Page 155 of State of Suspense

“I’m asking if him doing that would impress his father.”

“I think it would. Willy hates the two of them—and the judge who presided over what Willy calls his sham of a trial. He blames them for everything.”

Sam glanced at Freddie, who would know she was telling him to make sure the judge was protected. Even as she had that thought, another one occurred to her. Perhaps they could use the judge to lure Harlan out of hiding.

Freddie got up and left the room.

“Where do you think Harlan is?”

“I’d be the last one to know where to find him. Other than making sure I was terrified of him, he’s hardly ever said a word to me.”

“Who would know where he is?”

“Maybe his brothers, Dusty and Bubba. The three of them are tight.”

“Where are they?”

“Probably back in Kentucky. They rarely leave home since they were released.”

“Do you know Harlan’s phone number?”

“He doesn’t have a phone. He never has.”

Sam couldn’t recall the last time she’d met someone who’d never had a cell phone. “How does he communicate?”

“I honestly don’t know. If he uses phones, it’s probably them throwaway kinds. He believes the government is using phones to keep tabs on people. That’s why he won’t have one.”

“What about Dusty and Bubba? Do they have phones?”

“I’m not sure. They tend to do whatever Harlan tells them to. They’re bigger than him, but he’s meaner.”

Lovely, Sam thought.

“Wh-what’s going to happen to me?” Amber asked. “I’ve told you what I know, like I said I would.”

“Let me talk to the Assistant U.S. Attorney and see what we can do.” Sam started for the door and then turned back. “Are you hungry?”

She shrugged as if she’d been hungry all her life. “I could eat something.”

“Any preferences?”

“Could I have some pizza?”

“You sure can. What do you like on it?”

“Just cheese, please.”

“How about a drink?”

“Is there Coke?”

“I can get you one.”

“Thank you for your kindness.”

“No problem.”

Sam met Faith in the hallway.

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