Judge & Jury - James Patterson [27]
“Is there someone who can take him for tonight? Somebody nearby?”
“I have a sister in Queens. It’s after ten o’clock. What do you want me to do, put him in a cab?”
“You can bring him along,” the FBI guy finally said. “Just for this evening, though. You’ll have to make provisions for him tomorrow.”
“Bring him along.” Andie smirked sardonically. “Where?”
“I can’t tell you that, Ms. DeGrasse. Not far. And you will be able to see him from time to time. I promise you that.”
“You’re serious.” Andie ran a hand through her hair again.
At that moment, she saw Jarrod standing in the hall in his pj’s. “What’s goin’ on, Mom?”
Andie went to him and put an arm around his shoulders. “This man is from the trial. He’s with the FBI. He’s telling me we have to leave. We have to go someplace. Now. Tonight.”
“Why?” Jarrod asked, not understanding. “Tonight? Where?”
The FBI guy kneeled down. “We have to do this in order to let your mom do a brave thing. You’d want her to do that, wouldn’t you? You’d do something brave, wouldn’t you, to protect your mom?”
“Yeah.” Jarrod nodded. “Sure I would.”
“Good.” He squeezed the boy’s shoulder. “I’m Nick. What’s your name?”
“Jarrod.”
“It won’t be so bad.” He smiled. He winked back at Andie. “You ever ridden in a police car, Jarrod?”
Chapter 27
WHEN I FINALLY MADE IT home, it was after two.
It wasn’t easy rousting people out of their homes late at night, scaring the living shit out of them, being unable to level with them. The jurors were all taken in unmarked cars to a motel across the Holland Tunnel in Jersey City. Eight U.S. marshals had them under guard there for the night.
I was exhausted, and I felt like crap for disrupting their lives. But as I turned the key to my apartment at that predawn hour I knew I’d sleep a whole lot sounder for having done it, having moved them.
Stepping into the apartment, I was surprised to find the lights on. At first I figured Ellen was on call. What else was new?
Then, Popeye didn’t come to greet me like he always did. And he wasn’t on the couch where he usually slept.
Something was wrong, wasn’t it?
It took a second. Then I flashed to the threat Cavello had made against me in the courtroom earlier. I drew my gun.
Holy shit! Jesus, no. I started toward the bedroom. “Ellen! Are you in there? Ellen?”
The hall closet was wide open, and I noticed a few coats were missing. Hers. And two suitcases that we usually had stuffed on the top shelf were gone, too. A couple of photos were missing from the console. Her family and stuff.
“Ellen!”
The bedroom lights were on, shining brightly and hard on my eyes. The bed hadn’t been slept in. A tray of her scents and body sprays had been cleared out too.
I had this sinking, helpless feeling, like everything was spiraling out of control. I couldn’t believe this was happening. “Ellen . . . Ellen?” I called for her again.
Then I spotted a note on the bed, on my pillow. It was written on her medical stationery.
My heart sank as I read the first line.
My big, strong Nick. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to write. . . .
Chapter 28
I SAT DOWN on the edge of the bed, the pillows arranged the way she always liked them, her scent still hanging in the air.
I know this will hurt you. But I just need to be on my own for a while. We both know what was great about each other just isn’t there much right now.
Hopefully, this will make you smile: I promise, there isn’t anyone else, just this aching feeling that we’re not giving each other what we want or need. And right now, I think I need to look into myself awhile and find out what it is I want someone to give me. You are the best, Nick. You are smart and reliable, and sensitive and strong. You’re such a good man. And you know what else you’re the best at—I don’t have to elaborate!!!
You will make some girl a loving partner in life. I’m just not sure it’s me. I need this space, Nick. We both need it! If we’re honest, as we’ve always been with each other.
So please don’t call me for a day or two. Don’t ask me