Chief closes the file. “It's your choice. Just be aware that Tracy Campbell has already made calls to the mayor's office and county officials. This complaint might just be the beginning.”
I head back to my desk, mind racing.
Chris looks up when I sit down. “You look like someone pissed in your coffee.”
“I just got a complaint filed against me.”
“For what?” His face shows genuine confusion.
“Alice’s mother claims I overstepped my authority when I arrested Lance. Says it was personal, not professional.”
Chris whistles low. “That’s some serious bullshit.”
“It gets better. Chief thinks it might hurt my promotion chances, especially combined with those old Nora rumors.”
“The Nora thing? Come on, everyone knows that was bullshit.”
“Everyone except the promotion review board, apparently.”
Chris leans back in his chair. “So what are you going to do?”
“My job. That’s all I can do.”
“And Alice?”
I think about her smile yesterday after I installed the new locks. The relief in her eyes when she realized she was finally safe.
“I'm not walking away.”
Chris nods, not needing me to say more.
“Even if it costs you the promotion?”
The position I’ve been working toward for years. The rank that would prove I’m more than just small-town muscle. The step that would set my whole career trajectory.
“There'll be other chances for promotion. Other exams.”
Chris nods slowly. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing.”
“Thanks. That might be all I have when this is over.”
I spend the rest of my shift thinking about Tracy Campbell and her complaint. She wants to make this personal? She has no idea what she’s started.
Let her try to destroy my career. Let the Carlston family throw their weight around. I've been doing this job for years, and I know the difference between right and wrong.
Because protecting Alice isn't just my job anymore. It's personal.
Alice deserves someone who will fight for her, consequences be damned.
And that's exactly what she's going to get.
Chapter 25
Alice
Ihelpanelderlycustomerwith her deposit when I see Sawyer walk through the front door. He’s in uniform as usual, but something about his expression tells me this isn’t his normal visit.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell Nora after wishing my customer a good day, then walk over to him. “Hey, is everything okay?”
