Silent Night by Blake Pierce

Author:Blake Pierce [Pierce, Blake]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"Is it really possible that Watchfield might go free, like he suggested?" Sheila asked, picking at a stray piece of lettuce on a table laden with the remnants of her and Natalie's dinner. The aroma of grilled chicken and sautéed vegetables still lingered in the air, but the recollection of Watchfield's words had robbed Sheila of whatever lingering appetite she'd previously had.

Natalie, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the restaurant's dim lighting, looked up from her plate and met her sister's gaze with an unwavering determination. She was no stranger to the darker side of humanity, having served as a sheriff in Coldwater for years. Her voice carried the weight of experience as she spoke.

"Sheila, the justice system isn't perfect," she admitted. "But there are plenty of good, hardworking people who are dedicated to making sure guys like Watchfield pay for their crimes." She paused, her eyes searching Sheila's face for reassurance. "With the evidence against him and his criminal record, I have no doubt he'll be locked away for a long time."

Sheila let out a slow breath, feeling the tension in her chest loosen ever so slightly. "I hope you're right, Nat," she said. "I just can't stand the thought of someone like him being out on the streets."

As she spoke, her fingers tapped rhythmically on the tabletop, a sign of her underlying anxiety. She couldn't help but feel responsible for bringing justice to the victims, even though this case fell far outside her usual realm of expertise. Watchfield might not be their murderer – the surveillance footage from his house had, after all, proven he couldn't have been at the Great Salt Lake at the time Jennifer's body was left there – but that only fueled Sheila's determination to bring the real killer to justice.

The restaurant, buzzing with the sounds of conversations and clattering dishes, was enveloped in a warm, golden glow from the overhead lights. Aromas of garlic and seared meat wafted through the air as waitstaff weaved their way between tables, deftly balancing trays laden with steaming dishes. A man at a nearby table nursed his beer, his eyes occasionally flicking over to Sheila and Natalie.

Just then, the door swung open, and a tall man stepped inside, carrying a military backpack slung over one shoulder. Sheila's gaze was instantly drawn to him, taking in the lean, purposeful stride that spoke of confidence and discipline. She recognized the unmistakable air of a fighter.

"Hey, sorry I'm late," Finn said as he approached, his voice warm and slightly gravelly. "Traffic was a nightmare." He paused, his gaze lingering for a moment on the man drinking beer nearby.

"Better late than never," Natalie said with a smile, gesturing toward an empty seat. "Have a seat."

Clearing his throat, Finn sat down and unzipped his backpack, pulling out a laptop and setting it on the table. Sheila helped move a few dishes out of the way to make room.

Finn's fingers danced over his laptop keyboard, the soft tapping a rhythmic accompaniment to the low hum of conversation and clinking of cutlery in the restaurant.

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