“You can use that desk.” I nod toward the one pushed up against the far wall.
“I’m Beckett, by the way.”
I merely nod, pulling up the camera footage I’ve yet to get a chance to look over.
If I do that, it might settle my nerves, and I'll stop being a dick because right now the new deputy isn't being helpful. She's bothering me. I can feel her stare on me, but I stay focused on my task, knowing she will eventually give up and return to her desk.
I go back and forth on different camera angles and realize that corner is just out of view and Kindred hadn’t pulled all the way into her normal spot last night. I need more cameras.
The ten I’d installed were clearly not enough. I only have myself to blame. I knew ten wouldn’t be enough. When it comes to Kindred, it never is.
Chapter Six
KINDRED
Igo back over my checklist, making sure I have everything in order. I’m worried I’m going to miss something with the way Hudson has fully overtaken my thoughts. I can’t go but for a few minutes and he’s there in my head.
I snort a laugh when I picture him as a pirate. The man could have a wooden leg and a hook for a hand and still do it for me.
“What is wrong with me?”
“You’re hungry?” I snap my head up at Candy’s question.
“What?”
“You asked what was wrong with you.”
“Oh.” Didn’t realize I said it out loud. At least she’s not rambling off a giant list of things.
“But you muttered something about a hook too. Is a hook a wedding term for something?” I really need to get the habit of talking to myself under control or at least keep it in my head.
“Thinking about pirates.”
“Pirates?” Her nose scrunches. “Like from Peter Pan?”
“You know, some believe that Peter Pan was the villain and Captain Hook the hero.” Candy tilts her head, thinking this over.
“People never wanted to grow up, and I suppose he forced that upon others.”
“And maybe Hook was merely responding to Peter’s actions.” Oh shit. Why does that hit a little close to home? Am I Peter and Hudson Hook? “I never cut off anyone's hand.”
“I didn’t say you did.” Candy giggles, but her expression lets me know she thinks I’m losing my mind. I might be. I can circle all things back to Hudson. He’s the one that has me all out of sorts and acting out of character.
“So you’re good with the flowers?”
“If I am, will you tell me why you’re talking about chopping off hands?" Candy glances around. My desk is out in the front, but I am alone for the most part when I'm here. A few people come and go every now and then. Candy drops her voice. "Are we going to catch a felony soon?”
“The day is young.” I wink at her, making her eyes widen a fraction. My phone dings with an alert. “The hell?” I stare at the picture of a girl in a police uniform walking into the police station.
I’m on my feet before I can think better of it. “What’s happening?” Candy hops to her feet too.
“Candy.” Hollis steps out of his office. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“She’s fine.” We both speak at the same time. In our defense, he asks that a lot.
“What’s going on in this town?” I ask Hollis my own question.
