Page 7 (2/2)

“Who?”

“I’es”

“I’ht to know if so my son”

“Not while the investigation is ongoing”

“The investigation” His eyes narrowed and then widened “Wait a ated?” He sounded as shocked as any parent she’d ever heard

And she’d heard souilty

“Everyone in Levi’s life is being investigated,” Lacey said, softening her tone in spite of howher off her mark

It was as though she’d known hi as absurd

“Well, I can tell you right now, no one is hurtingmistreated Wouldn’t I?”

The catch in the deep voice struck her as he uttered those last tords, lodging someplace in her chest

“It’s stillto do with her at all—other than as an agent for the state

“By all means” He stepped back And then, when she ain “If soaze flint sharp

Sing the lump in her throat, Lacey nodded

“That’s what I’m here for,” she told him

And hoped to God the call was a false alarm