“That much was obvious,” he returns dryly.“You were a bit more intense than I’m used to.What gives?”
I hesitate, knowing what I’m about to share could potentially get Bess in some trouble, and at the very least will expose things about her that really shouldn’t be for public consumption.But it was Bess’s call to make that sacrifice to help resolve this case, and it’s important information that paints a clearer context.
I look down the hall toward the front desk area and notice a few curious glances.The hallway is a little too public for this kind of sensitive subject.
“Grab Mancuso and join me in the meeting room.I have some new information.”
On my way there, I duck into the kitchen for a quick cup of office dredge and find Brenda there.
“I heard about Bess’s brother, how is he?”
I get the sense that’s not what she wants to know, but I answer her anyway.
“As far as I know, he should be okay.”
I grab a mug and pour myself coffee, watering it down as best I can with the creamer I find in the small fridge.I’ll probably be up half the night drinking coffee at this time of day, but it’s not like I was going to go home with this case heating up the way it is.In any event, I need my head clear for what is to come.
“And Bess?I’m surprised she’s not with you.”
I knew Brenda was fishing for more.She has a great sixth sense for picking up on dynamics playing out under the surface, and is relentless in sniffing them out.
I don’t want to feed into that, so I stick to the basics.
“She’s okay, still at the hospital with Savvy,” I share, quickly adding, “I’ve gotta run.They’re waiting for me.”
Then I dart out the door.
With any luck, she’ll be off for the day by the time I come out of the meeting.
The last thing I need is to bump into fucking Don Merrick right outside the meeting room.
“There’s no one at the front desk,” he starts in an accusatory tone.
“That’s probably because it’s after five on a Sunday afternoon,” I point out.“But Brenda is still around, if you were looking for her.”
“Actually, I was looking for the sheriff, but you’ll do.”
I almost laugh at the blatant diss, but don’t want to give him the satisfaction of acknowledging it.Besides, I’m already strung tight, I don’t want to give him a chance to get under my skin.
“It’s come to my attention there’s been a major development in this case, and I’d like to know how soon you can wrap this up.I have an important investor visiting in a few days and the last thing I need is another fire or kidnapping or high-speed chase right through town to scare him off.”
How fucking ignorant can you be?This douche is more concerned about investments than he is the citizens of this town.Already fired up, this is enough of a trigger for me.
I lean in and very nearly poke my finger in his chest.
“You have gotta be fucking kidding me.”
Chapter22
Bess
Great,now my brother won’t speak to me either.
He knows I talked the moment he spots Savvy following me into the room.
All I get is a glare before he turns his head away.
“I find it rich you are pissed at me for sharing, when you’re the one whose loose lips got us into this mess in the first place,” I tell the back of his head.
