“I don’t. But if I find out later that you did lie—and I will find out—then I’ll have your sentence extended for ten more years on the grounds of perjury before a federal officer of the United States.
“You’ve already served three years of your sentence. Doesn’t it sound good to know two more years can be lopped off simply by telling the truth? You’d only have to serve seven more and be out of here by the time you’re sixty-seven. There’d still be a lot of life to live, pictures to take of the Colorado mountains. Interested?”
Kit pulled a document out of the envelope and set it in front of the prisoner along with a pen. “Go ahead and read it. Nothing will happen to you if you don’t sign it. I’ll walk out of here and you’ll go on serving your original sentence.”
Esger picked up the piece of paper and began to read. “This says I supplied documents to all four of them.”
“That’s right. If it’s not true, then I’m wasting your time and mine.”
His eyes narrowed on Kit. “Before I do anything, I want to talk to my attorney.”
Kit nodded to the guard who opened the door. Esger’s attorney entered the room, accompanied by a second guard. Kit stepped out to chat with the warden. After a few minutes Kit and the warden were allowed back inside.
“Well, Esger?” the warden asked.
The forger looked skeptical. “If I sign this, is it true I’ll be out of here in seven years?”
“It is. But if you lie, that paper also states that ten years will be added to your original sentence. To make it legal and binding, I’ll sign my name below yours. Your attorney will sign it and the guards will witness it. Won’t it feel good to do something helpful for a change?”
Esger hesitated a moment longer and then signed the document. His attorney, the warden and the two witnesses followed suit.
Barni Esger’s signature helped tie the loose ends together, making a solid case against three killers wanted by the FBI, one of whom was already dead. Kit had yet to learn what crimes Juanita had committed since her release from jail. But for now he couldn’t have been happier.
He went to the warden’s office and had a copy made of the signed confession before he left the prison with it and headed to the airport twenty-five miles away in Kansas City. He would have to hurry; his US Airways flight would be leaving at 4:00 p.m. That would put him in Austin around seven-thirty.
It was close to eight when he phoned TJ from his car in the airport parking lot to tell him the outcome of his visit to Leavenworth. “They’re all involved in the LifeSpan embezzlement scheme. I’m waiting for a few more bits of information and then we can begin a manhunt for the Morales duo.”
“That’s fine work despite your unorthodox methods. Using the prison warden—that’s a new one. I see you’ve logged a lot of flying miles in less than a week. Take a day off before you burn out. That’s an order.”
“In that case, I have a rodeo event I’d like to attend this Saturday and I’ll need an officer to stay at the Harris home while I’m gone.”
“I’ll arrange it. Don’t get stomped on.”
“No, sir.” With a laugh Kit hung up and started changing into his clerical shirt when his phone rang. He looked at the screen and took the call.
“Hey, Brandon—”
“Boy, am I glad you answered. I need your help in the worst way, bro.”
“You mean you haven’t found a hazer yet?”
“Yeah, I have. Corky Tibbs.”
“I remember Corky. He’s a great choice.”
“I know. He said he’d haze for me until Scott is back, but he can’t start for two weeks. I still haven’t found anyone to ride for me in San Antonio tomorrow night.”
Kit sucked in his breath. He’d thought he’d try to get there to watch his brother tomorrow night, but not to be part of the show. He’d turned him down once. Maybe he could help him out tomorrow night. B
ut it all depended on Natalie, because he wasn’t going to leave her unattended with Alonzo and Juanita still on the loose.
“Tell you what. Give me an hour and I’ll phone you back if I can do it. That’s the best I can offer.”
“I knew I could count on you.”
“Brandon—I only said if, so don’t—”
His brother clicked off before Kit could finish the sentence.