Mindfield (Sideways Eight Book 1) Read Online Free

Charley heard a muted feminine voice, “Come in.” She turned the knob. “Don’t scare him, okay?”
    “I’m awesome with kids.”
    The room overflowed with toys, books, and art supplies. Bright and cheerful, a round, wooden, youth-sized table sat in the center. White, subway-block tiled walls accented the light-blue laminate floor.
    On a leather sofa against the left wall, a young boy sat huddled between two adults. Uncertainty streamed from the woman’s eyes as her arms hugged the lad. The boy stared down, revealing a Washington Redskins athletic cap. His hands clasped in his lap, he picked at his thumbnails.
    Anxiety scribbled on the mother’s face, she rubbed her cheek on her son’s head. Concern rippled down the gaunt line of the father’s face, his hands fidgety as his leg jigged up and down out of control. They stood while the young boy remained seated.
    The couple stepped toward Murphy and Charley. “I’m Keith Wilkerson. This is my wife, Elise. We’re Justin’s parents.”
    “Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkerson. We’re Agents Faraday and Murphy. Thank you for allowing us to speak to your son.”
    “You’re welcome.” Elise’s lips quivered. “Robin is important to our family.”
    Murphy presented his ID along with Charley. “Good to hear.”
    Charley motioned for them to follow her to the opposite side of the room. “I don’t want Justin to hear.”
    “My son is scared,” Keith whispered.
    “There’s no need for him to feel threatened,” Charley spoke in a hushed tone. “With his help, we may learn more about who committed this crime. It’s your right for an attorney to be present.”
    “Do we need one?” Keith leaned toward them.
    “Justin isn’t a suspect.” Charley shook her head. “He’s a witness, nothing more.”
    Keith placed his arm around his wife. “What do you think, honey?”
    “Well,” Elise said, “what reassurances are there that Justin isn’t a suspect?”
    “I’m required by law to inform you. If you want to contact your attorney, Agent Murphy and I will wait.”
    The Wilkersons stepped away to confer. Charley and Murphy waited for their decision.
    The father nodded. “Talk to Justin. Agent Faraday, I appreciate your suggestion.”
    “You’re welcome. If, during the interview you believe the questioning should end and an attorney called, tell us. We’ll abide by your decision. If you have questions, ask.”
    “Thank you,” Keith said.
    Charley removed the voice recorder from her pocket. “I need to ask your permission to record the interview.”
    “No problem,” Keith said, as the four of them returned to Justin.
    Charley scanned the room. Only youth-sized chairs were available. She glanced at Murphy and grinned. “No seat for you.”
    Justin snickered and scooted back on the cushion. Trembling, he licked his lips. His eyes on Murphy’s polished black dress shoes, Justin worked upward, taking in the man’s immense stature, before coming to rest at the top of his ebony hair. “You’re tall, like the Tower of Pizza.” The boy’s crimson cheeks matched his swollen, red eyes.
    “Pizza, eh?” Murphy grinned. “You sure about that?”
    Justin’s eyes widened. “Isn’t that where all the Italian pizza is made?”
    Charley lowered her head, smiling.
    “Son, it’s Pisa, not pizza,” his father said.
    The boy slumped back into the sofa. “Oh.”
    Keith and Elise took their seats next to their son.
    Murphy flashed him a brilliant, chipper smile. “You like the Washington Redskins?”
    Justin grinned and nodded.
    Murphy sauntered towards Justin and knelt on one knee in front of him. “Same here. I hope they get their game on next season, don’t you?”
    “Yeah.”
    He pinched the brim of Justin’s cap. “I like your hat. I’m gonna buy one of those.”
    The lad pointed to his right. “They’re at All-Star Sports, down the street.”
    “Guess where I’m going this evening?”
    “They’re on a rack at the front of the