Page 118 of Bad Seed

And no one saw a thing. Not even the guards.

Prison justice had happened because prisoners had nothing to lose.

***

Wilhem Crossley was notified of his son’s death the next day, but he had no tears left to weep. In his heart, his son had died the day he found the hidden room. He didn’t understand how Tip had taken that path. Was it a weakness in him? Was it all greed? Or had there been something sinister within him from the day he’d been born?

Finally, Wilhem’s common sense prevailed. He knew he’d been a good father. Tip was the one who’d failed to be the good son. He was just a bad seed.

It happened now and then in families.

It happened in his.

***

Special Agent Jay Howard sent one last text regarding the case to Rusty Pope.

Tipton Crossley was jumped and murdered in prison. Prisoners found out why he was there. Case officially closed.

As Rusty read the text, she kept thinking what Mikey had said. “The snake got greedy and bit itself. It will die.”

And Tipton Crossley was dead.

Chapter 19

Jason and Judith Banks were coming to the end of their flight and eyeing the massive mountain looming above the town of Jubilee below. “Lord, Judith. It looks like Disney recreated something from the 1800s. Log-house shops. Cobblestone walkways. Cedar-shake roofs. Three hangar-like metal buildings with neon signs. Wonder what the hell those are for? Little buildings everywhere and nowhere to park.”

“Stop whining, Jason. It’s like Disney World but smaller. You don’t drive there. You walk for days. At least we won’t need a map to figure out where we are,” Judith said.

Jason snorted. “I can’t believe Harley thinks this is a good idea.”

“Harley found a man she loves, and from all appearances, he loves her, too. I envy her that,” she said.

Jason frowned. “What are you saying?”

Judith shrugged. “That you love your rockets more than you love me?”

He flushed, but the chopper was descending to land, and he said no more. As soon as they were down, thepilot helped them out, then carried their luggage to the hotel shuttle waiting nearby.

“Thank you for flying with us,” the pilot said. “We’ll be back to pick you up in three days. Confirmation of the time will be forthcoming.”

“Thank you,” Jason said, then watched as the pilot ran back to the chopper. “I predict this will be the longest three days of my life.”

“And I’m already sorry you came with me,” Judith muttered, and got in the shuttle van. Jason was right behind her and sat in the seat opposite her. “So you’ll have more room,” he said.

Judith turned to look out the window. “You are so thoughtful,” she muttered as they drove away.

A few minutes later they were checking in at the front desk, while a bellhop took their bags to their suite. The desk clerk did a double take when he saw their names.

“I don’t suppose you are any relation to Harley Banks?” he asked.

They looked surprised. “Yes, she’s our daughter,” Jason said.

“You must be very proud of her. She’s an amazing woman. The elevators are down that hall. Enjoy your stay,” he said.

“Thank you. I’m sure we shall,” Judith said, and slipped her hand under Jason’s elbow as they started across the lobby.

The ride up to the seventh floor was smooth and quick, and once they walked into their room, the firstthing they noticed was the balcony and the view overlooking Jubilee and the other hotel in the distance.

---