He takes the pole. “You’re kind of squeamish for an Amish girl.”
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t spread that around. I have a reputation to uphold.”
“Hey, your secret’s safe with me.” He steps away, spots the flashlight lying against the cooler, picks it up, and turns it on. I watch as he takes it to the edge of the dock and sets it down so that the beam shines out over the water to draw insects—and fish.
“So what’s going to happen to Abigail Kline?” Bending, he opens the tackle box containing hooks, lures, bobbers, and fishing line, and begins to rummage.
“She admitted to poisoning her husband. She could be charged with first-degree murder, but I suspect the county attorney will strike a deal and go with second-degree. I mean, she found out Jeramy had murdered her lover. He’d lied to her for thirty years. If the case goes to trial, the jury will probably be sympathetic. Better chance of a conviction if she’s prosecuted for a lesser charge.”
“What about the Kaufmans?”
“There’s a lot we don’t know yet, but Abram may be charged with the murder of Leroy Nolt. We don’t know how much Naomi knows, but she’ll be thoroughly questioned. If it’s determined she knew, appropriate charges will be filed. The thing is, we don’t know if Nolt’s falling into that pen was premeditated or accidental.”
Nodding, he threads the hook, then leans forward and bites off the excess line. “I heard they didn’t find a rifle at Kester’s father-in-law’s place.”
“Abram Kaufman owns a .22. Deputy found it hidden in the barn during a search.” I pick out my hook and tie it onto the line of my own pole. “I’m betting it’s going to be a match.”
Tomasetti usurps my pole and finishes. “So Kaufman’s our sniper.”
“Looks like.”
Leaning close, he reaches for me, pulls me close, and presses a kiss to my cheek. “I’m glad he’s a bad shot.”
I grin at him. “Me, too.”
Pole ready, he rubs his hands together and picks up the box of bait. “What do you say we catch us some fish?”
“Last one to reel one in has to scale them.”
“You’re on, Chief Burkholder. You’re on.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Linda Castillo is the New York Times bestselling author of the Kate Burkholder novels, including Sworn to Silence, which was recently adapted into a Lifetime Original Movie titled An Amish Murder starring Neve Campbell as Kate Burkholder. Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence and the HOLT Medallion, and she received a nomination for the RITA. In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next novel. You can sign up for email updates here.