“You need to understand that I can’t make the police lay charges, Mrs. Roberts,” Kate said. “Only the police decide to do that. The Crown might weigh in on the likelihood of getting a conviction.” She wondered what Hillcroft would recommend. He had a near perfect track record for convictions, so he wouldn’t recommend charges be laid unless he was certain they would hold up in court.

“But the police will lay charges against that man, won’t they?” Susan Roberts persisted.

An eye for an eye seemed to be the flavor of the day. Mel Owen may not realize it, but he had just done Kate’s client a huge favor by attempting to shoot her while she was unable to defend herself.

Stop it, Kate. That’s cynical.

But true. It would give weight to the argument that this was the second time a member of the Owen family attempted to shoot her client when she was defenseless.

“Mom…” Leah protested.

“Mrs. Roberts, what the police do is out of our control. But I will be discussing the situation with the Crown. For today, let’s focus on the charges Leah face. I need to speak to her in private.” Kate strode over to the foot of Leah’s bed. “Are you up for a discussion, Leah?”

“Yes.” Her client eased her hand from her mother’s grip. Kate was reassured that her client spoke clearly. The sedation must be wearing off. Or maybe the shock of someone trying to kill her for the second time in twenty-four hours had shaken her from the cocoon of opioids.

Tim Roberts extended his hand to his wife. “We’ll wait outside.” Leah’s father guided her mother out of the room. Joey followed them, hunching deeper into his hoody as he left the room.

Kate pulled out a notepad and sat down in the seat vacated by Susan Roberts. “How are you feeling, Leah?”

“Not good.” Tears trembled on her client’s lashes. “Everything is spinning out of control. I can’t believe Mel Owen wanted to kill me.” She took a shuddering breath. “But then again, I can.”

“Why were you in Mel Owen’s house last night?”

Leah closed her eyes. “You have to understand, I didn’t think anyone would be there.”

Kate touched her hand. “Leah, you need to look at me. And you need to answer my questions directly if you want me to help you.”

Leah opened her eyes.

Kate recalled the photo of Leah with her cat. Those wary eyes with secrets behind them. “Leah, everything you tell me is protected by solicitor-client privilege. I won’t divulge anything. But I need you to tell me the truth.”

Leah exhaled. “I was there because I wanted to doxx Harry Owen.” Her voice was thin and hoarse.

“Docs? What does that mean?”