Read Among the Wicked: A Kate Burkholder Novel for Free Online

arms a gentle squeeze. “But you’ll be on your own, in a rural area. A remote area. You’ll be isolated. No backup. You may not have a reliable mode of communication or transportation. And there’s no way for you to know what you might be walking into.”
    “We’re talking about an Amish community, not some drug cartel.”
    “We both know the kinds of things that can happen in an Amish community, though, don’t we?”
    I ease away from him and pick up my wine. I sip, but I don’t taste. “Tomasetti, there are forty kids in that settlement. A dead fifteen-year-old girl—”
    “And you’re the only one who can save them, right?” He shows his teeth in a poor imitation of a smile.
    “This is not about ego.”
    “Then let someone else handle it.”
    “There is no one else.”
    “They can put someone in there with undercover experience. Have him pose as some schmuck who saw God and wants to join the church.”
    “I’m sure that wouldn’t arouse suspicion,” I say dryly.
    “Not if he’s good, and most of these guys are.”
    “I didn’t ask for this,” I point out. “They came to me. Betancourt drove all the way from New York to ask for my help.”
    “You can say no. You don’t owe them anything.”
    “I know that. But Tomasetti, they’re right. I’m the best person for the job. I know the Amish. I know the culture. The language. The religion. I know the dress and traditions. I can get in there. I can blend and do what needs to be done. And get out.”
    “Kate, what exactly do you hope to prove? What’s your goal here?”
    “Did it cross your mind that maybe I care? That I want to help?”
    “If you’re looking for a spot with BCI, I can put in a good word for you.”
    “I was hoping we could discuss this like adults.”
    “You should know by now I don’t make nice. I don’t play fair.”
    “Stop trying to manipulate me. It’s not going to work. I have my own mind and I’m capable of making my own decisions.”
    “I know that. But I’m saying what needs to be said. In case you haven’t noticed, I love you. I love our life together, what we’ve built. I don’t want you taking on a dangerous assignment.”
    His words deflate the anger burgeoning inside me. For a moment, the only sound is the tinkle of snow against the kitchen window and the thrum of my own heart. I watch Tomasetti pull himself back, reel in his temper. Stepping away from me, he goes to the cabinet and pulls out two water glasses.
    “I want to do it,” I hear myself say.
    “Yeah, I got that.”
    I scramble for the right words, but they elude me. “I don’t know how to make this easier for you.”
    “Say no.”
    “I can’t. I’m sorry.”
    He offers an unhappy smile as he drops ice cubes into each glass. “So your mind is made up?”
    “Yes.”
    Setting the glasses on the counter, he turns to me, gives me his full attention. “Look, I don’t like the idea, but if you want to do it, I’ll respect your decision.”
    “Thank you.”
    Two steps and I go into his arms. I press my mouth against his. He dives into the kiss without hesitation, and not for the first time I’m astounded that he can still move me so profoundly.
    “Maybe we ought to sleep on it,” he whispers.
    I start to speak, but he silences me with a kiss.

 
    CHAPTER 3
    It’s nearly eight A.M. and I’m in my office at the station, my phone pressed to my ear, listening to a bad rendition of Journey’s “Wheel in the Sky.” From the reception area, I hear Mona arguing with a caller about a snow plow that blocked her driveway with snow. So far Mona’s winning the argument.
    I didn’t get much sleep last night. Not because I didn’t make good with Tomasetti. I did. But I couldn’t stop thinking about the assignment. I couldn’t stop anticipating all the things that could go wrong or wondering if I have what it will take to pull it off. Maybe Tomasetti was right. Maybe I’d get up there and find myself in over my head. Then I thought of