Free Markers (Joshua Stokes Mysteries Book 3) by Lila Beckham Page B

me full in the face. I never wanted to go there again… that was the worse thing I’ve ever seen in all my years on earth…”
    “Y’all caught the one that done it didn’t you or he killed hisself, maybe that’s what it was; the man that killed the baby then killed hisself afterward?”
    “Yes, he did. I found him too; the same time… I have been thinking about Anna Leigh’s father. I want to make damn sure he gets caught even if it’s in his own web, for what he done to the baby’s mama.”
    James turned to look at Joshua, and it was as if a light bulb went off. He knew in that instant that Joshua had arranged for the baby killer to end his own life and to be found out for what he had done. It did not change his opinion of him. He would have done the same thing if given the opportunity; he felt bad for his friend.
    “Those FBI boys are working the case-let ‘em do their job, Josh. You put too much pressure on yourself. You are not the only lawman in the State of Alabama, Hoss. Let someone else take it on. You made sure that the baby was safe; that’s the main thing. The vigilante justice that’s been dealt out for centuries don’t cut it no more; there’s too many rules and regulations; too many people that stick their nose into others business.”
    “But what if they don’t do their job-it’ll be too late then to do something about it. What if a judge gives Anna Leigh to him? What if-”
    “The world is made up of what ifs, Josh.” James interjected. “What if you just let this run its course and see what happens? You said yourself that they was already investigating this sex trafficking stuff. If what that woman told you is true, I’m sure they’ll find it out.”
    “Maybe…”
    “Come on, lets ride up to the Four-Mile and get us a thick juicy steak. My belly is hollering its suppertime,” James chuckled.
    “I put the gun in that dudes mouth and his finger on the trigger.” Joshua blurted the words out so suddenly they even caught him by surprise.
    “You done the right thing,” James said flatly. If it hadda been me that found the baby and found who done it, I probably would a done worse to him. Any son-of-a-bitch that does that to a little young’un deserves to have his dick cut off and shoved down his throat before he dies.”
    “Yeah, thought about doing that, but they would’ve known somebody killed him and they would probably have known it was me.”
    “You done right, and I’m behind you one hundred percent. It’ll never go any further than this back porch.”
    “I know it won’t, you’re a good friend to me, Hook.”
    “And you’re a good friend to me, Hoss; couldn’t ask for none better. Now, come on, let’s go get something in our bellies so we can finish off this bottle later.”

Twelve
     

A Helping Hand
     
    When they drove into the parking lot of the Four-Mile Truck Stop, it was nearly dark. Joshua was about to park, when suddenly, James told him to swing around back. That was when Joshua saw the reason for James’ sudden call. Leonard Page’s pickup truck was parked near the front door.
    “Let’s ride up through Lucedale, look around for a little bit and give them time to clear out. Then we’ll be able to eat in peace,” James said, reaching into his shirt pocket for his cigarettes. He stuck one in his mouth and turned to offer one to Joshua, however, Joshua had already pulled his out of his pocket and was in the process of lighting one. They both became quiet when Joshua shut off the ignition.
    “Neither one of us need any trouble, Hoss” James said, thinking Joshua was fixing to get out and go in. “You know that’s what’ll happen if we go in there.”
    “I ain’t planning on going in,” Joshua replied. “I just want to enjoy my smoke. I’m not afraid of Leonard Page or anyone else for that matter, but I’m not in the mood to deal with his stupid ass. I think you’re right. We don’t need to go in there. We could ride on up to Lucedale,