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Kaj could see some resemblance between Aaron and Jace. Their eyes were the same blue, but Aaron’s were calculating and cold. Jace’s were either frightened or grateful for the smallest consideration.
How a sweet kid like Jace could have come from the Gates family was a mystery.
Kaj didn’t speak, patiently waiting. Aaron had asked to speak to him. He’d let the man make the first overture.
After a silent minute, Aaron spoke. “Mr.Cardozo.”
“Mr.Gates.”
Reuben stood along the back wall. The two officers stood at the ready on either side of Aaron’s place at the table. The public defender sat quietly next to them, watching.
“Have you seen my two younger brothers?” Aaron asked.
“Jace, yes. Rick, momentarily.”
“You put Rick in jail,” Aaron accused.
“Rick committed a crime,” Kaj said mildly. “And he was delivered to my front lawn, unconscious and rolled up in an old quilt. He was almost dead from a heroin overdose.”
Aaron’s eyes narrowed. “Who left him on your lawn?”
“Jace, because Corey forced him to do it.”
Aaron leaned back in his chair, trying for nonchalant. “You’ve spoken to Jace?”
“I have. He’s a nice kid.”
Aaron’s cold eyes softened the slightest bit. “I didn’t want him involved in any of this.”
“He’s being cared for. He’s okay. Confused and scared, but okay.” Kaj hesitated, then shrugged. “He’s got a good eye for detail. He remembers things. He’s really very smart.”
Aaron scowled. “No, he’s really not. He can’t read or write.”
“He’s probably dyslexic.”
Aaron blinked. “What?”
That made Kaj angry. “You’re a well-educated man, Mr.Gates. How could you not know?”
“I...” Aaron exhaled. “I wasn’t paying attention. My own son was dying.”
And before that? Kaj wanted to demand, because Jace had been Aaron’s responsibility for more than two years before little Liam had become ill. But he calmed himself. “I’m sorry for that. I’m a father, too. I can’t imagine how terrified you must have been.”
Aaron looked down. “Every damn day.”
Kaj didn’t trust this man, but he could believe that he’d loved his son. “Jace said that he asked Dewey Talley to be his guardian after your arrest.”
Aaron’s gaze shot up, filled with rage. His fists clenched on the table. “No.” Then he frowned, appearing confused. “But he can’t now, can he? Mr.Hogan says he’s dead.”
“I saw Dewey’s remains,” Kaj confirmed. “His body was... not intact.”
Aaron grimaced. “Gators?”
Kaj nodded. “Yeah. Not pretty.”
“No, it’s not,” he said. “Corey killed him?”
“That’s what I’m told.”
