Page 29 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

“If the cigarette butt isn’t hers, that means there may have been someone else paying attention to Maddox.”

“I don’t think this started with her. And I don’t think it ends with her either.” Then Sabre quietly added, “I just got another message.”

JP’s grip tightened on the phone. “What kind of message?”

“It said, One day left.”

“What does that mean?”

“I think it’s referring to the hearing tomorrow.”

“Which means the perp is getting information from someone. Who would know about the hearing?”

“Anyone I’ve told and anyone in the courtroom that day.”

“Which includes Bay. Has she had any visitors?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”

“Who else was in the courtroom?”

“The Deputy DA, the bailiff, the court clerk, the court reporter, and the judge.”

“We may have to check them all out.”

“Maybe, but none are likely suspects. Also, anyone in the DA’s office who could get access to the case could know. The clerks who work with the calendar, the list is pretty big.”

“What about the judge?”

“Hammouri? No. She’s about as straight as they come.”

“Give me the word, and I’ll check every one of them.”

“It might come to that but let me start with Bay. She’s the most likely suspect.”

“Sabre, this isn’t just about a murder charge.”

“I know.”

“I mean it. This feels like someone is steering the whole thing.”

“Do you think I’m the target?”

“Maybe, but if not, you’re definitely part of the plan.” JP took a breath. “Where are you?”

“I was headed to the office.”

“I’d feel better if you just came home. If you need to go to the office, I’ll go back with you.”

“I’m good.” Sabre paused. “I’ll head home and call DuBois and Nelson on the way. They need to know about the latest text.”

~~~

Sabre eased her car into traffic, then tapped her headset. “Siri, call DuBois.”

He picked up immediately.

“It’s Sabre. I got another text.”