Long Range (Joe Pickett Book 20)(80)

“No, no. I could never make a shot like that. I was the spotter.”

“So why did he agree to kill him?”

“You know, it doesn’t seem like murder when it’s that far away,” Patterson said. “When you kill something so far from you that you can’t even see the target, it’s more like a game than a crime. We had no idea Sue would be in the room with the judge at that time. I didn’t know it until the next morning.”

“Again, why did he agree to be the shooter?”

“I was tipped that our doctor is running a very lucrative side business in illicit prescription drugs,” Patterson said. “He’s got wealthy customers from all over the country. I could have brought a case against him that would have put him away for a lot of years.”

Joe nodded. That explained the sudden arrival of Missy, but he didn’t bring her up.

“Did you threaten him with prosecution unless he helped you?” Joe asked.

Patterson didn’t want to admit it. But after a heavy half minute of silence, he whispered, “Yes.

“I promised him it would be just one shot,” he added. “But it never works out that way, does it? Things just go to shit. I’ve had dozens of clients over the years who did something wrong that wasn’t so bad but it led them on a spiral where everything got out of control. I should have known it could happen to me.”

“What about the assault on you?” Joe asked. “Did you two have a falling-out?”

Patterson said, “No, like I said, things went to shit. When I found out Sue got hit instead of Judge Hewitt, I panicked. I had to steer the investigation away from me.

“It was a setup. I told Tom where to be that night and where I would park my car. I scrunched down under the steering wheel and let him take a shot through my windshield so it would look legit.”

Joe nodded.

“I loved her,” Patterson said again.

“That’s why you’ve been so upset,” Joe said, trying to appear empathetic, even though he wanted to draw his weapon and pistol-whip Patterson’s head. “Your reaction to Sue’s shooting and death seemed kind of over the top at the time. Especially during that press conference. Now it’s clear why you were so emotional. You accidentally killed the woman you loved.”

“I’ll never meet anyone else like her,” Patterson sobbed. “I mean, look at me. Look where I live. How I live.”

“I’m sure you’re right about that,” Joe said. Then: “Is the sheriff in on it?”

“What? No. Of course not.” Patterson wiped tears from his cheeks and cleared his throat. “He’s just incompetent. I knew he wouldn’t figure anything out. I’ve seen him bungle case after case since he got here. I wasn’t worried. I had no idea Judge Hewitt would bring you in on the investigation.”

Joe felt flattered, but he didn’t react. “Is that why the two of you took a shot at my pickup tonight?”

“I knew nothing about that until a few minutes ago,” Patterson said. “That was Dr. Arthur acting alone. He’s losing it, I think. The pressure is getting to him.”

“So that’s who you were talking to on the phone when I knocked on the door?” Joe asked.

“Yes.”

“Did you buy a couple of burner phones to communicate with each other?”

“Yes.”

“You learned some things representing and prosecuting dirtbags.”

Patterson closed his eyes.

*

“THE PERSON WHO drove the county vehicle to plant the rifle at Nate’s place,” Joe said. “That was you, wasn’t it? You have access to the county motor pool.”

Patterson nodded meekly. “Arthur didn’t want to hand over his rifle, but I made the case to him that it would keep us both in the clear.”

“Was it your intention to blame Nate all along?”

He nodded again. “If necessary. You know his reputation,” Patterson said. “Nobody would put it past him.”

“I would.”

Patterson seemed too exhausted to argue, so he simply looked away.

“Does Dr. Arthur know I’m here?” Joe asked. “I heard you say something into the phone when I knocked on your door and you looked through the peephole.”

Patterson nodded. “I might have said something.”

“Either you did or you didn’t,” Joe said.

“Yeah, I think I did.”

Joe stood up and hovered over Patterson for a minute. The county attorney was still seated and sweating through his scalp.

“I think we should leave right now,” Joe said.

“Where are we going?”

“County jail,” Joe said. “I assume you know the way in.”

“Is there any way—”

“Nope.”

“My life is ruined,” Patterson cried. “I should be in jail. I’ll never have the woman I wanted because I fucked up everything.”

“Yup,” Joe said. “Now stand up, turn around, and let me cuff you.”

“Jesus, you don’t have to do that,” Patterson said.

“I just want to.”

“Really, Joe. I’ll go willingly. Or better yet, just leave me here and go on your way. I’ve got a shotgun in the closet and I’ll end it all before you get to the bottom of the stairs.”