A Specter of Justice Read Online Free PDF

the slogan on her T-shirt: “I read dead people.”
    â€œMr. Blackman, thank you so much for hosting. I’m Molly Staton, a friend of Shirley’s.” Molly turned to her dark-haired companion. “And this is Lenore Carpenter.”
    â€œMr. Blackman, we can’t thank you enough. Your participation means so much. I know the whole idea must seem a little odd, but we really do believe the Atwood twins will benefit in so many ways from the fundraiser.”
    Shirley must have told everyone about my hesitation to be involved. I didn’t want to be tagged as Doubting Thomas.
    â€œPlease call me Sam. And it’s a terrific idea. Loved it the minute I heard it.”
    They nodded, fully aware I was spouting a load of crap, but they were too polite to call me out.
    People began to take their seats. Hewitt arrived in a vintage Hawaiian shirt and broad-brimmed straw hat, Asheville’s version of Jimmy Buffett. A few chairs remained empty, either awaiting latecomers or marking the no-shows.
    I set Cory’s plate in the vacant chair to her right and then took a seat beside Nakayla.
    Cory remained standing. “Shirley and I want to thank all of you for being here this evening and for your willingness to help the Atwood twins.”
    Her comment drew enthusiastic nods.
    Jerry Wofford raised his hand. “Will anyone from the Atwood or Wilson families be helping?”
    â€œNo,” Cory said. “We’re taking this on without their involvement.”
    â€œBut the twins are their grandchildren,” Wofford argued.
    Cory and Shirley both looked to Hewitt seated beside Wofford. Hewitt took off his hat and set it under his chair. He straightened up and took a deep breath. I knew we were in for one of Hewitt’s legal lectures.
    â€œHelen Wilson and the Atwoods are locked in a messy custody battle that won’t be settled till this event is over.”
    Hewitt’s mouth had opened and stayed open, but the words came from behind me. I twisted in my chair to see Tom Peterson coming through the door from the lobby. Cory picked up her plate and indicated for him to sit beside her.
    â€œSorry I’m late.” He nodded to Hewitt. “I’m sure Mr. Donaldson and I agree that having the two families involved in this admirable cause would be a disaster.”
    â€œThat’s what I was about to say,” Hewitt remarked stiffly.
    Peterson swept his gaze around the circle like he was measuring the reactions of a jury. “And I hope you all appreciate that as selfless as Mr. Donaldson and his staff are with their time, they do represent Helen Wilson’s interests. Since I represent the Atwoods, I’m happy to also volunteer and bring the necessary balance.”
    Everyone looked at Hewitt. He eyed the young attorney with undisguised suspicion. I knew he was calculating what impact if any the man’s posturing could have on Helen Wilson’s case.
    Hewitt stood, crossed the circle, and offered his hand. “The best way to project neutrality is to leave the legal issues outside the activities of this committee.”
    Peterson gripped Hewitt’s hand. “Counselor, I couldn’t agree with you more.”

Chapter Three
    Jerry Wofford cleared his throat. “Do you think we could have some introductions? I have no idea who’s who and what’s going on.”
    The dueling attorneys and Cory sat. She retook control of the meeting.
    â€œI’m Cory DeMille. I’m a paralegal for Hewitt Donaldson and I became involved because I met the twins during the preparation for Heather Atwood’s divorce.” She glanced at her right arm. “I was wounded when the shooting occurred. And, I don’t know, I guess I feel a kinship to those boys. My wounds will heal, but theirs may never.” Cory turned to her left and smiled at Shirley seated beside her. “Shirley came to me with the idea for the ghost tour and I agreed to