Steely Gentleness

A steady patter of raindrops tapped against the window. Occasionally, thunder sounded, first far off, then close by. Night made the windows black so Eddie Sherman lit a lamp and placed it on the window sill, illuminating a glow of jewelled raindrops as they slid in ones and twos down the pane.
"That poor child," McGinley spoke quietly. "Please believe me, I didn't intend to kill her. I didn't want her to die at all."
"We'll sort it out soon, Joshua, don't worry." Again, Cole's voice was gentle.
A gentleness belied by the Colt he still held at the ready.