Knox's Stand(21)

“So, no, I don’t think a man who is extremely sensitive to others in dire circumstances killed a young woman to steal her jewelry when he could easily buy her the whole jewelry store.”

Thurman turned pale at Diamond’s information. “Why didn’t my investigators find out about his money?”

“They didn’t dig deep enough. The business is in The Last Riders’ names, but I did a patent search with Knox’s name. He keeps his money within the business for his own reasons. I haven’t asked, but from what I gather, he could care less about his wealth. His bike isn’t even an expensive make.”

David shrugged, gathering his wits. Diamond could practically see the wheels turning. “The money just makes him an even bigger flight risk. He has the funds to leave the country. Thanks, Diamond.”

“Tell yourself that, Thurman, if it makes you feel better for putting a veteran that has honorably served his country and still volunteers his time in dangerous situations behind bars. I don’t happen to think Judge Creech, a veteran himself, will see it the same way.” Diamond turned on her heel, running into the sheriff who had come up from behind.

“I agree also. I don’t think he’s a flight risk, and why would they call that tip into the state police and not the sheriff’s office?”

“Probably because the tipster knows the preferential treatment The Last Riders receive from you,” Thurman said with rancor.

The Sheriff gave Thurman a look of steel. “I think it’s more likely that they thought that someone from this office would recognize their voice. This is all premature bullshit anyway; until the final autopsy report comes back from Frankfort, you’re way ahead of yourself.” The sheriff didn’t back down from Thurman.

“I didn’t realize there was a question about the autopsy?” Diamond said. It was the first time she had heard that the autopsy was in question.

“There isn’t,” Thurman prevaricated.

“There is,” The sheriff disagreed.

“David, if you’re using your power to railroad an innocent man...” Diamond stared at the man, aghast at the thought of someone with his power trying to push an innocent man into prison.

“He had the jewelry! How innocent could he be?” Thurman retorted nastily.

“That house is never locked during the day when everyone works at the factory next door, and with the influx of new employees, anyone could have planted that jewelry,” The Sheriff argued.

“We’ll know that once we fingerprint it, won’t we, Sheriff? Now, if you two are done fighting about putting a murderer behind bars where he belongs, I need to get back to the office. I have court this afternoon.” Thurman left both Diamond and the Sheriff staring after him.

“He’s a dumb fuck,” The Sheriff said.

“Yes, he is,” Diamond confirmed, but he was a dumb fuck that had the power of the State of Kentucky behind him. He was more than able to put Knox away; innocent or not.





Chapter Nine



“Thanks for the clothes,” Knox grudgingly thanked the lawyer as she handed him the paperwork releasing him from jail for the second time that week.

“You’re welcome,” Diamond’s response was just as begrudging.

His long steps had no trouble keeping up with her strides outside the courtroom where Viper and Rider were waiting.

Before Viper could talk, Diamond cut him off, “The bond wasn’t raised, pending the result of the final autopsy. When the autopsy or fingerprints come back, he could be back in, Viper. Whoever called that tip in wants him to take the fall. Any enemies that want him out of the way?” Diamond questioned.

“None. Even the Ohio branch of The Last Riders is calm right now,” Viper answered her question with one of his own. “Any idea who could be behind the call?”

“No, but I think the reason they called the state police is they were worried someone would recognize their voice,” Diamond stated; after the sheriff had mentioned it, she had become certain that this was the case.

The men all stared at each other.

Diamond shifted on her feet. “If there’s nothing else, I’m going home. It’s been a long day, Viper.”

Their attention turned to her. “Thanks, Ms. Richards,” Viper said.

Diamond nodded. “I’ll be in touch.”

Diamond left the men talking, going to her car which she had left in the sheriff’s parking lot. Opening her car door, she noticed The Last Riders had also parked their bikes not far from her car. She put the key in the ignition and it took a second before she realized her car wouldn’t start. Turning the key again, silence was the car’s only response.