Poisoned by Patricia Hartman

Author:Patricia Hartman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fbi, corruption, west virginia, coal, veterinarian, sheriff, prosecuting attorney
Publisher: Patricia Hartman

CHAPTER 17

4:15 p.m.

The view from the Beckers’ porch would never be the same. Images of red and blue lights, firetrucks and sheriff’s vehicles, a gurney taking away a lifeless baby girl … and two boys tucked in their mama’s arms trying to make sense of it all. And the guilt … How had Mary Jo made it past that day?

Julie opened the back door for Dog to take his seat. He jumped up and readied himself for his harness as if they had done this dance for years. She buckled him in and then climbed in herself. At the end of the driveway, she met Sam coming back from town. They rolled down their windows in unison.

“Finally done with your girl talk?”

“Yep.” Julie forced a smile, knowing the conversation that awaited Sam. Would Mary Jo put it off again? “Let me know if that mare has any troubles. I’ll be home all night. I’ll stop by to check on the new foal before I head to the office in the morning. Probably around seven or so.”

“I’ll put the coffee on. I’m sure I’ll need it after a long night.” He winked.

Julie chuckled to herself knowing that coffee wouldn’t do him a lick of good. “I’m looking forward to it. I’ll bring the donuts.”

“That’s a deal.” Sam tipped his cowboy hat and drove on.

She would normally turn right to go back the way she came, but she didn’t have enough emotional energy to pass by the Gleason farm again. She didn’t want to think about who was there and why. But, then again, she had never been one to let fear direct her course. She gathered her resolve and turned right.

She checked Dog in her mirror. He was looking to the future and happy to be alive. A dog’s worldview would be nice right about now.

The sun hung low in the trees, casting long shadows on the road. She slowed as she reached the Gleason farm. Only an old truck remained.

Dog growled from deep in his throat.

“What is it, boy?”

He whined a bit and moved his feet in a dance. Then he barked. Julie hurried past.

As she got to the main road, she reached for her phone. Oh, no. She had forgotten it on Mary Jo’s counter. She made a U-turn and headed back. Of all days. She drove quickly past the Gleason farm as Dog’s barking reached another crescendo.

Julie pulled up to the Beckers’ home next to Sam’s truck. It had only been a few minutes since she left. Julie hoped Mary Jo had put off the conversation at least this long. “I’ll be right back, boy.” Dog yielded a slight woof.

Julie approached the door and stood quietly for a moment. She heard low voices inside. She knocked sheepishly. Mary Jo came to the door, eyes puffy.

“I’m so sorry to bother you—I left my phone.” Julie pointed in the direction of the kitchen. Sam came up beside Mary Jo and put his arm around her.

“Well, I wouldn’t have called and invited you over at this moment.

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