He gulped. “Yes. I found the drugs on his bike and turned him in to the sheriff.”
“You work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, correct?”
“Yes.”
“And how long have you worked there?”
“About ten years.”
“Do you live with your brother?”
“No. I was there for a visit with him and our mother.”
“So, you were unaware until you found the drugs?”
“That’s …. Mostly correct.” He licked his lips. “My mother suspected something was up. Aaron had been uncooperative, and he’d been buying things but didn’t have a visible job. So, I came home for a visit.”
“But you did not have confirmation until you found the contraband in his vehicle?”
“Correct.”
“Tell me a little more about why you’re here today.”
Deep breaths. He could do this. “Aaron’s father died in a work accident at the old tool factory when he was eight years old. The factory closed shortly thereafter, taking a lot of jobs with it. Hawthorn Hills hasn’t been the same since. There aren’t many job opportunities for young people, and from what he told me, that’s what drove him to distribute.”
“Do you believe he’ll return to it once he’s released?”
Luke eyed Aaron’s down-turned face. The kid was trying, but he couldn’t keep the shamed expression at bay completely. “No, I don’t think he will. And I’m working on a plan to ensure he doesn’t.”
“Do you believe the defendant is violent?”
Shaking his head, Luke responded. “No. He’s not violent. Angry, sure. But he’s never been violent to anyone.”
“Thank you, Luke. No further questions, Your Honor.”
“Does the prosecution have any questions for this witness?”
The prosecutor stood from his chair. “No, Your Honor.”
“Thank you, you may step down.”
Luke nodded to the judge and returned to his seat.
The judge leaned back in his chair and looked at Aaron. “Possession with intent to distribute is a felony, and distributing a drug such as heroin is incredibly harmful to your community. Given that, I hereby order you to serve two years in federal prison. And I hope you learn a skill that will give you a better opportunity when you return.”
Luke felt the bang of the gavel echo through his chest. When he raised his head to look at his brother one more time, Aaron was looking back at him with red-rimmed eyes. He tapped over his heart with one cuffed hand.Tap-tap.
Luke tapped his own back at him. And he knew that he would be tendering his resignation to the Bureau soon.
Chapter 26
TheBusyBeehadnever been quite this crowded. Aluminum pans of pasta, salad, and garlic bread sat along one end of the chrome counter, the ladies who’d organized this behind it. Edith, Anna, Raven, and Rosa were having a grand old time. Hahn’s Grocery had supplied drinks.
The other end of the counter held the prizes. There’d been so many they’d started sitting baskets on the barstools. For instance, Felix had donated a board game night basket with games for all ages. Joe’s uncle had put together a “movie night” themed basket with candies and popcorns from his general store. Virginia put a weekend stay at the Haven up for grabs. Just about every business in the town had donated a prize.
Except Grace. She donated dessert.
Luke licked his fingers after devouring a “Better than Sex” cupcake and nudged Maggie next to him in the booth. “I don’t know whether to commend Grace or give her a hug.”
