Seth and his attorney spoke on the sidewalk, the lawyer keeping his distance. Well, the lawyer talked while Seth glanced around the quiet street. He stood next to aNo Parkingsign, his head nearly as tall as the placard.
His shoulders straightened, and he shifted his attention to her.
Finally, the lawyer wound down, turned on his heel, and headed for a Cadillac parked across the street.
Seth cocked his head to the side, his expression full of dare.
Mia shoved open the glass door. She should get a weapons permit if she continued to work in the state—not that she hadn’t already stuck a small Glock 43 into her ankle holster. Several steps across a rough sidewalk had her close enough to smell wild sage. Her shoulders went back.
“You’re very pretty, Mia.”
Not what she’d expected. She frowned. “Who killed Ruby Redbird?”
Seth slowly shook his head, wrapping a hand around her biceps. “That’s a mystery you’re no longer involved in.” His grip was warm and unbelievably strong.
He moved into a stride.
She tried to yank free.
His hold slid smoothly to the back of her elbow, effectively putting her in a position where she had to move, much like a parent with a wayward toddler. For the briefest of moments, she felt vulnerable—like a civilian and not a trained law enforcement officer. Confusion had her biting back an expletive. They’d traveled halfway down the block before she dug in her heels and turned to face him.
She swallowed, angling her head. Up close, he was even bigger than he’d seemed in the station. Heat cascaded off the man. “Stop manhandling me.”
“Where’s your car?” His harsh features held no expression.
She shook her head. “None of your business.”
Sighing, he glanced toward the parking lot that served the entire block and pointed to her older Toyota. “That’s the only one I don’t recognize. You need to take your sweet butt over there and go home, wherever that might be.”
Small chunks of concrete scattered when she settled her stance. “I’m trained, Volk.”
His smile was instant and almost charming. “You’re half my size, darlin’. And your training won’t do you any good.”
Something in his tone suggested she believe him. But she’d faced killers before, and she’d solved murders before. This was her chance to get back into the life she’d loved. “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me the truth.”
He released her. Almost in slow motion, he reached out to run a thumb along her cheekbone. It was a whisper of a touch that swept a flash of heat through her body.
Shock kept her immobile.
His features were strong and somehow ruthless, but he dropped his hand and released her from his spell. “Please, leave.”
“No.”
Those blue eyes darkened to almost black. “Leave, or you’ll be as dead as Ruby.”
Mia retreated a step, her heart shooting into a gallop. “Is that a threat?”
“No.” A veil dropped over his eyes. “That’s a fact, Mia Stone.”
Chapter2
Only a strong voice calling her name allowed Mia to tear her gaze from Seth’s. She turned to see the sheriff standing outside his door, one hand on the butt of his gun.
Seth sighed. “Say goodbye to the sheriff, and good luck to you, Mia.” Quick strides had him across the road and jumping into a rugged Jeep.
Mia watched him speed off before turning on her heel and following the sheriff into the station, winding behind the battered counter. Apparently the receptionist was on vacation. Mia continued past the desks of the two full-time deputies, who were both out on calls.
Finally, she stepped into the sheriff’s office.
