Page 171 of Trust No One

“We haven’t tried.”

“You’re right. We haven’t tried. I did, but you didn’t. I tried to get us into counseling last year.”

“I’ve made mistakes. But so have you.”

And this was how it went. He’d find a way to turn it around on me. “Go away.”

“I can’t. I love you. I’m not giving up on us.”

I ran toward Molly and helped her off the swing. “Here we go!”

Ken continued to walk behind us. I didn’t run for Molly’s sake, but Ken kept a steady pace behind us.

We pushed through the front doors of the county building. The door closed behind us. When I looked back out the door’s glass panes, I saw Ken standing there watching us.

Molly squeezed my hand harder. “Raine?”

My smile wobbled. “Sorry, honey.”

“Why’s he here?” Molly asked.

“I don’t know.” Shoulders straightened; my smile widened. “Ready to see Miss Rebecca?”

“No.”

I wasn’t, either. But we needed guidance.

Chapter Sixty-Three

Judson

Friday, October 23, 2026, 2:00 p.m.

Edith Durant’s cottage sat on the western edge of the Hale estate, near the old barns. Dense woods blocked any view of Hale House, but a direct path cut through less than a mile of trees. An easy walk. Too easy.

I passed neat flower beds near the front door. Edith and Gabe Durant had lived here almost twenty-five years. Despite Gabe’s high school dreams of playing in the NFL, he’d lived and died within a couple of miles from where he’d started—except for his time in prison. Circling back. A theme for us all.

My knock drew a quick response. Edith opened the door, dressed in jeans and a crisp white shirt. “Judson.”

The old-timers didn’t call me Agent. It didn’t bother me, but it divided those from my past and present.

“Mrs. Durant.”

Her jaw clenched. “What can I do for you?”

“I’m sorry about Gabe and Maria. Both were good friends. Gabe was a good son.”

Something in her posture softened. “No one has said that to me yet. Thank you.”

“I’m doing everything I can to solve this.”

She frowned at me. “He was a good man. Husband. Father.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You won’t have to look far to solve these crimes.”

I let the silence stretch until it pressed on her. “Clarify?”