Knox rubs his chin. “What was Lewis doing with the pills?” We already know the answer to that, but we can’t let that slip to Langston.
Langston leans forward in his seat, resting his elbows on his knees. “We were able to get a few patients who we now know are his dealers to flip. They admitted to selling in exchange for living a cushy life and getting paid.”
“Wow.” I give zero enthusiasm behind that single word.
Langston narrows his eyes at the three of us. “The dealers gave us some names, and we were able to get another warrant for Frank LeBlanc. He had enough pills in his vehicle to be charged with intent to sell.”
Knox and I look at each other. I can visibly see the weight that has been weighing him down for years lift from his shoulders. And I’m positive he can see the same with me.
Raven shifts in her seat. “What about the sheriff?”
“He’s been arrested as well. Camden’s testimony was enough to convince a judge and the DA. We were able to prove thatClayton Jackson asked for the videos to be made, so he’s been charged with over one hundred counts of the production of child pornography. The videos were time stamped, so we were able to prove that Camden was underage.”
The rush of air that leaves Raven’s lungs is one of relief. “Thank you.”
“No thanks necessary, ma’am.” Turns out Langston has that southern charm.
“What about Seth and Alice?” I ask.
“We believe that Lewis Whitlock was behind their actions. Alice Tillman and Seth Beauregard were Whitlock’s patients. Their blood tests showed that at the time of their deaths, they both had scopolamine in their systems, which we also found in Lewis’s office. He hasn’t admitted to it yet, but the DA believes we have enough circumstantial evidence to try him for two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. A man with Whitlock’s skill set could easily use scopolamine to get people to do what he wants.”
I knew it. I fucking knew it. This means he must’ve recognized Raven from the beginning. If he tries taking her down with him, we have connections. People die in holding cells and prison all the time.
Langston turns his hands in question. “Do y’all have any other questions?”
“I don’t think so,” Knox answers for the three of us.
“Well, if that’s all, I’ll leave y’all to it.” Langston stands, tipping his hat.
We stand with him, and Raven darts to Langston, surprising him with a hug. Langston’s eyes bulge, and his arms are held awkwardly at his sides. He looks at me and Knox, searching for an answer on what to do. Knox motions with his arms to show Langston how to hug Raven back. I pinch my lips to keep my laughter locked inside. Langston blinks rapidly, hesitating, buteventually mimics Knox. Raven hugs Langston even tighter then steps away.
Langston dismisses himself before Raven can thank him again. “I’ll see myself out.” He tips his hat then makes his exit.
Raven turns to us, blinking. “What now?”
I give her a small encouraging smile. “Now, we live.”
She runs to me, jumping into my arms and wrapping herself around me like a koala.
“Mom!” Noah appears at the top of the stairs.
Raven keeps her face buried in my neck. “What’s up, little king?”
“Can we get a cookie from Miss Kat?”
Raven pulls back, smiling at Knox and me. She may get flustered with how easily we sense and read her emotions, but she has quickly developed the skill to do the same to us.
“Yeah, but you need to clean up your toys first.”
Raven looks back at us, excitement in her eyes.
“Time to live, Darlin’.”
Entering Mystic Beans,Noah runs ahead of us and goes right around the counter. “Miss Kat! Miss Kat!”
“Noah, wait.” Raven moves to grab her son, but he’s too fast. I snag her hand before she can take off after him.
“Hey, there!” Kat picks up Noah, holding him on her hip.
