That was not good news to any of them. They were all silent for a minute, then Noah spoke up.
“I have already spoken to the sheriff in Morehead. Gerald is known there, too, for selling. He is as determined as we are to stop Gerald and his supplier. We are keeping each other updated.”
“Do we know who his supplier is?” Matt asked, his stomach clenching with tension. Red Hook was filled with hardworking families. They did not need drugs to be brought in on a high level.
Drake shook his head. “We don’t have that information. If we catch Gerald, then we can find out. I talked to Pete, but he claims to know nothing. I know he is lying, but not even the death of Kara was enough to get him to snitch on his big brother.”
“I have Jack finishing up the area of the woods that hasn’t been searched. He will keep me updated,” Noah added. “Okay, boys. I say we have a lot to do and little time. I have a meeting with the mayor in thirty minutes. Maybe he will let me hire some new deputies.”
They all stood up and left the station. Matt walked with his brother. “My stomach hurts with this one, Tony. I feel bad things coming. Suppliers from big cities come with lots of men who mean harm to these people.”
“I know,” Tony agreed, his mouth thinned with anger. “We need to get this scum off the street, and soon. We all have family and friends here. I care about this town, too. I don’t want it to change.”
“I hate that Holly is a target. I want to hide her in our panic room and not let her out until this is all over,” Matt confided in his brother.
Tony chuckled. “I don’t see her cooperating with you on that. She is a smart girl, Matt. She knows to be alert. Has she started back to work yet?”
“No, she wants to, but I asked her to wait a few more days. I really love her and I can’t lose her,” Matt said, heading for his police vehicle. He got in the driver side and Tony got in the passenger side.
“Let’s get these scumbags off the street. Between the both of us, we will protect your girl,” Tony promised.
Matt nodded and drove down the main strip of town. People walked up and down the street, unaware of what was going on. Matt was determined to keep these people safe.
* * * *
Holly sat in her niece’s bedroom, watching Hope play with her toys. Faith was folding clothes and putting them away. Faith had not gone into work today. She had a doctor’s check-up and had just gotten back. “Does Mom know what is going on?”
Holly felt guilty for not telling her mom everything. Maybe tonight she would call her and tell her about her reunion with Matt. Rebecca knew Holly had been pining for him. “Not the whole story. I told her about the first incident with Pete because it made the news and I was afraid she would see it on TV. She was worried, but I assured her I was okay. Do you think I should tell her all of it? I hate for her to worry. I feel like I am always worried we are going to do something to start her drinking again. Silly, isn’t it? We’re adults.”
“It’s a reasonable fear, Holly,” Faith answered her, “but in the end, it is her responsibility to stay sober.”
“They are coming for Hope and Carlos’s birthday party in July. Hopefully all of this will be over,” Faith said in between a few yawns. “She will hear the gossip, so maybe you should tell her. Assure her it is all under control. I told her she should just move down here, and she promised to talk it over with Ted.”
“I know Noah and everyone are working hard to solve this. With one girl dead and one hospitalized, it is a serious situation. Matt is really worried. I have never seen him like this. I am surprised he doesn’t have guards on us,” Holly admitted, feeling anxious herself. She was tired of hiding and feeling sick to her stomach all the time.
Faith laughed. “He does.”
“What?” Holly looked around the room and Faith rolled her eyes. “Greg is outside, parked across the street. I thought you knew.”
Holly shook her head. “My mind is filled with so many thoughts right now that I am surprised I know my name. I am sort of glad I’m not working right now. I wouldn’t be able to give it one-hundred-percent attention, and that is a must.”
Faith sat on Hope’s bed. “It’ll be over soon, sis. Alana keeps me updated and she says Noah is so upset about all of this. The whole town is talking about the two girls. Kara’s funeral is tomorrow. No one wants a drug epidemic.”
“I know.” Holly stood up and looked out the window. She spotted Greg and felt slightly better. She needed to keep busy so she would not feel so upset. “I am going to make us lunch. What should we have?”
Hope looked up from the floor where she had been playing with some dolls. “Pancakes.”
Faith laughed. “That is breakfast, silly.”
“Pancakes,” Hope said again.
Holly laughed. “Okay, munchkin. Come and be my helper so Mommy can take a nap.”
Hope jumped up and grabbed Holly’s hand. “Night, Mommy.”
Faith kissed her daughter then looked at Holly. “Thanks for all you do, Holly. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem,” Holly said. She liked being able to give back. Her sister had spent much of her own childhood looking out for Holly. “Is Liam coming home for lunch?”