by Donn Cortez
Cheveau’s eyes dimmed as realization set in. “I couldn’t chance it,” he said dully. “I was already on kitchen duty. I had to have a little insurance.”
Horatio studied Cheveau coolly. “Oh, ye of little faith…”
Calleigh and Horatio watched two officers take Cheveau away. Outside, the rain was finally starting to let up; it would smell fresh and new and clean tomorrow.
“Kind of funny,” Calleigh said. “The effects of a thunderstorm are what started this case—and what helped solve it.”
Horatio looked out the window; lightning still flashed occasionally, but it seemed to be diminishing. “I suppose so,” he said, “but I prefer to consider our success the result of hard work as opposed to divine intervention.”
“Well, there was plenty of that, too,” she said. “Not to mention paperwork. What kind of charges are the other cult members looking at?”
“Kim, Ferra and Humboldt are all facing conspiracy to murder. With Sinhurma gone, I’m guessing there’ll be a scramble to see who can make a deal first; my money’s on Kim, but Humboldt’s testimony will help the most in locking down the case against Cheveau.”
“What about Jason McKinley?”
“That’s still being decided. The DA’s talking accessory to murder, but I’m pretty sure I can convince him to drop that. Criminal negligence at the most, I think; I doubt he’ll do time.”
“Well, that’s something. Poor guy.”
“Yes. He lost his heart, his mind, and very nearly—”
“His soul?” she asked him, half-seriously.
“I was going to say his life,” Horatio said. “If that’s the price of popularity, I think I prefer to stay unacknowledged.”
“No chance of that, Horatio,” Calleigh said with a smile. “You’ll always be popular with us. And for the record? For a guy with blue eyes and red hair, I think you’ve got plenty of soul.”
“Thank you. And for the record, as far as my belief in souls goes…” He paused.
“Yes?” she prompted.
“Let’s just say,” he said with a smile, “that all the evidence isn’t in yet….”