Page 35 of Ultimate Justice

Not really. “Yes, why?”

“You’re squeezing my hand too tight.”

“Oh. Sorry.” She relaxed her grip.

“It’s okay.” The look of understanding in Noah’s eyes far surpassed his years. Somehow, he knew something was bothering her.

They continued through the maze of tents, heading for the strip mall. Many of the vendors had decorated their tents with black-and-orange Halloween decorations. Ghosts and skeletons tied to tent poles fluttered in the breeze. Noah slowed at every cake and pastry vendor they passed. Looked like she’d be adding cake to the shopping list.

“Hold up.” Still holding on to Blue’s leash, Evan crouched. “Hop on my shoulders. It’ll be easier for you to see all the shops that way.”

Marlie could just make out Target, Ace Hardware, Dairy Queen, Party City, and Joann Fabric and Crafts.

Noah climbed onto Evan’s back, scrambling up and onto his shoulders. Evan stood easily, as if Noah weighed no more than a sack of kibble. With Evan’s height, Noah’s head was a good two feet above the crowd.

“Wow.” He shielded his eyes with his hand. “I can see everything from up here.”

Slowly, Evan turned, giving Noah a bird’s-eye view of the entire strip mall. Her heart squeezed just a little bit. He was good with kids in a way only someone experienced with children could be. Did that come from the job, or did he have kids of his own?

“Wait! Stop!” Noah pointed to the end of the strip. “I remember the Dairy Queen.”

“You’re sure?” Evan asked.

“Yeah.” He nodded. “Frank parked the truck all the way at the end of the parking lot, right in front of the Dairy Queen. I remember because I wanted ice cream, but I didn’t have any money.”

“That’s good. Really good.” Slowly, he lowered Noah to the ground.

The same pungent smell of marijuana she’d detected on the other side of the market was stronger here.

Noah wrinkled his nose. “I remember that smell, too. It’s pot.”

Marlie had recently read there were twenty-three states with legalized recreational marijuana, including Colorado, but none of those other states bordered Colorado. The closest was Arizona, where the corners of the states touched.

Evan’s brows lowered. “Do you know what a marijuana plant looks like?”

“Not for sure.” Noah shook his head. “But I smelled pot all the time at the camp.”

“Why is that relevant?” Marlie asked, concerned about the suspicious look in Evan’s eyes.

“Marijuana may be legal in Colorado, but it’s still heavily regulated and heavily taxed every step of the way. To grow it, store it, transport it, sell it… You have to apply for a license, go through tax checks and a background investigation. Large growers pay over four thousand dollars a year in fees to the state. Processors and dispensaries also pay thousands of dollars.”

“I had no idea.” The only thing she knew about marijuana fees came from a guy living on her floor. He complained about having to pay 15 percent tax on the pot and edibles he bought.

Evan stared off into the distance, as if deep in thought.

She was about to rest a hand on his arm, then jerked it away. The last thing she needed was for another shot of whatever it was zinging between them to send her nipples on a collision course with her shirt again. “What is it?”

He stared a moment longer, then shook his head. “Nothing. Just processing.”

The look on his face said it was more than nothing. Either that, or he didn’t want to discuss it in front of Noah.

“Let’s get you something to eat.” He winked at Noah. “You wanna hold Blue’s leash?”

“Yeah.” He grinned as he took the leash, then froze. His smile faded.

“Noah?” She followed the direction of his stare. “What’s wrong?”

“Over there.” When he lifted his hand and pointed, his finger shook.