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fundraiser, I saw an opportunity to do some good and also publicize my brewery. I’m pleased to be a main sponsor.”
    â€œAnd we thank you for your generosity,” Cory said.
    Molly Staton spoke next. “I’m Helen,” she said directly to me. “Your ghost of the bridge.” She glanced around the circle and smiled. “Actually I’m Molly Staton. I work at the Pack Library and I’ve always been interested in the paranormal and supernatural. In addition to playing Helen for the event, I’ll be coordinating volunteers with Lenore.”
    â€œAnd I’m Lenore Carpenter. I’m also a member of the Asheville Apparitions and in addition to helping Molly, I’ll be lining up logistical support for the night of the ghost tour. I’m a professional event planner and happy to use my experience to help the twins.” She turned to the young man on her right, signaling she had finished.
    He reached behind his chair and held up a small backpack. I hadn’t noticed it before.
    â€œMy name is Collin McPhillips. I’m a freelance photographer and this is my camera to prove it. Actually, I’m a photo-journalist.” He nodded to the young woman beside him. “But, I’m happy to shoot pictures and let someone else write the story. I was covering the courthouse the day Clyde Atwood went crazy. That’s when I met Angela. We stayed in touch and when we heard about the fundraiser, we thought it might make an interesting article.”
    The woman tagged onto his comments. “We’re happy to help with pre-publicity as well. We could write press releases, and I hope our article can bring in donations after the event.”
    â€œYou are?” Cory questioned.
    â€œSorry. I’m Angela Douglas. I’m new to Asheville, but as a freelance writer, I can live anywhere. In addition to magazine articles, I’ve written scripts for some of those reality shows like ‘Ghost Hunters’ and ‘Psychic Detective.’”
    Hewitt laughed. “If you ever need to cast ‘ Psycho Detective,’ Sam’s your man.”
    Lenore reached across Collin to shake Angela’s hand. “Molly and I love those shows,” she gushed. “How exciting to have you part of the team.”
    Cory DeMille’s smooth brow creased with a trace of annoyance. I could tell she wasn’t completely comfortable with someone exploiting the event for an article that could wind up in some weirdo publication. “Yes, Angela,” Cory said, “welcome to Asheville. Perhaps we can talk later about the best way to use your talents. I want to make sure the twins remain the focus of everything we’re doing.”
    â€œAbsolutely,” Angela agreed. “Someday I want them to read the story and to be proud of how this community rallied around them.”
    Cory relaxed. “Good. Now last but not least, it’s Tom’s turn to introduce himself.”
    I leaned forward, keen to learn how Hewitt’s opposing counsel wound up sitting beside his trusted paralegal.
    Like Hewitt, Peterson rose to his feet. “I’m Tom Peterson. I’d been part of the public defender’s office for about six months. The Atwood trial was my first assignment and although it was trial by fire for me, the horrific outcome is something that will haunt me forever. I got to know Cory visiting her in the hospital.”
    I glanced at Nakayla. If this was news to her, she masked her surprise.
    â€œI keep thinking I could have done something.” Peterson’s voice choked. “Talked to Atwood a few minutes. Calmed him down.”
    â€œBullshit.”
    Hewitt’s expletive snapped the young attorney’s head around.
    â€œAre you calling me a liar?” Now Peterson’s voice was choked with anger.
    â€œNo, sir, I’m not.” Hewitt spoke softly, even managing to smile. “You believe what you’re saying. It’s