Page 79 of Gideon

“That’s correct.”

Beck blew out a long sigh, wrote something else, clicked the pen, and closed the file. “So, you’re still here because?”

Gideon’s leg stopped mid-bounce. “I’m still here because I’m concerned for the safety of a group ofpeople as well as the state of this town. Fairfax and Sheriff Peters have warned me to leave town.”

“The sheriff asked you to leave town?”

“Yes.”

Beck opened the file and jotted another note. “You didn’t believe it was in your best interest to do as he said?”

“I’m more concerned for others at the moment.”

Beck drummed his fingers on the table. “Do you have any idea why no one else has come forward before now?”

“I told you, I believe people are afraid of Fairfax. He owns most of this town. He could make people’s lives difficult.”

“Why did you leave?”

“Excuse me?”

“You’ve only recently returned to check on your father, but why did you leave in the first place?”

“I don’t see how that’s relevant.”

“I’m simply trying to understand your state of mind.”

“I left because my upbringing wasn’t the best, and I needed to get some space from it.”

“You don’t particularly like this town?”

“You think I’m making this up to get back at someone?”

“In my line of work, I try very hard not to make assumptions. I like to stick to the facts. That’s what I’m doing here. Gathering facts in order to get a clear picture of what’s going on.”

“You want facts? Go to Fairfax’s farm and have a look around. You’ll get plenty of facts.”

“I’m not sure how you think the law works, but I can’t just enter someone’s property and snoop around without permission or a warrant.”

“I understand that, but?—”

Beck’s attention lifted toward the door, and he nodded.

Gideon spun at the sound of the dinging door. Fairfax and Peters entered.

He slowly turned back to Beck, his lips folded in anger. “That’s why you were checking me for a wire? Because you’re a dirty agent?”

“I’d be very careful if I were you. It’s important I hear from all sides. There’s no need for a wire, as I’ll have all the details on record. You won’t be able to take anything out of context.”

“Sure.”

Beck moved farther into the seat so the sheriff could sit, and Fairfax brought a chair from a nearby table.

“Gideon,” Peters said. “I’m surprised by this. Disappointed. I thought we understood each other. You had a second chance, and you blew it. I really hoped you wouldn’t stoop this low.”

“Let’s save the commentary for later,” Beck said. “Gideon has suggested, Mr. Fairfax, that you are housing numerous illegal immigrants on your property.”

Fairfax folded his arms across his chest. “He’s lying.”

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