“Are we going to cancel the Hot Foot, Sheriff? Because it’s three days from now, and if we’re going to do it we need to move fast, because runners are already starting to arrive,” Rick said.
“The route only skirts the lower trails, so I’m thinking it would be safe,” Cubby said.
“You need to talk to the book club,” Tank added. “They’re the ones who will know what to do.”
“I’m not asking the book club,” Cubby said. “They don’t make the decisions in this town, especially when it comes to safety around here.” Cubby was subjected to disbelieving looks from his deputies.
“Do I have to?” He sighed, and they both nodded. “Do any of you know when they’re meeting next, because I’d rather do this once, than individually.”
“They’re meeting at McBride Jr.’s now,” Tank said. “Buster said Branna cheated and brought food in, and begged him to make some kind of cake they always have because she didn’t have the time.”
“Jesus, Tank, you ever get sick of gossiping?” Cubby grabbed his cap and jammed it on his head.
“Nope.”
Tank was not easy to shame.
“Follow up on those leads we discussed, then we need to work on security for the Hot Foot, in case the powers of Howling decide to go ahead with it.”
Cubby walked out of his building and did a quick pass up and down the main street. All looked quiet; in fact it was too quiet. The deaths of two of its people had sent the citizens into a tailspin, and he needed to solve this case and soon, because fear was riding them hard.
He thought about Katie as he drove to Jake’s. He’d woken with her in his arms again, the feel of her body soft from sleep pressed to his side. He couldn’t seem to get enough of that woman, but he guessed he would do like he always did, and just hoped that happened before she left Lake Howling again.I’m not dealing with this now, he thought, shutting her out of his head. He needed to be on his game for what he was about to do.
“You’re the goddamn sheriff, Hawker,” he reminded himself as he parked behind a black Jeep he knew belonged to Militant Lawrence. A bunch of women should not seem so terrifying. Straightening his cap, he made sure his buttons were done up right, then headed for the front door of his friends’ house. Knocking twice, he waited. Normally he’d just walk in, but with those women inside, he wanted an invite.
“Hey, Cubby.” It was Branna who answered.
“Irish.” he gave her cheek a kiss and hugged her briefly. She was struggling with Jilly’s death and he saw the sadness in her lovely green eyes. “You doing okay?”
“Probably better than you, is my guess.” She touched his cheek when he eased back. “This must be hard on you.”
“We’ll get whoever did this, Branna, it’s just going to take time.”
“I know it, but I need you to look after yourself too, Cubby.”
“I will.” He gave her a gentle smile, which fell away as he heard the stomp of boots approaching. “You just concentrate on your baby and your next best-seller, and leave me to do the rest.” Branna was a writer just like her father.
“Brace yourself,” Branna said.
“I want a word with you, Sheriff.”
Millicent Lawrence was a retired lawyer, an advocate for women’s rights, and an all-round awkward person. She had spiky short red hair and usually wore black, and it was fair to say was not loved by many, including her own family.
“Ms. Lawrence.” Cubby took off his hat as Branna pulled him further inside.
“Jilly Lee was my friend, Sheriff, she dyed my hair and played with my cats, and I want whoever did this to her and Melanie caught.”
Still reeling from the fact the woman had a friend, Cubby tried to rally. “I’m doing the best I can, Ms. Lawrence. We have to work through things to get to the eventual answer, but we will get there,” he added.
“I know you will, because you’re a good sheriff,” she said, surprising him again.
“Thank you.”
“But I still think the speed limit is too high on the main street!”
Cubby shook his head as Millie stomped away.
“I’m sure she just complimented me, Branna.”
