It was Saturday morning and Evan didn’t want to leave Ginger in bed so he rolled over and placed his hand on her belly. He gently stroked his thumb back and forth as he silently told his little guy he was there. For the first time, he briefly thought about the baby being a girl, but the thought left almost as quickly as it came. He wasn’t ready to raise a daughter so he sent up a little prayer. He knew boys. He knew what to do with boys–play sports, teach them about cattle and horses, how to treat a woman, how to protect those they loved. He reasoned with himself if they had a son first then he’d have practice protecting his sister before he ever met his wife. It’d be second nature. He felt a peace settle in his heart by the time he finished his thoughts. That had to mean something.

Ginger stirred so he moved his hand to see if she was getting up or changing positions when she reached for her crackers and water. Her routine. Since it was working, he wasn’t messing with it. He watched in awe because she was growing a baby inside her body. She was the most beautiful woman on the face of the planet, and she was his. He knew she wasn’t very far along, but he cataloged some of the changes he’d seen this week. Her breasts were fuller—no wonder they were more sensitive—and her hair had changed, too. He didn’t know how to describe it, but it was different. She was only taking one nap instead of two, maybe he needed to ask to make sure. He pushed the sheet farther down her body and noticed nothing else had changed. He looked forward to the day her tummy had a bump for him to feel.

“Are you finished taking inventory?”

“Just assessing. How many naps are you taking now?”

“Usually just one in the early afternoon. Why?”

“Making sure I’m keeping up with the changes.”

“You see changes?”

“Your breasts are fuller.”

“Yeah.”

“Do we have a date for the wedding?”

“Should know this week. We can get our marriage license any time you’re ready.”

“We’ll plan lunch one day next week. Feel like eating breakfast before I go to the station?”

“Yes, but sausage still isn’t sitting well.”

“How about French toast?”

“Sounds delicious,” she said with a smile.

On their way to the kitchen, they heard pans rattling then Kayla’s head popped up over the island. “French toast?”

Ginger giggled. “Were you listening?”

“Nope, I just had a taste for it. I was going to make bacon. Think you can handle that?”

“Let’s not take any chances. Go outside, darlin’. I’ll bring you some coffee.” Evan shooed her out the doors as he told Kayla he’d help her cook.

“Mitch is still sleeping, so I’d appreciate it.”

With Ginger settled outside, he and Kayla got to work. They started with the bacon so the smell would be out of the house before Ginger came back. As they cooked, Kayla smiled as though she had something profound to say. “You know, Evan, doctors have proven pregnant women can do more than just lie around for nine months, right?”

“I know. What are you saying?”

“Ginger needs to exercise, live life. She can’t just stay locked up.”

“She said she’s been swimming. Has she?”

“Yes, that’s not what I’m saying. Y’all need to go do things when you’re off. I just don’t want her going stir crazy and getting depressed.”

“I hear you, but until we arrest Frank she needs to stay put. I haven’t thought about her getting depressed. We’ll bring her car back next time, or maybe I’ll buy her something to leave here. Good idea. Thanks Kayla.” He gave her a quick hug.

“Why are you hugging my woman?” Mitchell’s scratchy voice broke through his thoughts.

“Because she’s looking out for mine.”

“Speaking of, where is yours?”

“Outside in case the smell of bacon makes her sick.”

“I’ll wash the table so we can eat out there,” Mitchell said.

“Here, take these with you so Ginger feels like she has something to do,” Kayla said handing the plates and flatware to Mitchell.

“Is she getting depressed, Kayla?”

“No, I just don’t want her to, though. This should be a fun and exciting time.”

Evan nodded because she was right. He had to admit if he got up every morning expecting to vomit, he’d get depressed too. He wanted her to enjoy being pregnant because he planned on keeping her that way often.

When they settled at the table, he asked, “So when are we changing the room next to ours into the nursery?”

“Is that what you want to do?” Ginger asked excitedly.

“Do y’all have a problem with that?” Evan looked at Mitchell and Kayla.

“Not at all.” Kayla gave him a big smile.

“Great. Now that’s settled, I’ve been meaning to ask you about the apartment in town.”

“What about it?” Mitchell looked curious.

“When I’m on duty at night, I’d like Ginger and me to stay there. That way I don’t have to drive far when I’m done, and Ginger is right there if she needs me.”

“I think that’s a great idea. I know I don’t want to rent it, but I hate it’s not being used either,” Mitchell said.

Evan heard Kayla mumble something to Ginger that sounded like sun and planet, but wasn’t sure what that meant. When he looked at them, they were both grinning as their eyes danced. Must be some kind of girl thing.

Before they finished breakfast, his phone vibrated. “Riverton.”

“What time are you going to the office? We’ve had a development.” Ben’s voice came through the phone.

He looked at his watch then at Ginger. “I can be there in twenty if it’s not an emergency. Ten if it is.”

“Ten would be preferred.”

“See you in ten.” He left the table in search of his boots, badge, and gun. With everything he needed, he walked to the door where Ginger was waiting on him. “I don’t know what’s going on. I’ll call when I can. I love y’all,” he said before he kissed her then bent to kiss her tummy. When he stood back up, she had tears in her eyes. He had to find out when the waterworks stopped. The tears gutted him every time.

“We love you too,” she said fighting back tears.

As he pulled out of the driveway, he hit the blue lights. His unmarked car was fun to drive at those speeds, but he’d rather it was Betty. He thought it’d be fun for him and Mitchell to take the cars to the old drag strip and pit them against each other. He’d work on that.

Less than ten minutes later, he pulled into the station where Ben was waiting outside. “What’s up?”

“Let’s go to your office. I don’t think you’re going to like this.”

They were greeted by a few officers on their way inside, but no one stopped them for long. As soon as he walked in, he saw the sealed envelope sitting in the center of his desk. He held it up to Ben, “You’re not gonna like these either. I wanna make copies before you take the originals.”

“Those from your officers?”

He nodded. “Tell me what’s happened.”

“I sent my agents out to Frank Smith’s grandmother’s place yesterday. They looked around and found his personal vehicle so they knocked on the door. No one answered so they waited. They didn’t know if he was passed out or what, but once it was dark and no lights turned on they became concerned. Since he’s a person of interest, we were able to secure a search warrant. According to my agents, the house was ransacked.” He showed Evan the pictures on his phone. A struggle appeared to have taken place. Evan knew Frank was a big boy so he’d have to be under the influence of something for someone to have gotten the upper hand. Other pictures showed beer cans, liquor bottles, and drug paraphernalia lying around.

“Maybe his party turned violent.”

“Maybe,” Ben acknowledged.

Evan called Sheriff Cahill and put the phone on speaker for a report. He informed them his deputies didn’t find the Judge’s truck yesterday, but did find he kept his boat in dry dock at a place in Cloverville. It was closed by the time they arrived, but they were going back and would let Evan and Ben know as soon as they found out anything.

He’d made copies of the statements for Ben, and they were discussing them when there was a knock at the door. “Come in.”

A man in his sixties whom Evan hadn’t met yet stuck his head in, “Chief, I’m John. I volunteer on the weekends.”

“Nice to meet you. Is there something you need?”

“Miss Ruby Johnson is here and seems a little agitated. She wants to speak with you, sir.”

“Thank you. Will you show her back please?”

“Yes sir.”

When he disappeared, Evan looked at Ben and shrugged. “What do you think this is about?” Ben asked.

“No clue, but I guess we’re getting ready to find out,” Evan said.

There was a tap on the door before it opened, and John ushered Ruby inside. She stopped instantly when she saw Ben.

“I didn’t know you were busy,” she said. Her hands shook as she rubbed her palms down her fitted jeans.

“Ruby, this is Ben Stevens with the State Police. Anything you need to tell me you can say in front of him.”

“Judge Bishop called me this mornin’,” she blurted.

“What time?” Ben asked.

“About thirty minutes ago. As soon as I hung up, I came here.”

“What did he say?” Evan asked as calmly as he could because he didn’t want her any more nervous.

“He asked if I could get in touch with Deputy Smith.”

“Are you sure that was this morning and not last night?” Ben questioned.

“I’m sure. I had a date last night and didn’t take any calls,” she said with frustration.

“Ruby, tell us the whole conversation.”

“Anyway, he asked and I told him all I have is a cell number.”

Evan glanced at Ben. “I thought you said his cell was at his place.”

“It is.”

“What number do you have, Ruby?”

She handed Evan a piece of paper. “That’s not his regular number.”

“His personal car still at his grandmother’s?”

“Yep,” Ben confirmed.

“The Sheriff has his patrol car, so what other vehicle does he have?”

“Judge Bishop’s boat,” Ruby said.

Evan and Ben looked at her quizzically. “Care to elaborate?” Evan asked.

“I was goin’ to, but y’all keep interruptin’ me. The Judge said to tell Frank a boat was tied down where the creek splits from the river. You know, the creek that feeds into the swamp?”

“I’m familiar,” Evan said. “Keep going.”

“So then he said to tell Frank to meet me where Harley was found.”

“Did you call Frank?” Evan asked.

“I did on my way here.” She sounded apologetic. “The Judge said I could help Harley and…” Ruby didn’t get to finish that sentence.

“Fuck!” Evan looked at his watch and tried to calculate how long it’d take Frank to get there. “We need to move. I don’t know if he has a motor on that boat.” They escorted Ruby out of his office and locked the door. Evan told John to let him know immediately if anything came in regarding Judge Bishop or Frank Smith. He shook his phone to let John know how to reach him. Since Harley was found within the town limits, it was his jurisdiction so he notified his officers of the situation. “No lights or sirens. If you see them, keep your distance and don’t rile anyone up. Block the road leading to the spot Harley Youngener was found.” Next he notified the Sheriff because his former deputy was under suspicion of the murder, and he’d worked with Judge Bishop for over thirty years. The Sheriff might be able to calm flaring tempers if needed. Ben was sending texts like crazy when his phone rang.

“Stevens.” Ben listened for several minutes before he said anything. “You got descriptions of the men?” There was a brief silence. “Get statements from the neighbors and get a sketch artist out there. Let’s find those men.” When he disconnected the call he said, “A couple of the neighbors saw two men leave the boathouse last night. It doesn’t sound like Judge Bishop roughed him up.”

“I would’ve been surprised. Harland’s big, but Frank is bigger and younger,” Evan replied not taking his eyes off the road.

They turned off the main road and saw a couple officers blocking the road to the swamp. As Evan pulled closer he asked, “Y’all seen or heard anything?”

“We heard some yellin’, so Rodney went a little closer,” one of the officers said.

“Okay. There’ll be some state agents coming and Sheriff Cahill. Please let them down, but tell them to proceed quietly and with caution.” The officers nodded as Evan slowly followed the road. A few yards in he heard a voice, but couldn’t make out what was said because the frogs were loud and hampered his ability to hear. As they crept around the curve they saw Rodney’s car, but he was nowhere in sight so they kept moving. The frogs grew louder, but so did the occasional voice. Evan stopped when he saw Harley’s old Camaro with the trunk popped open. Ben had his handgun already drawn, and Evan took his rifle as they eased out of the car. They guided their doors closed so there wouldn’t be noise. Before they cleared the car, Rodney walked over in a hunched position.

“Frank is on his knees tied to a stump. He looks like he’s been in a fight, but I don’t know if the Judge did it or not,” he whispered.

Evan and Rodney went to their right while Ben moved to his left behind Harley’s car. There was something stuffed in Frank’s mouth, but he kept trying to yell while the Judge threw a rope with a noose tied in the end over a tree branch. Evan took in the whole picture, assessing what was happening and what direction this could take. He noticed the branch was dead, and it’d break under Frank’s body weight. The Judge turned to Frank and removed the sock from his mouth. “Who’s laughing now, Frank?” He moved to put the noose around Frank’s neck and pulled out a tape recorder where Frank couldn’t see. “You killed my boy!” Frank pulled against the rope and the Judge pulled on the other end. Frank’s neck and arms were stretched as far as they could go.

Evan couldn’t let this go any further. “Judge!”

“Who’s there?”

Evan walked out with his rifle in one hand, but his arms were extended so both his rifle and side arm could be seen. “Judge, you can’t do this.”

“The hell I can’t! Your state boy isn’t getting the job done. See, I found him. He sure didn’t.”

“Judge, I need you to listen to me. You came to me for help, so let me help you.”

“I don’t need your help anymore.”

“You know as well as I do if he confesses under duress, he’ll get away with it. Ben wants this by the book so he gets jail time, Judge. No one has gotten hurt, so let’s put the rope down before this goes too far. I know he came here voluntarily; so kidnapping isn’t an issue right now. If you keep him here, though, it could be a problem.”

“Did you know my boy had this noose in his trunk? Were they going to hang him?”

“I don’t know why it was back there, but Mitchell and Sheriff Cahill saw it the day he trespassed. Mitchell thought it was to hang up the steer. You don’t think this is what Harley would want, do you?” The more they talked, the closer Evan moved to them. “Ben is behind Harley’s car. Frank is leaving here in handcuffs.” The rope slacked, and Frank’s neck was more relaxed.

“He killed my boy, Evan. He needs to pay.”

“He will, Judge. I’ll make sure of it.”

“I wanted to hurt him like he hurt Harley. That’s the punishment he deserves.”

With his last statement, Evan was beside the Judge taking the rope from his hands. “I know.” He saw Ben and Rodney move closer as he guided the Judge to his car. A group of men approached as Ben brought Frank from the stump while Rodney pulled down the rope and rolled it up. When he brought it to Evan, he quietly told Rodney there were evidence bags in his trunk.

Ben released Frank to a couple of his agents while the Sheriff and Evan stayed back with the Judge. Evan wanted to give them time to get Frank through processing and in an interrogation room before the Judge arrived. After a few minutes Evan said, “You know I’ve got to take you in for attempted murder.”

“I know. Why didn’t you just shoot me when I put the noose around his neck?”

“Because I know you’re hurting and you need help. Plus, you knew that limb was dead and just wanted to scare him. You’re not a killer, Judge.”

“I wanted to be today.”

“But you didn’t. There are extenuating circumstances, and we’re gonna get you the help you need.” Ben and Sheriff Cahill both agreed. “Sheriff, if you wanna be there when they question Frank, you may wanna head out. We’ve got this.” Evan cuffed the Judge with his hands in front and read him his rights as he put him in the back of Rodney’s car. Jimmy was in position to tow the Camaro out as the state lab guys were already moving over the area. Evan and Ben waited to make sure no one needed them before they left.

As they drove into town Ben said, “With the evidence we’ve gotten from Curtis, Frank won’t have to confess. It’d make it easier, but not necessary.”

“That’s good. Have y’all found anything to connect him to the other picture and emails?”

“No, they’ve gone through his computer and phone. We haven’t found a camera. I don’t think he’s your guy for those.”

“What’s his personal car?”

“An old jeep. Why?”

“He doesn’t have a motorcycle registered?”

“No, man, just the jeep.”

“Dammit. I wanted to tell her it was over.” Evan’s hands tightened on the steering wheel until his knuckles were white.

“I know. We’ll catch the guy. He’ll slip up.”

“Let’s hope he does soon. What about the counterfeit bills?”

“Secret Service is joining us on that one.”

“I might know someone who’ll work as an informant from inside the bank.”

Ben looked at Evan before his phone rang. “Riverton. Hey, Marcus. What do you have for me? They were from where? What does Ft. Gordon have to do with ATF? Shit. Keep me in the loop. I’ll see what I can find out here. Thanks.”

“What was that about?”

“The person that got the ATF picture is from Ft. Gordon. They house a lot of national security and intelligence information. He’d definitely know how to extract what he wanted.”

“If this shit keeps up, I may have to move here.” Ben looked at Evan with furrowed brows. “I don’t want to do that.”

With a cocky grin Evan said, “You’re gonna get pulled in anyway.”