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“But no one was convicted?” Jennifer asked.

“Right.”

“Can you state his name?”

“Oscar Patton.”

“And he died in Blackwater?”

“Yes.”

“Five years ago?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry for the interruption. Continue.”

“A few weeks after Brett’s dad died, my dad was killed.” The lead weight dropped in her middle. There were reasons she avoided thinking about all that happened back then. The violence made her physically ill.

“Can you state your dad’s name?” Jennifer asked.

“Wesley Howard.”

“And his death was ruled a homicide?”

Thea nodded. “Yes.”

“Was the murderer prosecuted?”

Thea kept her gaze on Jennifer, but Brett’s presence behind her held her attention. “Yes. At one point, Brett was believed to be an accomplice.”

“Who was convicted of the murder?”

“Mark Patton.”

“Did you have any relation to Brett Patton at the time?”

Heat crept up Thea’s neck, constricting her throat. “We were in a relationship.”

“And Brett Patton was eventually found not guilty?”

“Yes. He was only there when my dad was killed because he was trying to stop Mark.”

Jennifer nodded as she typed. “Please continue.”

“I left town after my dad was killed.”

“Before or after Mark Patton was convicted and Brett was found not guilty?”

“Before.”

“Did you believe yourself to be in danger then?” Jennifer asked.

“Yes.”

“Was that the reason you left town?”

“Yes.”