One Day in a Small-Town Desert, chapter 9, page 7

(start of book) (start of chapter) (previous page)



Séara Nulıpésha’s feet churned the gravel as she cornered past the ambulance, heading for the cement walkway that would lead to the trail around the house. Cowering in the bushes alongside the walkway, the paramedics looked up at Séara. Beyond them, the front door stood open, but suddenly slammed shut. The medics twitched at the thump.

Séara kept running past them, but one called out, “Wait! A victim is inside. The old guy won’t let us in.”

She didn’t stop. They weren’t talking about Mr. Kılímo, were they? Why wouldn’t he let them in?

The radio on Séara’s belt blurped. “This is Laparıpasamé. Enforcers say suspect hiding in fenced-in yard, suspect had not enough time to climb fence. Enforcers searching many sheds. I’m assisting from outside fence.”

If the murderer wasn’t fleeing, Séara had a moment to help the medics before joining the search. She halted and ran back to the front door. She turned the knob. Locked.

“It’s locked,” she said, frowning. She pounded on the door and yelled, “This is Lawperson Séara Nulıpésha. Please open up!”

Silence.

The medics should’ve gone in when they had the chance. Séara didn’t have all night to stand around helping them.

“Mr. Kılímo?” she called. Into her radio, she reported, “This is Nulıpésha. Assisting medics gain access to victim. Will join search shortly.” She reclipped the radio to her belt.

The medics walked up behind her. “He’s not going to open it,” one of them commented.

“Why not? He’s got to.” She pounded on the door again.

This wasn’t like Mr. Kılímo. He was always so cooperative and helpful.

The medic answered, “Because the Enforcer was arresting him when the shooting started.”

Séara paused, her fist motionless before the door. There has to be some mistake. It can’t be Mr. Kılímo they’re talking about. Never. Arrested?

(next page)