“Mother already invited me.”
“And?”
“And I said no. I have to get up early and go see Roland's lawyer. It would just be easier if you stayed in the suite.”
“Easier on who?”
“Daddy.”
“Okay
, Carmen, but you can't blame a man for trying. Or a woman, for that matter. Did you talk to your mother when you came in?”
“I spoke. It would have been hard not to, Daddy, she answered the door.”
“You know that's not what I meant.” Carlton moved his chair closer to his daughter. He put his arm around her and said, “Nobody knows better than I do, how your mother is. And I know she was hard on you girls, but we all suffered a great loss. Don't you think it's time you put that aside, and make peace with your mother?”
“I know I should, Daddy. I know she's trying to reach out to me. She said I was all she had left.”
“I'll try not to take that personally. But, raisin' you girls was her life.”
“I told her that we would talk. And before I leave, I promise, Daddy, I will. It's just hard for me to let it go. But I will.”
“How long are you going to be in town this time?”
“I guess that depends on the lawyer.”
“What you going to see Roland's lawyer about?”
“His office contacted me some time ago about testifying at his trial. They said that since I talked to Dez every day, that I may be able to testify about her state of mind. I told them that I wasn't opposed to it. I have an appointment to see him tomorrow at two to give my deposition.”
“Nobody told you?”
“Told me what?”
“Jury found Roland not guilty this morning.”
“What?”
“They're having a party at his house right now. Celebrating. Trial took less time than they thought it would. He had a good lawyer. Douglas had the jury eating out of his hand.”
“So what happens now?”
“The police say the case will be reopened.”
“Are there any other suspects?”
“I don't know, Carmen. The police detective, Benjamin said I could come down and talk to him about it, but I don't hold out much hope.”
“Why not?”
“They had their man and the jury let him walk. Police aren't gonna do too much now, it would be like admitting that they had the wrong man.”
“Do you think he did it, Daddy?”
“He could have. You talked to Desireé all the time, what do you think?”
“If there was any problems between her and Roland, she didn't tell me. He was an asshole, but Roland never did seem like the type to beat somebody to death.”