The Pact (Kate Burkholder #11.5) - Linda Castillo Page 0,21

every member of my small department. I played down what happened. All of us know it could have been a hell of a lot worse.

I’ve just shut down my computer when Tomasetti leans forward and closes my laptop for me. “What do you say we head home, pull out a couple of steaks, and open that nice bottle of Carménère I’ve been saving?” he asks.

Rising, I loop the strap of my laptop case over my shoulder and round the desk. “I think that sounds like a good way to end what has been a very long day.”

“Has anyone ever told you you’re easy?”

“Just you.”

“In that case.” Taking my hand, he pulls me close for a kiss and we go through the door.

* * *

One week later:

I’m in my cruiser, idling down Township Road 4 when I spot the buggy a quarter mile ahead. The sight of it makes me smile, so I head that way and pull up beside it.

The buggy stops. Noah Kline sits on the passenger side of the bench, grinning from ear to ear. His arm is in a cast. A bandage peeks out from beneath his hat at his left temple. Next to him, Ashley Hodges grips the leather reins, looking a little too excited to be in the driver’s seat. Her grin is as brilliant and wide as Noah’s.

“I heard they sprung you,” I say to Noah.

“Nurses got tired of feeding me, I reckon,” he replies.

I turn my attention to Ashley. I’ve only talked to her once since her brother was taken into custody a week ago. She gave me the names of some students who may be involved with the Savages. It wasn’t a pleasant exchange, but she stepped up to the plate and told me what I needed to know. The Savages no longer exist. Those who were part of the group know they’re on my radar—and had better keep their noses clean.

The arrest of Jason Hodges has been tough on his family. I’m hoping all of them have learned something. I hope Jason will take all of it to heart and get off the path he’s taken.

“Noah’s teaching me to drive the buggy,” Ashley announces.

“I see that.” I look at Noah and smile. “How’s she doing?”

Putting his arm around her, he hugs her against him. “She’s a natural.” His grin widens. “The horse likes her almost as much as I do.”

Ashley elbows him and I realize she isn’t wearing her usual hoodie, but a longish skirt with sneakers and a plain coat. It’s not exactly Amish, but it tells me she’d dressed to please Noah’s parents. The thought makes me smile. Young and with a lot to learn—but in love.

“Chief Burkholder.” Ashley sobers. “I owe you an apology. And an explanation.”

I nod, waiting, saying nothing.

“I didn’t know my brother was involved with that group. I mean, early on.” She seems to struggle through the words, figuring them out as she goes, trying to get them right, as if knowing they’re important. “Mom says I was probably in denial. I just couldn’t believe he’d get involved with a group like the Savages. By the time I faced the truth, it was too late to warn you.”

She pauses as if she wants to stop there, leave it at that. Noah touches her arm, his expression urging her to continue. “If you’d been hurt when my brother threw that railroad tie off the trestle . . . I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself.”

I nod. “When did you figure out he was involved?”

She draws a deep breath, lets it out slowly. “The night I was attacked. I recognized Duke Mason, even though he was wearing that mask. He’s on the football team with Jason. Duke’s younger, but they’re friends. That’s when I knew, when I should have told you. I’m really sorry I didn’t.”

I’ve already talked to Duke’s father. I didn’t pull any punches, and Chris Mason was concerned and furious. If he holds to our agreement, and I have no reason to believe otherwise, Duke Mason has already relinquished football for the school year in exchange for volunteer “community service” work in and around Painters Mill.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to believe when someone we love makes a mistake,” I tell her. “Especially if it’s ugly.”

“I don’t blame you for hating me. I don’t—”

I cut in before she can finish. “Hate never entered into it,” I say, meaning it.

She looks down at her hands. “What’s going to happen to my brother?”

I’ve been in contact