Page 79 of Trust No One

“Yes. Like you, she’s a suspect.”

He exhaled. “This is so messed up. Maria is going to be so hurt by all this.”

No, you messed up all this. “Your prison record won’t help you.”

His jaw tightened. “I did my time. I’m trying to move on, but everyone finds a way to hold the past against me.”

I stared, unblinking. “Is that the reason you lost the recent job contract?”

“I didn’t tell them. And then they did a background check.”

“You lied to them.”

“I didn’t want it to matter.”

My annoyance spiked. “But it did, didn’t it?”

The tremble in his fingers grew more noticeable. “Look, I’ve screwed up a few times, but I didn’t poison Maria. Neither did Amy.”

“It doesn’t look good for either of you, Gabe. Once you’re formally charged, I’ll arrange for bail, assuming they don’t make it ridiculously high.”

“I’m not a flight risk. I have Molly. And Maria is still in the hospital.”

“Let’s hope the judge sees it that way.”

He gripped my arm, trapping it in a strong hold. “You can make the judge understand, can’t you?”

“I’m good, and I’ll do my best. But I can’t make any promises.”

“Does Maria know about my arrest?”

“I don’t think so. Trying to keep her stress low.”

“Can you visit her and tell her I’m coming to see her soon? Better it comes from you.”

“Yes, I’ll talk to her.” I rose. “Keep your mouth shut, Gabe. Don’t relax your guard. Judson isn’t your friend. He’s working against you now.”

His shoulders slumped. “I get it.”

“Do you?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Out in the hallway, Judson leaned against a wall, arms crossed. He lifted his gaze to mine, pushed away, and strode toward me—footsteps slow and steady.

“Gabe’s my client now. I’m on my way to the hospital to talk to Maria.”

“I’m going with you,” Judson said.

“I see her first,” I insisted.

“No, Counselor.”

“No.”

“She’s a material witness against your client. I talk to her first.”