20 Chapter 20

Rumors spread about West Stockton that numerous drug deals were executed at 10 Prairie Road, Belle’s address. Sheriff Lord and his boys were always at the residence because of ruckus. Two arrests were made in the last year. Belle slept with her lawyer who prevented her from going to jail for drug possession. Other rumors spread about the county that suggested Max Martin was Belle’s boyfriend, which I disagreed with, since he was into boys and not Belles.

Tal and I rode past Belle’s place. Her vintage Buick sat in the driveway. Two lights were on in the two-story house. I asked Tal, “You think Max Martin is in there?”

“Nope. His truck isn’t next to the Buick.”

I said, “I don’t think so either.”

“Why do you want to find him?”

“Because Belle likes her drugs, and Martin is always out here selling them to her.”

“You think Martin sold Evan Sting drugs?”

“I do. Even if he told me different.”

“Going on your gut again, aren’t you?” Tal asked.