Seeds of Deception: A Kate Burkholder Short Story (10 page)

“Undercover?” Tomasetti asks.

“That would be ideal,” Suggs tells him. “Problem is, we have no one who meets that particular criteria.”

“You need someone who understands the culture, has some insights into the religion; someone who knows the language,” Bates adds.

“So whoever goes in,” I say slowly, “would need to pose as an Amish person and become part of the community.”

“Exactly,” Suggs replies.

A beat of silence ensues.

“You mean me,” I say.

“I know it sounds kind of extreme…” Betancourt begins.

Tomasetti cuts him off. “Not to mention dangerous. Especially if Schrock is unstable or fanatical or both.”

Betancourt takes the comment in stride. “We would create an identity for you. Set up some form of communication. And of course, we’d pay for travel, housing … whatever supplies and clothing you’d need.”

“The county will pay your salary while you’re there,” Suggs adds. “You’ll be officially deputized and work on a contract basis with Franklin County.”

“You’ve got the background and the experience, Chief Burkholder.” Bates offers a full-fledged smile. “Besides, you’re the only cop we could find in the country who’s fluent in Pennsylvania Dutch.”

Also by
Linda Castillo

Sworn to Silence

Pray for Silence

Breaking Silence

Gone Missing

Her Last Breath

The Dead Will Tell

After the Storm

Among the Wicked
(July 2016)

Short Stories

Long Lost

A Hidden Secret

About the Author

Linda Castillo
is the
New York Times
bestselling author of the Kate Burkholder novels, including
Sworn to Silence
, which was recently adapted into a Lifetime Original Movie titled
An Amish Murder
, starring Neve Campbell as Kate Burkholder. Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards, including a nomination by the International Thriller Writers for Best Hardcover, the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, and a nomination for the RITA. In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next novel. You can sign up for email updates
here
.

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Contents

Title Page

Copyright Notice

Begin Reading

Excerpt from
Among the Wicked

Also by Linda Castillo

About the Author

Copyright

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

SEEDS OF DECEPTION.
Copyright © 2016 by Linda Castillo. All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.

www.stmartins.com

www.minotaurbooks.com

Cover design by Crystal Ben

Cover photographs: clouds © Elyse Fournier / EyeEm / Getty Images; rooster © Margie Hurwich/Shutterstock; house © Anna Baburkina/Shutterstock; Amish woman © Dan Thornberg/Shutterstock; woman’s face © Pablos33/Shutterstock

Our e-books may be purchased in bulk for promotional, educational, or business use. Please contact the Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department at (800) 221-7945, extension 5442, or by e-mail at
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e-ISBN 9781250112552

First Edition: May 2016