| October 7, 2023 – 12:38 AM
Eric's voice came through the open front door, sharp but not panicked.
"Alright, boys—hands where I can see them. Now."
Lin was already halfway out of the truck, her pistol still tucked out of sight as she moved toward the porch with purpose.
By the time she stepped inside, Eric had two teenagers cornered in the mudroom—both wide-eyed, dusty, and absolutely terrible at pretending they hadn't done anything wrong.
One was skinny with a mop of unruly hair and torn jeans. The other had a heavier frame, a ball cap turned backwards, and a hammer still stupidly clipped to his belt.
They froze when they saw her.
Lin crossed her arms. "So. You thought you'd steal from a construction site at a farm with security cameras, dogs, and a retired Marine on-site?"
The heavier one mumbled, "We didn't think anyone would be awake."
Eric gave a dry snort. "It's a working farm, genius. Not a hotel."
The skinny one was already sweating. "We didn't take anything yet. We were just… lookin'."
Lin stared them down for a beat. Then she glanced at Eric. "You know them?"
Eric nodded. "Travis Doyle and Brent Langley. They live off Maple and 3rd. Both sixteen. Brent's mom works at the diner."
The name Brent clicked instantly—Helen had mentioned the Langley boy once, something about him nearly flunking math and having an attitude.
Travis looked like the ringleader. Brent just looked scared.
Lin exhaled through her nose and stepped closer. "Alright. Here's what's going to happen. You two caused damage and trespassed on private property. I could call your parents. I could press charges."
Both boys stiffened.
"But I won't."
They blinked.
"Instead, you're going to work off the damage. Clean-up, grunt labor, hauling trash—whatever Ethan says. Two weekends. Minimum wage. Paid legally. Logged hours. You'll hate every second of it."
Brent looked almost relieved. Travis tried not to, but Lin saw the crack in his scowl.
"You serious?" Travis asked, not quite believing it.
"Dead serious," Lin said flatly. "You want a second chance, this is it. You blow it, I'm not this nice a second time."
Eric nodded toward the door. "I'll walk 'em home. Get their parents on the record."
Lin turned to him. "Thanks. You want me to file anything for insurance?"
Eric shook his head. "Nah. Small town. This is the kind of fix that sticks better than paperwork."
Lin gave one last glance at the kids, both now sheepish and silent.
"Be here at seven a.m. tomorrow. Wear boots."
Brent nodded quickly. Travis hesitated, then gave a tight nod.
Eric gestured for them to follow, his tone still firm but less sharp.
Lin watched them disappear into the dark.
Stupid, but not evil.
And in a town like this? That was still worth saving.