Read The Pursuit of Lies (Book #4, Paradise Valley) for Free Online Page B

Now you’re telling me that he and his Jeep are caught on tape at Allison’s condo building.”
    “He’s adamant that he’s innocent.” Alex’s voice was calm and steady. “It’s our job to figure out why all this evidence is pointing to him and then dispute it.”
    “How can we dispute his fingerprints and DNA being found in the condo if he claims he was never there?” Emily asked.
    “Someone could be setting him up,” Alex suggested.
    “Or maybe he’s been lying to us all about who he is, all the while living a lie behind our backs.” Emily put her head down on her arms again.
    “Are you talking about Colin or Evan?” Isabel asked.
    Emily didn’t want to admit it, but her experience of recently finding out her late husband was not the man he claimed to be could be coloring her reaction to the accusations against Colin. “Maybe I am blurring the line between the two of them, but what am I supposed to think when the police have this mountain of evidence that’s piling up against Colin? It feels like Evan all over again.”
    “But it’s not Evan, it’s Colin. Ex-marine, police detective, stand-up guy who’s honest to a fault.” Alex rose from his seat. “I’m tired and we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. I suggest we all try to get some sleep.”
    “Since it’s Friday night, Colin won’t be arraigned until Monday, will he?” Emily stood too.
    “That’s right,” Alex replied. “Probably not until at least eleven.”
    “Can you get me in to see him tomorrow?”
    “I’ll do my best. You are my investigator.”
    “Did they put him in the general population?” Emily knew anyone in law enforcement would likely be brutalized by the inmates.
    “I told them not to, but the detective said he’d try . It sounded like he was attempting to send a message.”
    “Oh, Alex.” Emily pushed her curls off her face with both hands, worried what that might mean.
    “He’s an ex-marine, Em. He can take care of himself.”
    “I know, but—”
    “Don’t worry about him, he’ll be all right. The last thing he said to me was, ‘Take care of Emily,’ and, ‘tell her I’m innocent and I love her.’”
    Tears welled up in her eyes as she gave Alex a hug. “Thank you.” She was relieved to have his and Isabel’s support.
    Isabel stepped in and put her arms around them both. “We’ll get through this, Em.”
    ~*~
    The next morning, Emily awoke to strange surroundings. She sat up and ran her fingers through her full mane of hair. Glancing around with bleary eyes, it took her a minute to recognize where she was—in Isabel’s guest room—and to remember why she was there.
    Memories of the events of the previous night rushed back at her. Her heart began to pound, blood throbbing at her temples. She flopped back against the pillows. “Colin,” she groaned, massaging the sides of her head.
    Maybe this is all just a bad dream. Please, God, let me wake up.
    There was a light knock at the bedroom door, then it opened slightly and Isabel poked her head in. “You awake?”
    “Barely. Come on in.” Emily rubbed her eyes and yawned.
    Isabel moved to the bed and sat on the edge of it.
    “Tell me I’m dreaming, Is.”
    “I wish I could. Did you get any sleep?”
    “Tossed and turned most of the night, trying to wrap my head around the evidence Alex said the police have against Colin. I guess I eventually fell asleep out of pure exhaustion.”
    “I know it’s a lot to take in, Em, but we’ll figure it out.” Isabel patted Emily’s leg. “Why don’t you come down and have some coffee, then we’ll talk.”
    Isabel rose and drifted toward the door. She glanced back at Emily with a somber expression on her face. “Alex said the DA will likely push for the death penalty.”
    Emily’s eyes shot open at the thought and her hand flew over her gaping mouth. Then her eyes narrowed as she lowered her hand and set her jaw. “We can’t let that happen.”

Chapter 6
    Emily padded into the kitchen,