Page 34 of Trust No One

“Gabe and I came to check on Aunt Eloise.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re leaving her alone with Amy.” An accusation hung between us. “I don’t trust her.”

“I do.” Before she could speak, I shifted the conversation. “What’s the deal with you and Gabe? Is this a permanent thing?”

The traces of annoyance softened. “Maybe.”

I loved Judson. But forever . . . that was a long time. “How can you be so sure?”

“When you know, you know,” she said.

“Gabe?” Hovering under the question was a string of his bad choices.

“That’s behind him.”

The teakettle shrilled, jerking me back to the present. I poured hot water over a tea bag nestled in a porcelain cup.

A fist pounded against my front door. Through the glass panes I caught Judson’s profile.

I opened the door. “What’re you doing here?”

He towered over me. Biceps were twice the size from when he played ball. And this close, the boyish imperfections had hardened into masculine features that were hot.

“Checking on you,” he said.

Not sure if I fully believed that. Judson was a cop first. He wanted an update on Gabe. “I dropped him off at his mother’s house. We’ll visit Maria in the morning.”

Shadows cut across his face. “Are you his attorney now?”

“There’s no formal arrangement. Right now, I’m helping a friend.”

“Why does he need a lawyer’s help?”

A smile tugged my lips. “Once the cuffs go on, a smart guy lets the lawyer do the talking.”

“Your husband texted me.” His blank expression was becoming a fixture.

“Soon-to-be ex,” I said. “We’re getting a divorce.”

“He’s been in contact with you about Gabe.”

“Texted me a few hours ago. I don’t know how he found out about Gabe.”

“And what did he want?”

“To help. Not sure what that means. There’s always a second motive with Ken.”

Judson studied me, then nodded toward the entryway. “How’s it holding up?”

“It’s a money pit.” The lightness in my tone belied the looming renovation costs. “I dream of saving it. But reality . . .” I let the words trail.

“I walk the Hale property from time to time. Abandoned acreage tends to attract trouble.”

“No stills or meth labs, I hope.”

“A few illegal dumping spots. Discarded tents and campsites.”