Chapter 43

FORTY-THREE

The setting sun painted Pinewood Falls in hues of fire and gold, casting long shadows across Main Street like accusations laid bare. Sheriff Roy Tuck stood on the weathered porch of Evelyn Hartwell’s home, his hat a dead weight in his hands. The pistol at his hip felt heavier than it had in years, a constant reminder of just how close she’d come to death.

Inside, the soft hum of the television barely masked the tension hanging in the air. Tuck lowered himself onto the worn leather couch beside Evelyn, the cushions creaking beneath his weight. Her hand found his knee—warm, steady, grounding him in a way nothing else could.

The news broadcast flickered to life, bathing the dim room in a cold, blue glow. Aerial shots of Pinewood Falls filled the screen, familiar streets now foreign under the harsh glare of media scrutiny.

The anchor’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and clinical. "Breaking news from Pinewood Falls. The investigation into Crystal Springs has uncovered a web of corruption and violence that has shaken this small town to its core."

Tuck’s jaw clenched, his stubbled face tight with the weight of everything. His town. His responsibility. Now stripped bare for the world to see.

"Authorities have confirmed the discovery of Malcolm Trent’s body at the bottom of his well. His death is the latest linked to the unfolding scandal, just days after the shooting death of Nathan Sawyer, which investigators now believe was intentional and directly tied to Senator Masterson's involvement with the megacorporation Crystal Springs. The senator and his associates are facing charges for illegal land grabs, conspiracy, and intimidation tactics."

Tuck’s fingers twitched, the muscle memory of reaching for his notepad instinctual, even though there was nothing left to write down. He watched, heart heavy, as the camera panned across the streets he’d walked a thousand times. The same streets he’d sworn to protect, now tainted beyond recognition.

"CEO of Crystal Springs, Jason Ambrose, could not be reached for comment. Additional documents provided by an anonymous whistleblower link the company to several deaths, including that of Malcolm Trent. Senator Masterson is expected to face charges, and further names are likely to be revealed as the investigation deepens."

Tuck exhaled slowly. He looked out the window, half-expecting to see news vans parked outside. The crickets were the only sound filling the night, as if the world had already moved on, leaving Pinewood Falls in the aftermath.

"The quiet town of Pinewood Falls—once known for its charm—faces a long road to recovery. With the story still unfolding, this community will need time to heal from its darkest chapter."

The remote was cold in Tuck’s hand as he clicked off the TV, silence rushing in to fill the void. For a moment, he just sat there, the weight of it all pressing down on him.

"Guess that’s our new claim to fame," Tuck muttered, his voice rough like sandpaper. He turned to Evelyn, the lines around his eyes deepening, the weariness catching up with him. "You sure you still want to stick around for the cleanup?"

Evelyn’s fingers tightened on his knee. She looked into his eyes. Her quiet determination and strength reminded Tuck why he’d always been drawn to her.

"Roy Tuck, if you think I’m going anywhere, you’ve taken one too many knocks to the head."

A chuckle escaped him, rusty and unexpected, breaking through the tension that had wrapped itself around his chest for days. "Yes ma’am."

Evelyn leaned in closer, her lips brushing his cheek, the faint scent of lavender wrapping around him—a comforting reminder of quieter days, simpler times.

"We’ll get through this," she whispered, her voice soft but certain. "Together."

Tuck released a breath he felt like he’d been holding for days. His arm slipped around her waist, pulling her in closer, letting her warmth seep into him.

For a while, they sat there in silence, the weight of the past few days slowly ebbing away. But as Tuck stared at the now-darkened TV, one thought lingered in his mind.

"She’s one brave woman," he said quietly, his voice softer now. "Maggie’s got that stubborn streak, just like her old man. Malcolm would’ve been proud of her, standing up like that."

Evelyn squeezed his hand, her head resting against his shoulder. "He would’ve. She did what needed to be done."

The heaviness in his chest lightened just a little more. They had weathered the storm, but the long road to recovery stretched out before them.

Outside, the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, plunging Pinewood Falls into twilight. But here, in this moment, there was the faintest stirring of hope. Together, they would rebuild. One piece at a time.