“ Cal doesn’t realize how offensive he is sometimes,” Bernadette said. “I think it’s just his way of trying to be funny. He doesn’t recognize this man, from the sketch or the description, either. The police seem to think he’s a deranged drifter, and I tend to agree. Maybe you just saw him buying something at Gus’s store one day.” She gave Mackenzie a pained look. “Or an assault knife.”
“Gus doesn’t carry that kind of knife at the store.”
“I didn’t mean that literally.” Bernadette rose, kicking off her flats and standing in her stocking feet. “I can see you’re tired. I wish I knew something that could help you find this man.”
“The police aren’t giving up yet,” Mackenzie said. “Are you okay here? I don’t want to scare you, but the man was on your property.”
“Your marshal friends swing by from time to time. I hate having anyone at my elbow day and night. In any case, you’re the one who was knifed, even if it was on my property. Do you have round-the-clock protection?”
Mackenzie almost smiled. “I’m not a federal judge who can’t shoot.”
“I hate guns. Your point’s well taken, but I’m not worried.”
Mackenzie wanted to ask her about Harris Mayer but resisted because of the FBI agent standing in the doorway. Let Rook ask if he wanted to. She didn’t have enough information, but if she barreled her way into an ongoing investigation, she would be back in Cold Ridge and out of the USMS before she got a scratch on her badge. Even Nate Winter wouldn’t be able to help her.
Bernadette walked past Rook and into the hall. Mackenzie noticed how closely he was observing the judge, but he continued to maintain his silence. She followed Bernadette, brushing by him. “Where’s Cal now?”
“I have no idea.” Bernadette’s mouth tightened as if she was trying to hold back unwanted emotion. “Why all your questions?”
“Just making conversation.” But that wasn’t entirely true, and Mackenzie wondered if both the federal judge in front of her and the FBI agent behind her realized she was holding back. Yet blurting what she knew about Cal Benton and his final affront to his wife and their marriage would do no one any good. Mackenzie said carefully, “ Cal will miss the lake, don’t you think?”
“If he had his way, he’d cut up the land into lakefront lots and tear down the house and build a new one. He says it’s only a step above camping.”
“When was he in New Hampshire last?”
Rook said something under his breath, and Mackenzie realized she’d pushed too hard. Bernadette reached the side door off the kitchen and spun around, arms crossed on her chest. “Mackenzie, I’m a judge. Before I was a judge, I was a prosecutor. I know when I’m being grilled. I’ll make allowances because of the circumstances, but otherwise, enough with the questions.”
“Sorry. Long day. Enjoy the lake. It was beautiful there this past weekend.”
Bernadette smiled wistfully, her irritation fading quickly. “It always is. I didn’t let what happened to your father stop me from appreciating it. I won’t let what happened to you stop me.” She gasped, obviously horrified by her own words. “That didn’t come out the way I meant it to. Not at all. Mackenzie, I’m sorry. I’m not unfeeling.”
“I know, Beanie. Forget it. I’ll see you later.”
“I don’t know anything about the man who attacked you. Neither does Cal. He takes care of himself. I know he does. From what I’ve learned about him these past three years, he always has. And he’s very good at it.”
“I’ve no doubt.”
Her pale green eyes leveled on Mackenzie. “What do you know that you’re not telling me?”
“I only have questions, Beanie. No answers.”
She didn’t respond right away. “I know the feeling,” she said finally. She opened the door, the hot night air immediately oozing into the cool interior. “Special Agent Rook, it’s good to meet you.”
“Likewise, Judge Peacham.”
“You’re very disciplined, keeping your mouth shut all this time.”
He smiled at her. “Good night, Judge.”
Mackenzie started to speak, but Bernadette held up a hand. “I’ve kept you long enough. Take care of yourself. Thank you for stopping by.”
“Always good to see you, Beanie.”
Rook’s car was still relatively cool when Mackenzie returned to her seat, but she could feel fatigue gnawing at her – and his gaze on her, probing, as if she’d tried to hide something from him, too.
“Where’d she get the nickname Beanie?” he asked, starting the car.
“I think Gus gave it to her in first grade, and it stuck.”
“But she’s beloved? She’s known for her kindness and generosity?”
“That doesn’t mean she’s a pushover. She’s smart, and she’s dedicated to her work as a judge.”
“No kids?”
Mackenzie shook her head. “She was married for a few years after law school, but it didn’t work out. No kids.”
“Just you,” he said.
“I have a mother. Beanie knows that. People might say I got lost in the shuffle after my father was injured, but we all cared about each other. That was never a question. And everything turned out all right.”