Page 73 of Healed Heart

ChapterTwenty-Eight

Jason

An officer unlocks my cell.“Your attorney’s here, Lansing.”

Thank God!Angie came through.

“Thank you.”I get to my feet and take a moment to smooth out the wrinkles in my clothes.They’ve seen better days, but they’re the least of my worries right now.

I follow the officer down the narrow hallway, my heart pounding.This is real.This is really happening.I try my best to squash down the panic and focus instead on putting one foot in front of the other.

“Jason Lansing,” an older gentleman greets me as we round a corner into a small room.He’s dressed in a finely tailored suit and holds out his hand.“Blake Haywood.”

“Mr.Haywood.”I shake his hand firmly.“Angela Simpson sent you?”

He nods, releasing my hand and gesturing toward the chairs set up at a small table.“Please, take a seat.”

I sit down across from him.

He immediately gets down to business.“I’ve spoken with the police.They’ve outlined the charges against you.”He opens his briefcase.

My stomach churns.“What are they saying?”

“Assault and battery, as you’re aware,” Haywood replies.He glances up at me, his eyes grave but not without sympathy.“It’s a serious charge, Dr.Lansing.”

I swallow hard to tamp down the nausea that’s clawing up my throat.“But I didn’t do it.”

“I believe you,” Haywood says, his gaze steady on my face.“But it’s not about whatIbelieve.It’s about what we can prove in court.”

I nod.“What do we do now?”

Haywood leans back in his chair.“We build our case.We gather evidence to show that you aren’t guilty of these charges.”

“But how?I was alone, and I have no alibi.I’m not even sure when he got attacked.”

“First, let’s not panic,” Haywood says.“Just because you don’t have an alibi doesn’t automatically mean you’re guilty.There are still many avenues we can explore.”He adjusts his glasses, looks at me intently.“We’ll start by retrieving all the security footage from around the area during the time of the assault.Second, we’ll look for any signs that someone had a motive to harm Ralph or to frame you.Don’t forget, there’s also forensic evidence to consider.”

I nod slowly, trying to absorb everything he’s saying while also dealing with the gnawing fear in my gut.Haywood is calm and composed, but this situation is anything but.

“Forensic evidence,” I say.“Like DNA.”

Haywood nods.“The attacker must have left behind some physical evidence at the crime scene.Blood, hair, fingerprints.They’re all pieces of the puzzle that could help us prove your innocence.”

His words give me a glimmer of hope.“So we have a chance?”

“We always have a chance, Dr.Lansing,” Haywood replies.“The key is to remain calm and focused.We can’t let them see us sweat.”

I take a deep breath.“Thank you, Mr.Haywood.For everything.”

“Don’t thank me yet.But I do have some good news.I’ve arranged for your arraignment”—he looks at his watch—“in about twenty minutes.”

“You’re kidding.You got me on the docket today?”

“Never underestimate the power of your girlfriend’s family, Dr.Lansing.The Steels are royalty in Colorado.”

“I thought that was just on the Western Slope.”

“Nope.”He checks his watch again.“Be glad you have one in your corner.It will serve you well.”He rises and knocks on the door.