Bergman shook his head. “No. He’s really screwed. I thought we would have to plea bargain his breaking and entering charges to get you both off the hook for that one, but it turns out there were too many witnesses who testified that Henson was on top of Laurie, pinning her to the couch, straddling her legs when you walked in.”
Zach winced. He didn’t need the visual. He’d been there. It would forever be etched in his mind.
Corbin smiled. “So it’s easily a matter of provocation.”
“Yep. Unfortunately, he’ll probably make bail. His parents seem to have the money. He’ll be out on bond by tomorrow. But we have written up a restraining order. He can’t come near any of you while he awaits trial.”
“Great. Just what we need. Brock Henson roaming the streets,” Zach muttered.
Laurie spoke next. “He can’t be the only person responsible for all the hoopla.”
“He’s not.” Bergman sat forward, putting his elbows on the table. “A woman came forward this morning to make a statement.” He opened the file in front of him and tapped a name on the top page. “Mary Williams. She was a member of the Church on the Hill, and she’s responsible for both anonymous calls we received. She gave us the names of about two dozen individuals who met several times to run you three out of town.”
Laurie nodded. “Right. She was at the resort yesterday. She apologized to me briefly.”
“That was kind,” Corbin said.
“She’s still here. She wanted to speak to you three, if you’re willing. I told her all I could do was ask. If you want me to send her on her way, I’ll do that.”
Laurie shook her head. “No. I’d like to hear what she has to say.”
“Okay.” Bergman pushed off the table to standing and left the room. Seconds later, he returned, letting Mary in and closing the door behind her to give the four some privacy.
Mary’s hands shook as she took Bergman’s seat. She met Laurie’s gaze dead on, ignoring Zach and Corbin. “I’m so sorry about everything you’ve been through.”
Laurie nodded. “You said that yesterday.”
“Well, I wanted to explain my actions. If you’ll hear me.”
“Of course.”
“I was a member of the Church on the Hill—”
“Was?” Corbin asked.
Mary slid her gaze toward Corbin and continued, “Yes. You could say we had some differences of opinion on several topics. I stuck around for the last few weeks just to make sure they weren’t plotting anything horrific against you three.”
“That was kind of you.” Zach wasn’t sure if he trusted this woman, but she seemed sincere.
“I did it because it was the right thing to do.” She turned her gaze back to Laurie. “I didn’t hire you because the church was pressuring me. I’m sorry for that too. It was uncalled for. If you still want a job, it’s yours.”
Laurie hesitated. “No. That would be to your detriment. No matter how you look at it, there are obviously too many racists living in this community to support that plan. They’d run you out of business in a week.”
Mary swallowed. “That’s probably true. But it would be worth it. You deserve to be treated fairly.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
Mary turned to face Corbin. “There are several people on the reservation in cahoots too. You should know.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I’ve always known that. It’s been going on for two centuries. Is there something specific I should know?”
“Yes. Your ex-girlfriend—Veronica?”
He nodded. “Yes, that’s her.”
“She was incredibly pissed about your breakup.”
Zach chuckled. “That’s an understatement, and not news. She paid us a visit.”
“Well, she made a few calls to cause unrest also. One of those calls was to a deputy in your department.” She looked at Corbin again. “Pete Sandhouse.”
Corbin sat very still for a moment. “You’re sure about that?”
“Well, it’s hearsay. And I’m not at liberty to tell you how I know, but I wanted to warn you anyway. I know someone attacked your apartment in Sojourn. I’d bet money this Sandhouse guy was the instigator. Or Veronica. Or both.”
Corbin nodded. “Thanks for letting us know. That’s very helpful.”
“No problem.” She turned back to face Laurie again. “If you ever need anything, let me know. I’m going to try to keep my preschool open in town—if those idiots from the church don’t run me out of town with gossip.”