Page 3 of Silent Home

The official report said cardiac arrest—sudden, unexpected, no clear cause.But Sheila didn't believe in coincidences, not when it came to Tommy.Not when he'd been about to tell them everything he knew about the corruption that had infested the Coldwater County Sheriff's Department for decades.The same corruption that had gotten her mother killed ten years ago, when Henrietta Stone had discovered evidence that threatened powerful people.

Evidence that Gabriel had found during his time in Internal Affairs but had chosen to bury, hoping to protect his family.That decision had cost Henrietta her life and nearly cost Sheila hers, when those same powerful people planted Tommy in her department to spy on her—and eventually to silence her.

"Security footage shows nothing suspicious," Gabriel said."No visitors, no unauthorized personnel.Just Tommy alone in his cell, then suddenly on the floor."

"Someone got to him," Sheila repeated."The question is how."She studied Tommy's unconscious form."And whether they'll try again when they realize he survived."

Gabriel shifted beside her, and she caught the subtle change in his posture that meant he was choosing his words carefully."What if this can end with Tommy?"he asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it.If Tommy can't talk, if he can't name names..."Gabriel's voice grew quieter."Maybe everyone stays safe.Maybe no one else has to die."

"Like Mom, you mean?"The words came out sharper than she'd intended.

Gabriel flinched but didn't look away."Hank swears he didn't know what Tommy was planning.Says he was just doing a favor for his nephew, getting him a job."

He was referring to Hank Dawson, the interim sheriff before Sheila took over—and a man she'd considered to be as straight a shooter as they came.But Hank had helped Tommy get a position within the Coldwater Sheriff's Department, and Tommy had then tried to kill Sheila, which made her wonder if the older man had been in on it.

Gabriel had spoken with Hank and seemed to believe Hank was innocent.It was difficult to tell, though, if her father was just believing what he wanted to believe.

Gabriel sighed heavily."What if he's telling the truth?What if we're seeing conspiracy where there's just coincidence?"

"You don't believe that."

"No."He was silent for a few moments."There's definitely something going on.I guess seeing what they did to Tommy—it just gets a man thinking."

"You mean you're getting cold feet about going after the people who orchestrated Mom's death?You seemed gungho about it just a few hours ago."She made no effort to hide her anger.

Gabriel's expression was pained."You're right.We need to see this through.I just don't want you getting hurt, is all.If they can get to Tommy when he's got two officers watching him…"

Inside Tommy's room, a nurse adjusted his pillows.Rosa, according to her name tag.She had to be close to retirement age, with silver-streaked black hair and the careful movements of someone who'd spent decades caring for the sick.She reminded Sheila of her mother's friend Maria, who used to bring soup whenever one of the kids was ill.

"He's in good hands," Gabriel said, following her gaze."Rosa's been here since before you were born.Used to patch me up when things got rough on patrol."

"But he has to wake up."Sheila watched Rosa check Tommy's vitals."He's our only lead.Without his testimony—"

"We have nothing concrete.I know.In the meantime, what's your plan to keep Tommy safe?"

"Roberts and Baxter will look after him."

Gabriel frowned, surprised."Even after what just happened?"

"They'll be twice as vigilant now.Besides, who else can I trust?"

"You're sure they weren't in on it?"

"If they were," Sheila said, "then I'm a terrible judge of character.And I couldn't do my job if I was a terrible judge of character."

Her father seemed to chew on this for a few moments."And while they're looking after Tommy, what will you be doing?I know you too well to think you're just gonna sit on your hands."

"I can't make Tommy talk right now, but I can find evidence.Starting with a toxicology report.I want to know what they did to Tommy."

"Could be useful information."

Sheila watched Rosa adjust Tommy's IV with motherly care."Someone in this county knows the truth.Someone has proof of what's really been happening.I just have to figure out who."

"And if you're wrong?If there's no proof to be found?"

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