But the facts were damning. Xavier had the keys. He had an opportunity too since he’d left the party shortly after me and could have come back or taken the items when he was helping the strippers settle in. And he’d know exactly what those designer items were worth. Not to mention he’d been present at every single theft.
And… he had small feet and sneakers that could’ve matched the footprints at Baker Ranch, but I’d never bothered to check.
My chest felt tight, like someone was squeezing all the air out of my lungs. Last night, wrapped up in his arms, I’d felt safe.Happy. Like maybe I could actually have something real for once in my life.
Had it all been a lie?
“You know,” Dolly said slowly. “Xavier and I don’t quite get along. He’s been rubbin’ me the wrong way since he got here. But Lucas said he was successful… so why would he steal?”
“People steal for all sorts of reasons,” I said automatically, my sheriff brain kicking in. “Sometimes it’s not about the money. It’s just for the thrill.”
I felt Dolly’s eyes on me, studying my reaction a little too closely. I forced myself to maintain a neutral expression even though my insides were twisting into knots.
“Marcus, are you sure you’re alright?” she asked, concern creeping into her voice. “You’re as pale as a sheet in a snowstorm.”
“I’m fine,” I said, though I was anything but. “Just thinking through the timeline.”
I couldn’t let her see how much this was affecting me. Couldn’t let her know that the idea of Xavier being behind these thefts was tearing me apart inside. Because if she suspected there was something personal between us, the whole town would know by sundown.
“I’m going to need to talk to Xavier,” I said, keeping my voice professional. “Get his statement about the keys and his whereabouts last night.”
“Of course,” Dolly nodded. “Whatever you need to catch this thief.”
I took a few more photos of the apartment, documented everything in my notebook, and promised Dolly I’d keep her updated. Then I practically fled down the stairs and out to my truck, my heart hammering against my ribs.
Once I was alone in the pickup, I let myself feel it. The panic, the betrayal, the sick certainty settling in my gut. Everypiece of evidence pointed to Xavier. He had means, opportunity, and knowledge. He’d been at every single location. He had the keys. It just kept playing over and over in my mind. Everything pointed to him.
And I’d been so blinded by my attraction to him, so desperate for connection, that I’d never even considered it.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out with shaking hands to see a text from Xavier.
Xavier: Last night was incredible. Can’t stop thinking about you <3
I stared at the message, feeling bile rise in my throat. Was this all part of his game? Seduce the sheriff so I’d never suspect him? Keep me distracted while he robbed half the town blind?
I wanted to text back, wanted to demand answers. But I couldn’t. Not yet. I needed to approach this like a professional, gather all the evidence before confronting him.
Even if it killed me.
I started the truck and pulled out of Dolly’s parking lot, my mind racing. I needed to verify his alibi, check if he’d returned the keys to Dolly before the items went missing. I needed to compare his shoe size to those footprints. I needed to do my job, regardless of what my heart was screaming at me.
But first, I needed to talk to someone who might give me some perspective. Someone who knew Xavier better than I did.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Lucas’s number.
“Hey Marcus,” Lucas answered on the second ring, sounding cheerful, if not a little hungover. “What’s up?”
“I need to ask you some questions about Xavier,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Official business.”
There was a pause on the other end. “Is everything okay?”
“Just need some information,” I replied. “Can you come down to the office?”
“Yeah. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“Great. And Lucas?”
“Yeah?”
