“What can I do for you?”
“Cole and I went to dinner Saturday night and Avery and Judd were there. Then we went to Dewey’s and they showed up again as we were leaving.” She met his eyes. “I want her arrested, Sam.”
“Did she see you?”
“No. We made sure of it.”
Sam’s mouth curved slightly. “I see.”
“She’s at the motel. The PI my aunt hired has been tracking her and he’s confirmed it. She’s working at the liquor store.”
“Alright. I’ll have a deputy pick her up.”
“Good.” She hesitated. “You are going to move on this soon?”
Sam cocked his head. “You are pressing charges?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then yes. All my deputies are out right now but as soon as one of them gets back into town I’ll get it moving. We need to get her before she catches wind of anything.”
“Will you let me know when it happens? I’d love to be there.”
He gave her a look. “I probably shouldn’t. But I’ll text you.” He glanced toward the door and his expression shifted into something warmer.
Aftyn turned to see Tess in the doorway.
“I don’t mean to interrupt,” Tess said with a smile. “Just stopping in to say hi.”
Sam was already on his feet. He crossed to his wife, kissed her, and took her hand, and Aftyn felt something catch in her chest watching it. That was love, plain and uncomplicated. The way Sam looked at Tess, and the way Tess looked back, left no room for doubt about how either of them felt.
“Hi, Aftyn. How are you?”
“I’m great, Tess. You?”
“Wonderful.” Tess looked at Sam. “I’ll see you at home.”
“Okay, angel. I’ll be home later.”
Tess rose onto her toes, kissed him, waved at Aftyn, and disappeared down the hallway. The door opened and closed. Sam watched after her for a moment, then came back around the desk and sat down.
“I appreciate your help, Sam.”
“It’s my job.” He leaned back in his chair. “I’ll be in touch.”
“That’s all I can ask.” She stood and he rose to shake her hand. “I’d better get back. I’m sure the diner is swamped.”
Sam grinned. “It’s rarely not. Have a good day.”
Outside, the wind had picked up, and she pulled her coat tighter, muttering to herself as she waited to cross.
“It was supposed to warm up today.”
She kept her eyes moving as she crossed the street, looking for any sign of Avery or Judd, and pushed through the diner door to find it wall to wall. Her stomach dropped. She’d left Connie and the others to handle the whole lunch rush on their own.She hung her coat, tied her apron, and got back to work without a word, already planning to stay over and make up the time.
When the bell above the door chimed, Aftyn glanced up out of habit. The woman who walked in was striking, blonde hair falling loose around her shoulders, wearing a short leather jacket over a red sweater, jeans tucked into ankle boots. She stopped just inside the door and looked around the diner, and Aftyn could have sworn she saw her nose wrinkle.
She was about to head over when Connie came out of the kitchen, took one look, and planted her hands on her hips.
