“I don’t know yet. I haven’t been able to speak to her. But I would like to present her with the option of an immunity deal.”

“If—and this is a big ‘if’, Kate—we offer her a deal, not only must she give up her accomplice, but we also require her laptop. The police team came up empty when they searched her apartment.”

That wasn’t good news in terms of portraying her client as a dupe, but it was good news if Leah could tell the police where to find it.

“I will let her know. How soon can I expect to hear back from you?”

“ASAP.”

The alacrity with which John Hillcroft was willing to investigate an immunity deal belied his earlier coyness. That only bode well for Leah’s prospects—if they could broker the deal before her accomplice was found.

Kate jumped to her feet, and left the summer-scented air for the re-circulated environment of the hospital’s ICU.

“The ICU is on lockdown except for family,” the clerk said over the intercom.

“I’m Kate Lange, counsel for Ms. Roberts.”

There was a muted conversation.

Then a police constable opened the door for her. “We need to pat you down, Ms. Lange. Please step to the side.”

Another constable held out his hand for Kate’s bag. While one inspected her purse, the other conducted a physical pat down. Over the constable’s head, Kate watched the medical staff converse behind the central station. They were tense but calm.

“You may proceed, Ms. Lange,” the constable said, while the second constable returned her bag.

“Thank you.” Kate headed down the corridor, her mind focused on the interview ahead. She had many questions for Leah. The main one being why was she in the Owen house last night?

And did Leah know Harry’s family history when she broke into their house?

Kate hoped not.

She stopped outside Leah’s room. Susan Roberts sat on one side of her daughter’s bed, holding Leah’s hand. Kate wasn’t sure who was comforting whom.

Tim Roberts sat on the other side, facing the hallway. He watched Kate approach, meeting her gaze with a look of raw despair.

A teenage boy sat on a chair next to Tim Roberts. Although barely a man himself, his white-blond hair was tied up on his head in a man-bun. He nibbled on the end of a nail. He eyed Kate with a wariness that was striking as she walked into the room.

“Joey, this is Kate Lange. She’s one of the lawyers defending Leah,” Susan Roberts said. “And we hope she will ensure that Harry Owen and his father are charged for attempting to murder Leah. Twice.”