The Witches’ Bane
by Edward Ahern
Chapter 23: Return to Work
conclusion
Gordon spent another week in Vermont, being alternately treated and interrogated. His Eminence called on the second day.
“Gordon, I’ve just been briefed on the police and medical reports.”
“They’re confidential.”
“They were. You’ve both redeemed and cursed yourself again. I can’t congratulate you, but I can offer our thanks for removing this blight.”
“Gee.”
“Don’t be snide.” The archbishop sighed. “I’ll call again when you’ve recuperated. There’s a matter we need to talk about. And, Gordon...”
“Yes?”
“I’m relieved you didn’t have to face your maker. You’re woefully unready.”
AJ ran the business until Gordon returned, delaying only the big scores that required Gordon’s touch.
“I’m still shocked that Tassie let you off the hook, you guilty bastard.”
“He got the kid back, AJ, and solved the string of murders. The multiple homicides fit Hester and her crew a lot better than they did me. Besides, they found DNA from several of the babies in that cellar of Hester’s.”
“And Hester disappeared in a puff of smoke?”
“They found the car and charred remains over the line in Massachusetts. I’m told the smell of sulfur was overwhelming; I guess she got to meet the man.”
They smiled at each other. “What’s next, boss?”
“I run a one-way car rental back up to Vermont and pick up the Xterra.”
“You resuscitated that piece of shit? Wait, are you going to see Brenda while you’re up there?”
“Yup.”
“She’s too good a person for you.”
“And for you, AJ. She told me you hit on her as soon as she came out of the spell.”
“What better time? Oh, and Harrington called. He has another commission for us.”
“God bless the ineptly evil.”
Copyright © 2018 by Edward Ahern
