Page 27 of In Cold Blood
There were also various other shots of Doug’s law firm.
He was beginning to wonder if he ever really knew his brother at all.
Was this why she hadn’t shown up for the funeral or stopped answering his texts and phone calls? Why was Luke watching them? Did her family know something about his death? And what on earth was he investigating? Noah’s thoughts shifted into overdrive as he pored over police reports, recent drug busts, and cases thrown out of court. Some of it went back a good ten years. This wasn’t new. It was ongoing.
Noah picked up a newspaper. One article was circled in red, referencing a drug bust called Operation Heat Wave where fifty-four people had been accused of flooding the county with heroin and fentanyl.
He knew Luke had been involved in several large drug busts. Had his death been payback? Retribution for his involvement, and if so, how many other officers might have been targeted?
Right then, Axel started barking.
A glow swept over the house. Noah went to the far end and looked out the dormer window slats to see who it was. An engine rumbled. It was Alicia. Good timing. Maybe she could shed some light. Noah headed down and made sure he had a firm grip on Axel before opening the storm door.
It creaked.
“I see you found the place,” she said.
“It’s out of the way, that’s for sure,” he replied, giving Axel a swift tug on his collar and telling him to sit. He obeyed immediately. Alicia didn’t look the least bit intimidated by the dog, instead, she leaned over and rubbed his jowls.
“Is he treating you good, boy?”
Alicia straightened up and Noah gestured with a jerk of the head for her to come in. He peered out into the darkness, giving the tree line a once-over before closing the door. “By the way, I forgot to mention Ed,” she said.
“The neighbor?”
“You’ve met him?”
“Yeah, quite the character.”
“On occasion, I drop off supplies for him when I’m in town. He doesn’t get out much.”
“You think?” Noah said, sarcastically thinking back to his conversation.
She chuckled. “Ah, he’s harmless. He enjoys the peace out here.” She set her motorcycle helmet down on the chair and looked at Axel. “So, you’re looking after him?”
“Yeah.”
“I was talking to Axel,” she said before winking at Noah and walking into the kitchen to help herself to one of the beers in the fridge. She cracked off the top and took a big swig. “You need a hand setting up his kennel or will he be sleeping on the bed with you?”
“Oh, he’s already pushed the line. If he’s not careful, he’ll be sleeping outside.”
She laughed, taking another swig before wiping her mouth. “Don’t worry, he takes some getting used to.”
“Are you talking to me or him?”
“Him of course,” she said, slumping down on the sofa with a smile. It was good to see her again. All the feelings he felt came rushing back. Their conversations. Her humor. The way she seemed to light up the room when she entered with her bigger-than-life persona. Noah took a seat across from her.
“So… were you seeing my brother?”
She almost spat out her beer. “Don’t beat around the bush, Noah.”
“Well?”
She eyed him for a second or two. “You know I don’t kiss and tell.”
“That’s not funny.”
The smile left her face. “Give me credit. I did that once with you and look how that ended. What? You think just because he looked like you, I couldn’t restrain myself? Please. I’m not a homewrecker.”
