“Because of Momma.”
Humbolt let out a long breath. “Oh, dear, sweet lord,” he breathed. “You think—Apologies, youandthis Agent Hart think that there is a police conspiracy to… cover up your mother’s murder?”
I let out a breath. Humbolt really was trying, and I understood how completely irrational the whole thing sounded if you justsaidit out loud. “Do you have a better reason why an Augusta County deputy would attempt to drive me off the road?”
He just stared at me.
“It’s a serious question,” I told him. “Because I’m not sure about anything.”
“And you have no other enemies here? Since you’re from here?”
“I haven’t been this close to home since I was fifteen. The only enemies I have here would be people in the Community who might be angry that Noah and I left. But I couldn’t give you any names, because I haven’t talked to any of them in sixteen years.”
Humbolt ran a hand over his grey hair, then was momentarily distracted as Tristan and Keeley let out a chorus of shrieks—happy shrieks, fortunately. “And does this—what did you say his name was?”
“Mosby?”
“Yes. Does he have any connections to this Community?”
“No idea.” But it was a good question. I pulled out my phone and texted Hart.Humbolt wants to know if Mosby might have any connections to the Community.“But it’s worth checking.”
“Did you just ask Agent Hart to look into that?”
I nodded.
“Probably a good idea,” Humbolt said, his voice serious. “Given that contacting the local police doesn’t seem like the best next step given the circumstances.”
12
Seth Mays
Tell me that it’ll be okay.
Elliot Crane
Tell you what will be okay?
Hart wants to meet the Community.
Why?
Because he thinks they’re connected to the attempt on your life.
Your life, you mean.
I don’t like it.
I don’t like it, either.
But I also don’t like him going by himself.
How about neither of you go?
I’d be fine with that, but Hart isn’t going for it.
He says that this is the logical next step.
His logical next steps are usually stupid next steps.
