“But the texts from Dana’s phone—”

“I know, but I bet she comes up with some explanation.”

“Good luck to her on that.”

He shakes his head in disagreement. “She’s going to say that she texted Lauren to meet her for a happy reason, a lover’s rendezvous for some make-out time in the park. Richard was suspicious and followed Lauren. He hid while Dana and Lauren did their thing. Then, after Dana left, Richard put two bullets into Lauren.”

Gabriel hadn’t shared this theory before, but it’s a good one. In fact, I’m disappointed that this didn’t occur to me on my own. Perhaps I have a blind spot here. As much as I might try to keep my personal feelings at bay in bringing Lauren’s killer to justice, I can’t deny that I’ve wanted Dana to be guilty from the moment she was arrested. I’ve told myself that’s because I believed she is guilty, but maybe my desire to be Lauren’s favorite plays a role too. I know that, in life, Lauren obviously preferred Dana—but if I can prove Dana’s guilt, then I’ll regain my favored position, albeit posthumously.

38. DANA GOODWIN

38.

DANA GOODWIN

“Right before you arrived, I received a call from Ella Broden. She’s been designated as special prosecutor for the case.”

LeMarcus says this to open our second meeting. It’s Saturday morning; by meeting on the weekend, we’ve avoided the press barricade, at least at his office. There are still a few die-hards camped in front of my house, unfortunately.

My instant reaction to this news is negative, although it takes me a moment to organize my feelings so I understand why. It’s not that I’m concerned Ella Broden is too worthy an adversary. In fact, I can think of a few ADAs I would consider better in the courtroom, not to mention that Ella must be a little out of practice. As with an athlete, it’s hard to take a year off and then come back for the toughest game of your career.

And then I realize the reason for my opposition is right in front of me. I’m concerned about Ella’s connection to Lauren. Although that might work in my favor, making her too close to be objective, it also means she’ll work twice as hard to secure a conviction as someone not personally invested.

“We don’t want her,” I say.

I expect LeMarcus to inquire further, but my reaction must be consistent with his own take.

“Agreed. What grounds do you propose we allege to make that happen? I don’t think her friendship and working relationship with Lauren will be enough.”