“I didn’t. You did. You ended it, Crystal.” Ketch closed his eyes and remembered how broken he’d been that first night. If it hadn’t been for Tuesday, he might have done something crazy like quit school or jump into the river just to see if he could swim. “Don’t fly to Texas. Don’t call me again.”

He ended the call. There was nothing else to say. If she’d loved him, she wouldn’t have hurt him like that.

The phone rang again. He stared at the ID before answering. A scam voice would be better than hearing Crystal act like she was about to cry.

He hesitated, then answered, “Kincaid here.”

“Ketch, this is Hank Norton. Remember you met me at the library Sunday? I didn’t introduce myself completely . . .”

“Are my books already in? That was fast.”

“I don’t know.” Hank barked a laugh. “I don’t officially work at the library, but I do want to ask for your help. Ranger McBride told me you’re ex-military. I have a feeling you can handle what I need you for. You’d be working with Ranger McBride and me. In my real life I’m Captain Harrison Norton of the Houston police, and we have a situation here. I should add the job might get dangerous and there is no pay.”

Ketch frowned. He already had two jobs, and it seemed the librarian’s nurse-turned-cop was offering him another. “How can I help you, Hank? The offer seems too bad to turn down.”

The man on the other end hesitated a few heartbeats, then said calmly, “What do you know about bombs, soldier?”

Bombs. Ketch felt his body go on high alert. “Not much, but more than most. I’m at your service, sir.”

“Meet me at noon outside the library. We’re going to try and stop something from happening before someone gets killed.”

“I’ll be there if this is about the pipe bombs folks have been finding around town.”

“It is.” How could Hank have thought the problem wouldn’t get out? This was a small town. Everyone on campus was talking about it. The Ag boys were thinking of organizing a search party.

“Noon. The library,” Hank said in more of an order than a request.

Ketch hung up. He’d worry about forgetting Crystal another day. Right now, he was too busy.

Wednesday

Wednesday

Chapter 25 - Hank

Chapter 25

Hank

Millie sat in her office chair with her back straight and her hands shaking in her lap. The librarian was so nervous her words echoed as if in a canyon. “You can’t do this, Harrison. This is not your job. I’m fine. I don’t need your help anymore. Go back to Houston and let Ranger McBride and the sheriff take care of this bomb problem. It’s probably some kid wanting attention.”