The Innocent Witness by Terri Reed

in the world. They were free to start over, anywhere. She could choose where to live, something she’d never been able to do for herself. And withthe sale of the house and funds from the life insurance policy, she wouldn’t have to worry about money for a while if she were conservative. She was kind of excited about what the future might hold for her and Mikey. She hadn’t felt this way…in a very long time.
    But first they had to get away from the people who wanted to kill them. And they had to clear her name.
    Â 
    After repeatedly refusing to accept any form of compensation for her trouble, Mrs. Wilson pulled to the curb of the departing passenger’s de-loading zone of the Idaho airport terminal. “Have a safe trip.”
    Anthony glanced at Viv, grateful for her quick thinking. Viv waved goodbye to their Good Samaritan. As Mrs. Wilson drove away, Anthony propelled Viv and Mikey along through the bustling crowd of travelers to the bank of monitors showing the plane departures.
    â€œThere’s a 6:30 p.m. flight to Dulles on United,” Viv pointed out.
    Anthony checked the time. Less than an hour. “Let’s see if they have seats.”
    He steered them toward the ticket counter. Mikey started shuffling back and forth as they waited in line. Viv whispered something in the kid’s ear. Mikey nodded vigorously.
    â€œI need to take him to the restroom,” Viv said.
    â€œCan he wait?”
    She shook her head. “Not much longer.”
    Blowing out a frustrated breath, Anthony spotted the restrooms near a sports bar. He gestured in that direction. “Let’s go.”
    With a tight smile, Viv nodded. With Mikey in tow they wove their way through the terminal.
    To the left of the restrooms was a sports bar and grill. The sounds of the newscaster on the television hanging over the bar mingled with the clanging of dish-ware as people ate and drank. Anthony parked himself where the bar’s railing met the wall to wait for Viv and Mikey.
    His gaze roamed over the people coming and going, searching for some hint of danger. Minutes ticked by. Anthony checked his watch, his impatience growing. The plane would be boarding soon and their opportunity to purchase tickets would be gone. They were cutting it close. Too close.
    From his peripheral view, he saw Viv and Mikey step out of the women’s bathroom. He pushed away from the wall just as the newscaster’s voice snagged his attention. He thought he heard the name Senator Grant. Slowly, Anthony turned toward the TV screen.
    A picture of Viv and Mikey flashed on the monitor. The newscaster, a Tom Selleck wannabe with a thick mustache said gravely, “Senator Steven Grant was found murdered in his Washington, D.C., home over the weekend. His wife, Vivian Grant, is the FBI’s number one suspect. She disappeared shortly after the gruesome murder with her son. If you know the whereabouts of Vivian Grant or Michael Grant, please call the number you see at the bottom of the screen.”
    Shock sucker punched Anthony in the gut. Adrenaline surged in his veins. Out, now.
    He spun around, captured Viv by the arm and started toward the exit at a fast clip. Aware of the multiplesecurity cameras recording their presence, he said, “Keep your head down. We’re getting out of here.”
    â€œWhy? What happened?” she said in a breathless rush as she dragged Mikey along beside her.
    â€œThe FBI wants to charge you with murder.”

FOUR
    H eart pounding, Viv stepped out of the airport terminal. She blinked at the stinging sunlight as she walked briskly to the far corner of the passenger vehicle loading area. Confusion thrummed through her. “What do you mean the FBI wants to charge me with murder?”
    Anthony touched her elbow, urging her to turn away from the cars passing by. “Your pictures are plastered all over the TV news. You’re the FBI’s number one suspect in your husband’s