lydia’s reign of terror.
With a doggedness fueling her, she pushed herself to leave the quiet safety of Harrington House behind, making the drive into the city. She swung into the police station’s lot and parked.
Every step she took toward the station jarred her. She practiced what she might say, though she would look to Mitchell for guidance.
She entered and found a seat in the waiting room before she sent Mitchell a text.Hi. I’m in the waiting room. I need some legal advice when you have a minute.
She shifted in the uncomfortable chair, shivering as the icy air around her made the wait even more uncomfortable. She blew out a shaky breath as her leg bobbed up and down.
When Mitchell appeared, she leapt from her seat, wringing her hands in front of her as her heart thudded against her ribs.
“Julia,” he greeted her with a bob of his head, “sorry to keep meeting under these circumstances.”
He motioned for her to sit. She perched on the edge of her chair, her muscles tight. “How is Grant?”
“Doing well considering the circumstances. No charges yet. Just some questions. I’ve advised him to maintain his right to the fifth. We’ll see–”
