“It’s a nice house,” said Parker defensively.
“Oh, sure, I know. I just mean that he really moved up in the world. Before he moved down again.”
“He was innocent of everything they accused him of.”
Temple eyed her intently, and Nash did not like that look at all. “Sounds as though you like the guy even though last time we were here you said you didn’t even know him.”
“Idon’tknow him. I just know what I saw on the news. And I would feel sorry for anyone that went through that and who turned out to be innocent. It’s just not right.”
Temple nodded. “We agree with you, it wasn’t fair.”
“So why do you want to find him?” she asked.
“We think we can help him,” said Temple.
“How?”
“Well, that’s really something we need to talk with Nash about directly.”
“Well, I have no way to help you.”
“So, he never visited this place after he grew up?” asked Temple.
“I don’t know. He never came here while I’ve been here.”
“Now, see, that’s strange,” said Temple.
Nash suddenly realized what was coming and tensed.
“What do you mean by that?” said Parker nervously.
“Nash Senior left you this house, correct?”
“Yes.”
“What else?”
“I’m not sure that’s any of your concern.”
“But he did leave you the house?” asked Temple again.
“Yes!”
“Okay, now, I know for a fact that Nash was the executor of his father’s estate. And I was told that he had come by here to pick up some of his parents’ things. So how could that have happened and you getting the house and maybe some money that you used to buy the VW out there without at least talking to the man?”
Parker’s features turned even paler than normal, and Nash inwardly berated himself for not thinking of this possible trap.
“Well, Ms. Parker?” said Temple.
“He might have come by here before I had access to the house.”
Nash added, “And did you maybe speak to a lawyer about all this other stuff?”
Parker shot him a glance, clearly realizing he was throwing her a lifeline, and said, “Yes, Ty’s lawyer dealt with me on all that. I had to sign some documents and he told me I have a life estate in the house. And I did get some money from Ty.”
“So you dealt with this lawyer and not Nash directly?” asked Temple.
“Yes,” said a relieved-looking Parker.