They’re a team, and a good one. If I ever allowed it, I’d be jealous. Instead, I’m happy for them both, and their kids.
“That I am, Hughey, but Boss here was making a lot of animalistic noises, so what was I to believe?” Diego presses a hand to his heart.
Brian tuts. “Obviously, Ryan’s not turning into a rotty. He’d go full German shepherd if he were to shift into a canine breed. Serious, focused, loyal, a workhorse, and increasingly grumpy as he ages.”
Diego laughs at this while Brian looks on with a self-satisfied smile.
Angie Smalls raises a brow as she walks past. “I’m not touching any of that.”
Her gaze shoots to me and I appreciate the show of commiseration I get from her. She’s one of the most seasoned among us, was here for over a decade before even Brian got started, and I’m perpetually amazed she backed me for the job I’m in instead of wanting it for herself. Granted, her time will come with the next election, and she’ll deserve it.
Maybe because she didn’t want Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum hassling her.
“I think that’s my cue to step out and grab a coffee. I’ll be back and I want an update on your cases so we’re readyfor the week. We’ve got to make some progress.” My shoulders tighten at the reminder of how much work we still have to do on things.
“You good?”
Diego has given me a salute and jogged away with his phone to his ear so it’s just me and Brian.
“Yeah. Just didn’t sleep much, but I’m good. Nothing a little espresso can’t fix.” I grab my travel mug and leave the office, Brian’s gaze following me out. He’s kind enough to wait until after my coffee to question me further, but he also knows I’m not completely full of it.
I had a crap night of sleep. I’m stressed over work, over at least two of my siblings, and will never not be worried over whether or not I’m raising the girls right.
If there’s more, I don’t need to dig into it right now. I don’t have the bandwidth.
It’s a chilly morning but the sun is burning off the worst of the cold and even the three blocks to Corner Coffee lightens my mood.Note to self: should I take vitamin D supplements? Do the girls need them, too?Winter in Utah can be dismal, especially if inversion sets in. We don’t get it as bad as people at lower elevations, but shorter days and winter weather can take a toll.
Maybe all I need is some sunshine.
And caffeine, obviously.
Kids are running around the park and the seasonal ice rink will soon open up for a few hours since it’s a Saturday. Without fresh snow, there’s not as much to do outside as there sometimes is, but that means we’ll have fewer emergencies, too.
All the better to make some headway on the cases we can’t seem to close.
A few teens stumble out of the shop, high on espresso and socialization—hopefully nothing else. One pulls out a vape and puts it to his lips, but his friend yanks his arm down as he says, “Hey, Sheriff. Have a good Saturday!”
They make to run off, but I turn my head in a way that stays their movement. Both straighten, eyes wide.
“Federal and state law, boys, not to mention your overall health. Stop with the cotton candy shit and stick with the caffeine if you need a pick-me-up.” I know, I’m eloquent. Inspiring, even.
They nod furiously like it’s all there is to it, but I hold out a hand. It won’t ultimately stop them from poisoning themselves, but it might put a dent in their spending money for refills for a while.
With great regret and groaning, two vapes drop into my hand. “Good. And when your parents get a call, don’t be liars. Be honest. Be men who can accept consequences, and do better.”
With mutters of “Yes, sir” and “Of course,” they scuttle away. I’m not excited about those phone calls, but these boys have been caught more than once, and I know them. That’s small-town life, and it’s not always as simple as tattling on teens for harming themselves and breaking the law, but sometimes, it is. Will this stop them?
The fatalist in me says no.
The sheriff in me says it doesn’t matter—it’s still my job.
The father in me says damn, I hope so.
I watch them hop onto their bikes and ride away, then pull the knob for the shop right as someone else exits and we collide chest to chest.
Hands grip my arms and mine steady at her waist.
Herwaist.
