“With all due respect, Mayor Caldwell,” Nick interrupted, unable to maintain his diplomatic façade, “a man is dead. A good man. Reed Langley was born and raised in Whistlerun and served this community for the past three years. Maybe we could focus on that before worrying about ticket sales for the harvest festival.”
Caldwell lowered the handkerchief. His expression had hardened, and his politician's mask slipped just enough to reveal the cold calculation beneath.
“Don't lecture me about community service, Sheriff. I've been in public office since you were writing parking tickets. Langley’s death is a tragedy.” Caldwell paused, as if remembering to modulate his tone for the potential audience of nearby officers. “A terrible loss for Whistlerun, but ignoring the practical implications won't bring him back.”
Nick had learned long ago that arguing with Caldwell in public only undermined his own authority. The mayor thrived on creating the impression that law enforcement served at his pleasure rather than the public's.
“The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.” Nick kept to the facts. “I’m handing this off to the State Police, though my office will be available for assistance. When we have more concrete details, we'll share them with you and the public. Until then, speculation doesn't help anyone.”
Dr. William Zanes had exited his modest sedan, ensuring that he’d left enough space to allow the red Cadillac the ability to leave without issue. The older gentleman took a moment to speak with those who had exited the forensics van.
“We’re fortunate that Zanes took this one himself,” Caldwell murmured as he lifted the handkerchief back in place over his mouth and nose. He then gestured toward Hadley, who was still leaning against her SUV while monitoring everyone’s position. “I should have known having her here would stir everything up.”
“Come again?” Nick had no reason to come to Hadley’s defense, but he found that Caldwell’s tone had done just that. “Is there a problem between the two of you that I should know about?”
“Only that the Dawkins family is a stain on this town.” Caldwell switched his focus from Hadley to what was left of Langley’s truck. “Although I can’t help but feel for her. First, she helps send her brother to prison for murder, and now this.”
Nick’s gaze slowly drifted back to Hadley, who now stood straight, her gaze fixed on the mayor with undisguised contempt. Fortunately, the man loved to hear himself talk, and he continued without needing any encouragement.
“You should know that when I made the formal request to have someone give the Claymont case another look, I didn't expect them to send Hadley. Needless to say, I was surprised when Reed reported they were getting along so well.”
“And why wouldn't they get along, Mayor?” Nick asked, his patience running thin. “They graduated in the same class.”
“You don't know?” Caldwell’s eyes narrowed slightly, perhaps savoring the rare opportunity to inform rather than be informed. “Hadley and Reed were high school sweethearts. Quite serious, from what I understand.”
It was no wonder that Hadley had reacted the way she had after pulling up to the scene. She was currently speaking with one of the forensics technicians, no longer giving any outward indication of the personal loss she had just suffered tonight.
“Sheriff Turner,” Zanes said, extending his hand before Nick could reply to Caldwell’s claim. The doctor's grip was firm despite his age, his palm rough from years of gardening—a hobby he'd once revealed to Nick, claiming the mindless work balanced the grimmer aspects of his profession. “I’ll withhold condolences until I’m certain of the identity of our deceased.”
“We appreciate you coming out personally, Doc.”
“Wouldn't have it any other way,” Zanes replied, releasing Nick's hand. He nodded toward Caldwell without engaging in another conversation. “I best get to it.”
“Do you believe Hadley’s return is connected to this, Turner?” Caldwell asked quietly as if their previous conversation hadn’t been interrupted at all. “The timing seems…significant. If you think it’s best to?—”
“The only thing we know at the moment is that we have an unidentified body in Reed Langley’s personal vehicle.” Nick was done appeasing the local politician. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to?—”
“I want you both to give a press conference tomorrow morning,” Caldwell announced as if Nick hadn’t spoken. “In front of the police station. Nine sharp. It’s important we present a unified front. Show the community that local and state authorities are working together.”
“I'll be there,” Nick agreed, though he had a recommendation. “I'm not sure it's wise to put Detective Dawkins in the spotlight just yet, though.”
“And why is that?” Caldwell asked, his tone sharpening with interest. “The press already knows she’s here. She's the state's representative on this investigation. Her presence would demonstrate exactly the kind of cooperation we want to project.”
“The media hasn’t connected her past with the town. You put Hadley in front of the camera, and the reporters will focus on her personal connection to Whistlerun,” Nick explained, choosing his words carefully. “They'll dig into her childhood, her testimony against her brother, her previous relationship with Langley. They'll be more interested in that narrative than in Reed's death or the Claymont investigation.”
“Again, I’m not seeing the problem,” Caldwell said as he placed a hand on Nick's shoulder in a gesture of false camaraderie. “A human-interest angle could redirect some of the more…problematic questions about public safety and the festival. It’s a win-win for all involved as far as I can tell.”
No wonder Hadley hadn’t gone out of her way to converse with the mayor. She’d known exactly how Caldwell wanted to spin this situation. Nick deliberately shifted his weight, rolling his shoulder in a motion that forced Caldwell to drop his hand.The mayor's eyes widened slightly at the intentional breaking of contact.
“Let me be clear about something, Mayor.” Nick was beyond caring about political niceties. “If you try in any way to turn the media's focus toward Detective Dawkins and off the facts of this case, I won't care about titles or jurisdictions or political consequences.”
Nick faced the man, ensuring his next statement couldn't be misinterpreted for anything else than a genuine warning.
“I'll arrest you for interfering with an active investigation.”
Caldwell's face registered genuine shock at the threat, and Nick had almost certainly just made himself an enemy. It wasn’t such a difficult accomplishment, given his position.
“You must have misunderstood me, Sheriff Turner. It was merely a suggestion,” Caldwell stressed with a tight smile, if the thin lines around his eyes were any indication. “After all, it’s our responsibility to consider all aspects of public communication during a crisis. Please know that we're on the same side here.”
