Page 153 of State of Suspense

“Are there pictures of Hillbilly Avery in there?”

“There might be.”

“I’m gonna save that for dessert after we nail this son of bitch.”

“You really think it was one of the Peckhams?”

“All I know is the same Glock did Tom and Avery, and in light of the Peckhams’ recent invasion at Avery’s home, we’re taking a hard look at Willy’s son.”

Faith looked skeptical. “How can it not be related to Bryant?”

“I’m not sure yet that it isn’t, but this is where we are.”

“I hate that Tom was possibly murdered for no good reason other than some sort of twisted game of revenge.” Her always professional veneer was showing some cracks. “And if it was Harlan…”

Sam felt for her. “Let’s see what Amber has to say and go from there, okay?”

“Yeah, sorry. I don’t mean to let it get to me.”

“Of course it gets to you. Tom was your friend and colleague, and it’s a reminder that there’re a lot of people out there with grudges toward those of us who enforce the law.”

“It’s easy to forget that sometimes, as we go about our business and do the job.”

“Yes, it is, until it strikes close to home like this.”

Faith nodded. “Thank you for the support. It means the world always, but especially right now.”

“You got it.”

“I’ll be in observation.”

Sam and Freddie walked with her toward interview one, parting company in the hallway. They went into the room where Amber sat alone at the table, her shoulders curled in and her demeanor fearful. Sam couldn’t believe she actually felt a little bit sorry for the woman. Amber’s certainty that Willy would have her killed if she talked to them all but confirmed that he’d threatened her.

While that didn’t excuse her from what she’d done to Shelby and Noah, Sam had empathy for her, nonetheless. If she’d been in fear of her own life or her children’s lives, she would’ve done whatever Willy told her to.

“Wh-what’s going to happen?”

“We’re going to talk. Detective Cruz will record our conversation, if that’s all right with you.”

She eyed the recording device on the table with trepidation. “He’ll find a way to kill me.”

“He won’t find out, and even if he does, he can’t get near you in our custody.”

She laughed harshly. “Is that what you think? You have no idea what he’s capable of.”

“Why don’t you tell us about it?”

“Where do I start?”

“The beginning is the best place. How did you meet Willy?”

“I’ve known him all my life. I went to school with his daughter from first grade on. I was in eighth grade when he started paying “special” attention to me, and that was that. You didn’t say no to Willy Peckham, the meanest man in the county.”

“He paid you special attention even though he was married?”

“He and Justice hated each other. She wouldn’t have dared said a word to him about it.”

“Your parents had nothing to say about it?”

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