Page 29 of Trust No One

“Do you have any physical evidence against Gabe?”

“Not yet.”

“So, no reason to hold Gabe in jail.”

“He resisted arrest. He’s drunk. I’ll hold him until he sobers up.”

My shoulders leveled. “He’ll be out by morning.”

Judson didn’t flinch. “Are you representing him?”

I dodged the answer with “The man has done nothing wrong.”

“We’ll see.”

Gabe had always made difficult situations impossible. I’d help him for Maria’s and Molly’s sakes. “I’m going to the station.”

“Suit yourself. Be ready for a long night.”

Chapter Twelve

Raine

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9:00 p.m.

Getting Gabe released happened faster than I’d expected. The Hale name didn’t mean much in the DC area, but in Albemarle County, it still had pull.

I’d called Judge Gray Stokes—my father’s former classmate. I’d interrupted the judge’s evening, and he wasn’t happy. I’d quickly reintroduced myself and laid out Gabe’s situation. Another lawyer wouldn’t have gotten two words out. But he’d listened to me.

Stokes liked Agent Judson Blackwood and trusted his judgment. I argued extenuating circumstances—asked for leniency for Gabe. Judge Stokes reluctantly agreed but reminded me this was a personal favor.

My phone chimed with a text as I sat in my car outside the police station. My estranged soon-to-be ex-husband, Ken. Ever since he’d moved out, we’d communicated only through lawyers, until I was attacked. Battered and bruised, I’d needed help. He’d filled in the gaps. The arrangement was temporary for me.

Ken: Did Gabe get arrested? Did he try to kill Maria?

Ken was a criminal defense attorney for Virginia’s wealthiest clients. His connections spread all over the state. Still, the swiftness of his hearing about Maria’s news surprised me.

Me: Maria collapsed. She’s in critical condition. Gabe is at the station now for questioning.

Ken: Want me to ask around? See what I can find out?

Me: Judson is handling the investigation.

Ken: Judson? He’s state police.

Me: He’s a friend.

Ken: He isn’t on your side. He’ll nail Gabe if he can.

He was right. High school loyalty didn’t stand up to the law. If Judson thought Gabe was guilty, he wouldn’t hesitate to arrest him for attempted murder.

Pride insisted I refuse Ken’s offer.

Ken: Let me help, R.

I drew in a breath. Pride could be expensive.

Me: If you hear of anything . . .