“The police took it,” Gavin replied. “It was evidence.”
“Then how did the recorder end up in the attic?”
Gavin’s face tightened.
“My brother Ray collected my belongings after the arrest. The police returned several personal items they said were unrelated. Ray must have packed the recorder away without noticing it.”
Mitchell contacted Gavin’s attorney, Elena Brooks.
Elena had represented Gavin during his final appeals. She had argued repeatedly that the prosecution’s timeline contained gaps, but every court had ruled that those gaps were not enough to overturn the conviction.
When Mitchell called, Elena was already driving toward the prison.
“Do not proceed with anything until I examine that device,” she said.
Mitchell could not legally halt the execution himself. Only the governor, a court, or designated state officials had that power.
But he could report new evidence.
And he did.
While Elena rushed to retrieve the recorder, Chloe remained with Gavin.
For the first time that morning, they were allowed to sit without a glass wall between them.
“I’m sorry,” Gavin told her.
“For what?”
“For not being there when you needed me.”
Chloe studied his face.
“Grandma says you didn’t do it.”
“Grandma believes me.”
“I believe you too.”
