Claws for Alarm Read Online Free Page A

swallowed over the sudden lump in my throat. “So, were you able to find out any details?”
    â€œThe way the St. Leo detective explained it, the night guard heard a scream and went to investigate. He found your sister standing over Pitt’s body, knife clutched in her hand. The guard’s a pretty old guy, and when he went to grab your sister’s arm, she pushed him out of the way and got the hell out of there. She kept her face averted, so he couldn’t really see it—but Lacey’s name was in Pitt’s appointment book, and she fit the guard’s general description.”
    â€œFantastic,” I sighed. “Whatever possessed her to touch that knife? She used to watch those crime shows with Mom. She should have known better.”
    â€œTrue. When you combine that with fleeing the scene and what transpired earlier in the day, it provided enough reasonable cause to book her for murder one.”
    I felt a chill snake up my spine. “What happened earlier in the day?”
    â€œApparently the grade Pitt gave your sister didn’t sit too well with her. They had a, quote unquote, heated exchange. That’s why they were meeting. She was supposed to show him some of her sketches for extra credit—so he’d pass her.”
    â€œGreat. So, I guess she’s in jail?”
    I pushed my hand through my hair. No one knew better than I just how vicious Lacey could get in the heat of an argument. Our mother had always said her tongue was like a battle weapon—a sharp-edged sword. Still, I had the distinct impression Daniel was holding something back. Before I could call him on it he added, “She’s being held at St. Leo County Jail. And more bad news—I hear the DA thinks this is pretty open and shut.”
    â€œWell,” I sighed, “this cinches it. She’s going to need a good criminal lawyer. Too bad Perry Mason’s a fictional character. What I need right now is a reasonable facsimile thereof.”
    â€œI just might be able to help you. My friend Peter Dobbs was an FBI agent, but he left it all behind to go to law school. He’s been working the past year as a public defender in San Francisco, and just last month he opened his own law firm in St. Leo. He interned for a year at the DA’s office, too, working for his uncle—Helmut Dobbs.”
    I let out a low whistle. You had to be living under a rock not to at least be aware of Helmut Dobbs’s reputation. As the DA of Los Angeles County he’d put some pretty high-profile criminals away. “Your friend has a good pedigree. Do you think he’d be willing to take the case?”
    â€œHe’s not only willing; he’s at the jail with your sister as we speak. He told me to tell you to meet him there tomorrow morning at seven thirty a.m. sharp. He’ll get you in to see her before the arraignment.”
    I let out a sigh of relief. “If you were here right now, I’d give you a great big kiss.”
    â€œHold on to that thought. By the way, I’m going to be incommunicado for a few days, but I’ll check back with you as soon as I can.”
    Disappointment arrowed through me. “New case?” I asked, and then added, “You don’t have to say. I realize you probably can’t talk about it anyway.”
    â€œThanks for understanding. Now, you’re sure you’re going to be all right?”
    Aha! The million-dollar question. “I have to be. Lacey needs me to think clearly, because all this has to be one huge mistake.” I paused. “Unless there’s something you’re not telling me?”
    There was a moment of silence and then Daniel said, “Well, you’ll find out tomorrow anyway. When I told you there was a heated exchange I was being kind.
    â€œWhen Pitt gave her that grade, she flipped out and threatened to kill him—in front of about thirty witnesses.”

THREE

    O nce I’d hung up with