Page 27 of Trust No One

“You’ll ride with me.”

“I can’t leave my truck.”

“Don’t worry. It’s not going anywhere.” I walked to my SUV. “Let’s go.”

We got in, and I started the engine. I put the car in reverse.

Headlights flared behind me. A cop car blocked my spot. Judson.

I put the car back in park, lowered my window, and placed my hands on the steering wheel.

He strode up, flashlight sweeping from me to Gabe in the passenger seat, hand on his weapon. “Out for an evening drive?”

“We’re headed to the hospital.” I slipped into public defender mode.

“How did you find him? Did he call you?”

“This was his spot in high school,” I lied.

Judson’s face was a mask. I remembered the look. It signaled he didn’t dare loosen his grip on his temper.

He angled the flashlight on Gabe. “Gabe, I’ve been looking for you.”

“I was coming back even before Raine tracked me down.”

“Why are you hiding?” Judson asked.

Gabe stared ahead. “I needed time to process.”

“What’s that mean?” Judson asked.

He shook his head, chasing off a memory. “Maria dropped unconscious in front of me. I thought she was dead. I was freaked out.”

“She’s not dead,” Judson said. “She needs you. And I got questions.”

“Raine and I are headed to the hospital.”

Judson shook his head. “You smell like booze.”

“I’m fine.”

“Breathalyzer time.”

“I didn’t drive drunk.”

“I’m still testing you.”

“Are you arresting me?” Gabe’s face paled.

“We can play it that way.”

A county deputy pulled up behind Judson’s car.

“He should see his wife,” I said.

Judson’s gaze hardened. No nostalgia. No softness in the dark depths. “He had his chance. So now he’s going to wait a little.”

“Judson, you know Gabe.”