Page 280 of Taken Away

There almost always was.

But for now, he had what he needed.

His gaze moved to Walter.

“Walter.”

Walter slowly lifted his head.

Burke nodded toward his office.

“We need to talk.”

A few minutes later, Walter sat across from him, his hat resting in his lap.

Burke closed the door.

“I know you were the prowler outside the house the other night.”Walter looked up.

“No, Sheriff.”

“The muddy print matches the loafers in your office, Walter. You were lurking around the grounds trying to keep tabs on Aubrey.”Walter’s fingers tightened around the brim of his hat. He didn't deny it.

“I never meant to hurt anybody.”

“I believe you.”

Burke sat back.

“So tell me why.”

Walter rubbed his thumb along the worn edge of his hat.

“I only wanted what was best for Blackwood.”

“And what was that?”

“For Aubrey to go back to Philadelphia."

Burke watched him.

“So Anne could finally have the life you believed should’ve been hers.”

Walter looked up then.

Tears stood in his eyes.

“It was hers.”

“Why?”

Walter’s mouth trembled.

"Because Harold made the wrong choice."

The words hung between them.

Burke was still for a long moment.