“That’s not enough?”
“Hidey-ho, the constabulary has just arrived,” Buster said.
Newman was relieved to see Cubby walk in, even if his face was drawn and he could barely keep his eyes open.
“Tough night, bud?”
“Long,” Cubby grunted. “Fucking long.”
Buster got up to make coffee.
“What’s up?”
“Those Wildlife peeps had a break-in, and two cameras got stolen. Actually they’ve had several things happen, but this is the first one they’ve told me about.”
Newman wasn’t sure why he had a funny feeling all of a sudden, but he did.
“What things?”
“Tires slashed, and smashed headlights. Someone spray painted the word ‘asshole’ on one of their vans.”
“And they’re only letting you know now?”
“I asked them that when I got there at 4:00 a.m., which was the time they were loading up to head out for a shoot. I’ve been there since. Photographing, taking statements. Strangely, no one heard a thing. Which is just plain weird, considering the room it was stored in was in the house.”
“What’d they say?”
“That they know the person responsible and didn’t want to make trouble for her.”
“It’s not Hope,” Newman said.
Cubby stumbled into the seat across from him, with a pie that he was consuming with all the ferocity of a man facing his last meal.
“I’m not going to lie to you, Newman, that Ms. Linear is throwing Hope’s name around like confetti. Not that she will get anywhere without evidence, but still, not nice for your girl.”
“Hope didn’t do it, Cubby.”
“I know it, but they’re making murmurs. Seems you and she got into an argument with the head lady of Wildlife, right here on the streets. And she thinks Hope did this as payback for being fired.”
“No way. They’re just going at her because they can. Plus there’s the professional jealousy they have that Hope’s working with John Finch, and they’re not.”
Cubby held up a hand as Newman started to get out of his chair.
“Didn’t say I believed it, bud. Just telling you what they’re thinking. I know Hope as well as you, and I also know she’d never do this, or anything illegal. Militant may not be one of my favorite citizens, but I know her morals are strong. Her daughter is the same.”
Newman sat again. “She’s a good person.”
“Seems to me she’d have to be if she’s interested in you.”
“Was that a compliment, Sheriff?”
The sheriff looked at him through bloodshot eyes. “Pretty sure it was, but then I’m tired, and could be talking out my ass.”
“Nah, you love me.”
Cubby grunted, then started on his muffin.
“Tell him. You have to, now you’ve told me.” Buster yelled the words from his coffee machine.
