Page 149 of To Die For

Odom shrugged. “I… my dad would sometimes say stuff. Like winning money in the lottery and buying our car and house with it.”

“You said you didn’t believe that because he had a tell,” said Devine. “He giggled.”

“That’s right. But my mom never, ever lied to me,” said Odom firmly. “So if she said Uncle Danny was a good person, well…” She fell silent.

“Okay, Betsy, anything else you want to tell us?” said Walker gently.

“No, that’s it. Look, I… I have to finish packing.”

She rushed from the room.

“One confused little girl, and who can blame her,” observed Walker.

Braddock said to Devine, “You’re taking her outside the city somewhere? But will you all be safe there?”

“I think there are other interested parties in this that will see to it.”

Braddock kept his gaze rigidly on Devine. “If you would level with me, the SPD might be able to help.”

Devine had to make a tough decision here, and he went with his gut. “Ever heard of 12/24/65?”

Braddock’s eyes narrowed. “Christmas Eve 1965?”

Devine glanced at Walker, who looked just as perplexed as her boss.

“It’s December 24,1865. It’s the date the KKK was founded.”

“The KKK?” said Braddock dully. “White hoods and burning crosses?”

“Their current incarnation is a domestic terrorist organization with roots all over and connections in the highest places in government, military, business. And apparently the police as well. They’re the ones who want to turn us into an autocratic state where the men rule and everybody looks, prays, and acts the same.”

“Then how come I’ve never heard of it?” exclaimed Braddock.

“They keep a very low profile. The feds just recently got on to them. Glass did business with them. In that way he got potential evidence against them.”

Braddock sat back. “That’swhy they dropped the RICO case. But where does the girl come in?”

“She’s potential leverage against Glass. I think the Termites—”

“Excuse me, what?” said Braddock.

“Sorry, my nickname for the KKK assholes. I think the Termiteskilled Odom’s parents, as a warning to Glass. If he cooperates, Betsy is next.”

“So why don’t the feds have an army around her?” said Walker.

“Maybe they do,” said Devine.

“Why don’t they just kill Glass?” said Walker.

“I’m sure they’ve thought about that. But he’s under protection. And I imagine a smart guy like Glass has an insurance policy, much like Rollins probably did.”

“Evidence put away somewhere that can be used against the Termites in case he goes down?” said Walker.

“Right.”

“And speaking of Rollins,” said Braddock. “Where does he fit in?”

“He had dirt on Glass, so he claimed. And somebody didn’t want him selling it.”

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