Page 86 of Pick Your Spot

The police chief nodded. “He attempted a kidnapping that would have crossed state lines. Because he didn’t succeed, I don’t think they’ll be involved for long. But they like to know the details of things like this. Our local contact is in New Hampshire. Shanice Williams is sending an agent this way to speak to Gammon while he’s here, to impress on him the seriousness of his crimes.”

That surprised Knox but maybe it shouldn’t have. Marcus had a reputation for being one of the best leaders in the special forces. It shouldn’t surprise him that he had connections throughout the area.

Marcus continued. “After they have their chat with him, I’ll have him transported to Montpelier. The cells here are holding cells. They’re a hundred percent secure, but in a town the size of Phail, we’re not set up for long-term incarceration.”

Thea’s shoulders relaxed. “So he won’t be staying here?”

“Not for long.”

Knox nodded. That was good. “Has he confessed to you?”

That had Marcus grinning. “The man likes to talk. I’ve got cameras recording his words and his movements. He doesn’t need an audience to spill his guts. It mostly sounds like he’s trying to convince himself that his actions were justified.”

“Asshole.”

Marcus laughed. “Yep. He’s stated several times that he hit Thea with the shovel so that he could get her to listen to him. He also said that placing her in the trunk was a really smart plan because it was the easiest way home. That once they were back in Iowa, he hoped she would forget all about Vermont and the farm here.”

Thea shook her head. “He’s a dumbass.”

Marcus nodded. “Not the smartest criminal I’ve encountered. He’s also very afraid of someone. Sounds like he owes that person a ton of money. He’s worried about retribution if he doesn’t pay him back.”

Knox nodded. “We both heard him say things about paying a man back yesterday.”

“From his ramblings, I’m guessing he’s accrued a shit-ton of gambling debts. He hasn’t dropped a name yet, but I’m betting the police in Des Moines will figure it out quickly. As time passes, Gammon’s fear is spiraling. He’s very afraid of this man.”

“He might be safer in jail.”

Marcus shrugged. “It’s a possibility. This kind of fear generally means there’s a criminal element involved. Maybe he was involved in illegal gambling and owes money to a loan shark.”

Thea frowned. “Do you think the fear had his mind snap? There’s no way he should believe I wanted to go back to Iowa.”

Another shrug. “I’ll leave that one for the docs, but I’m guessing it’s all connected. He’s a weak-minded man who got himself into trouble and he doesn’t want to believe it’s his own fault. My Iowa contact told me that Gammon’s business is in serious trouble. Most of the farmers have stopped working with him and his reputation is shot.”

Beside Knox, Thea smiled. “I wonder how he likes it.”

Knox squeezed her shoulders as he grinned. “Karma’s biting him in the ass, and he has no one to blame but himself.”

Marcus nodded. “He hasn’t even asked for a lawyer yet. We have enough evidence to keep him locked away for a while. I can’t say for sure until the lawyers get involved. Still, I suspect he’ll confess officially, and we’ll all avoid the need for a trial.”

“That would be great.” Thea leaned into Knox as she spoke. “It’s mostly over, then?”

Knox ran his hand up and down her arm as Marcus nodded.

After chatting for a bit more, Marcus said he’d type up their statements and then email them for their approval and signatures. Then he asked them to stay in the cabin, and he’d send in Lia.

They’d met the doctor briefly when they’d found Marcus at the compost area. She and her husband, a former FBI negotiator, were friendly and happy to drive out to check on Thea.

Lia arrived with a smile. “I was checking over the Worminator. It’s going to be exciting to see it in action. Anytime you need some help, Joe and I are only a phone call away. I know the other people at Midnight Lake are going to be fascinated as well. Tansy Cheveyo is a pro at reducing human footprints in the world and taking steps to heal the earth. She’s going to love everything you’re doing out here. Now, let’s get to business.”

It didn’t take long for Lia to check over Thea. She was thorough and efficient. “You don’t have any signs of a concussion, which is a bit of a surprise. I’d like you to take some precautions, anyway. Knox, you did a great job of tending the cuts on her wrists and ankles. Those will need some care for a few days, too.”

Lia smiled and packed up her bag. “When you’re outside, especially near the compost, keep those cuts covered for at least a few days. I’ll leave you a salve and some gauze. No overdoing things. I know you’ll want to work, but nothing that causes any strain. Listen to your body, and rest often.”

Then, her face became more serious. “You’ve both been through a trauma.”

Knox frowned. “Thea was the one who was kidnapped and hurt.”

Lia’s tone softened. “I know. And that was extremely traumatic for her, but from everything I’ve seen and heard, that would be equally traumatic for you. Trauma isn’t a contest and is often shared. One day, you should sit down with Joe and me and the others at Midnight Lake to talk about ways we’ve all learned to cope with situations like these. It’s a lot of stories. But we’re stronger because we’ve healed together. Don’t keep it inside. Talk to each other. Talking to a therapist is often a good idea as well. Having an unbiased opinion sometimes makes it easier to unload.”

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