“Seth,” Claire Fulsome said, her hair up on top of her head. It looked like she’d dyed light blond streaks through the brown, and it suited her. “What are you doing here?”
If one more person asked him that, he was going to actually lose his temper. Even so, he gentled his gaze as he studied the young mother who had recently lost her daughter to a serial killer—who was now dead. “I was asked to come down for an interview. What are you doing here?”
Claire cleared her throat. She wore pressed blue pants with a nice blue blazer, and her makeup was impeccable, even though grief still lingered in her eyes and probably always would. “Since the two deputies won the lottery and left, I volunteered for the job until a sheriff is elected.” She shrugged, looking small and delicate behind the wide counter. “I needed something different. I needed to do something, you know?”
He understood and was happy to see her out and about. “I appreciate that, Claire.” It was nice to have one of his, or rather two of his, working the station and keeping an eye on the FBI. He looked at the guy to her right. “I take it you’re here for the same reason?”
Todd nodded. “Yeah. I caught bronchitis somehow last month and needed to take a break from the silver mine. When Claire called, I thought it’d be nice to be a deputy for a while.” He cast a worried look at Claire. “The mine could spare me, but nobody else from the family right now since we’re so busy.” It was obvious he was looking out for his cousin.
Seth nodded. “I do appreciate it. We need someone taking care of the town while we go through the process of hiring a new sheriff.”
Todd was a good guy. He worked hard in the mine, and while he was only in his early forties, he already had a little gray at his temples. There was also no way in hell he’d had bronchitis, but apparently, it was a good cover story for the agents.
Seth looked around. “Where is the FBI?”
“Oh, they’re back in their murder room.” Claire rolled her eyes and started straightening the forms scattered across the counter. “For some reason, they’re intent on creating evidence that somebody killed Pete. Nobody killed Pete.” She forcefully snapped the words and directed them toward Willie, who was rapidly making notes in his notepad.
“Who are you?” Seth asked once again, his temper pricking the back of his neck.
“I’m Willie.”
“Yeah, I got that. Would you like to elaborate?”
Willie kept writing. “Not really.”
The man didn’t realize he was about to be tossed out on his ass. Why was he taking notes? Was this another FBI guy here to make Seth’s life more difficult? “Colbey?” Seth called out.
“What?” Kurt Colbey bellowed, stomping through the office to reach the reception area. “Oh, about time you’re here.” He looked around. “Where’s your lawyer?”
Seth crossed his arms. “I fired him.” He’d never liked the guy, and he didn’t need him around.
“That was stupid,” Colbey said. “Where’s Mia?”
“She’s taking the day off.” Seth met his gaze levelly.
“I’d better check on her, then.” Colbey’s chin dropped.
Only if the guy wanted his entrails wrapped around his neck.
Kurt zeroed in on Willie. “I told you to leave because you’re trespassing. Get out of here.”
Seth perked up. Somebody who Colbey didn’t like? Maybe he should’ve been nicer to the rapidly scribbling man. So, he decided to speak instead of ask…one more time. “This is the last time I’m going to ask why you are here. Answer me, or I’m just going to throw you through the window and not worry about it.”
Willie gulped. “I’m a reporter with theDC Tribune.”
Ah. Shit. “Really?” Seth muttered, looking up at Colbey.
Colbey rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Willie covered the Delaney serial killer case back in DC and somehow got wind that we have similar crimes out here. Believe me, I didn’t call him.”
Willie grinned. “No. Special Agent Colbey is not a fan. However, I do have many. Are you a suspect?”
Seth eyed the window. He could probably throw the guy through only using one arm. Willie took a step back. Maybe the guy wasn’t a moron.
“Leave,” Colbey uttered.
Claire put her hands on her hips. “At this juncture, you’re trespassing, and I’d love to make my first arrest.” She looked at Todd. “We need uniforms and badges. Do I need a badge before I arrest him?”
Todd nodded. “I think we need to be sworn in, but that means we’re not deputies yet and can just physically throw him out. I’ll bet you five dollars he bounces at least three times down the sidewalk.”
