Quinn set fire to the cigar and was deep in the paperwork from the night before when his cell buzzed again. He expected it to be from Maggie, both of them trying to organize a dinner at his mother’s house, Jean excited about the prospect of getting Boom and Raven Yancy together. Jean continued to be fixated on the idea that Boom just hadn’t met the right woman yet.

Quinn answered.

“Sheriff Colson?”

“Speaking.”

No one said anything and after a long pause, Quinn nearly hung up the phone, thinking there was a broken connection. He asked if there was anyone there.

“It’s me,” the voice said.

It was a young woman. Quinn didn’t need to ask.

“Holly Harkins said you wanted to talk to me.”

“Hello, TJ.”

“I know y’all got Ladarius,” TJ said. “I saw it on the news. I just want to know if he’s all right.”

“Where are you?”

“I asked if he’s okay, goddamn it.”

“He’s going to be fine,” Quinn said. “But he’s hurt pretty bad. Could’ve been killed. How about y’all stop all this crap and come on in? You’re making yourself look bad, running from state to state, trying to act like you kidnapped that Bloodgood girl.”

“Maybe I did,” TJ said.

Quinn didn’t answer. Outside his window, he watched the weekly gathering of families coming to visit with prisoners for the morning. Some set out lawn chairs, others just stood on the free side of the fence, keeping their hands away from one another, although he’d caught a few try to slide a Little Debbie or body part or two between the chain link. There were baby mommas and baby daddies, mothers and grandparents. Little children ran loose and wild in the parking lot as their father did time in the drunk tank or waited out time before being transferred to Parchman. There were check forgers and wife beaters. Killers and drug addicts. Men and women paraded out into the open yard if they wanted free time in the cold air and a little check-in with the family.

“Did you see my post about Chester?” TJ asked.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“But you don’t believe it?”

“I’m still investigating the death of your mother,” Quinn said. “I’m looking into everything.”

“Then why’d you charge me and Ladarius?”

“Why’d y’all run?”

“I asked you first.”

“We found some evidence outside your trailer.”

“Whatever shit you found,” TJ said, “wasn’t ours. How stupid do you think I am? If I’d killed my momma, I’d sure have cleaned up the mess. Chester Pratt has strung you and that fat sheriff from Parsham right along.”

“I know.”

“What?”

“I said I know,” Quinn said. “But need y’all to stop running. Stay where you are and I’ll work something out. I’ll come for you.”

“Bull W. Shit.”