“For your information, I had the second longest line.”
Daniel taps his chin in mock contemplation. “And let me guess who had the first… It wouldn’t happen to be Blossom Peak’s most famous football player and your sister’s fiancé, would it?”
Chief clears his throat before I can reply. “Gentlemen, I’d like to head home and get some sleep if that’s okay with you, so I’d appreciate you all saving the bullshit for later.”
Daniel’s shoulders shake with silent laughter as I take a seat toward the back, listening with intention so my boss isn’t tempted to fire any of us. But I still wad up a piece of paper and throw it at the back of Daniel’s head.
William Banks has been the chief deputy here for over twenty years. I remember when he used to be the one who showed up to Career Day, back when I was still a student at Blossom Peak Elementary. His hair is much grayer than it was then, and he’s definitely put on a few pounds—thanks in part to the regular donut deliveries from Bites & Bliss Bakery—but there’s a comfort in his presence. Like with age comes wisdom, and I know he’s about to impart some on all of us.
“All right,” he says. “Warmer weather’s coming, which means more tourists than we see in the winter. Be alert. Use your senses. If anything doesn’t seem right, trust your gut.” He slaps his protruding stomach for emphasis. “You know I don’t like to say things have been slow, but that’s the reality right now. Anytime it gets too quiet around here, there’s usually something right under our noses that we don’t see until it’s too late.”
Brody raises his hand like one of the kindergarteners I was dealing with yesterday.
“Yes, Brody.”
“Sir, with all due respect, I think the trash panda we caught that was terrorizing the dumpsters in the alley behind the general store is not the type of crime that we should be losing sleep over.”
A few of us chuckle, but Chief isn’t amused. “I believe you mean raccoon, and tell that to Mrs. Higgins. That woman was traumatized and her business suffered thousands of dollars in damage. Being a sheriff in a town like Blossom Peak may mean far less commotion than some other places, and sometimes our problems might look different than those you’re used to.” He hoists his pants up on his hips. “But if you can’t take this town and its needs seriously, then perhaps you need to find a new station. I’d be happy to put in for a transfer for you.”
Brody’s smug grin falls as he launches himself upright in his seat. “Won’t happen again, sir.”
“Good,” Chief says. Then his tone shifts. “And don’t forget, it’s not like this town hasn’t seen its share of tragedy.”
We all grow quiet, thinking about the summer ten years ago when a little girl about Ellis’s age went missing. I was in the Marines at the time, so I wasn’t home to see the way Blossom Peak unraveled. It was only about a year after my mother died too, and since she was a prominent figure in our town, having founded my family’s winery andall, the two incidents rattled the foundation of this little town—a place most people here have called home their entire lives.
“Hayley Zachmann was the one case that we dropped the ball on, and I’ll be damned if we ever do that again.” Chief pounds his fist on the table in front of him. “You all might think this job is a fucking joke, but there’s nothing funny about telling a parent their child isn’t coming home. Show some damn respect while you’re wearing the badge. Got it?”
We all nod, the amusement in the room fading quickly, replaced by a sense of purpose and duty.
I knew when I left the Marines that serving my community in a different way was the only logical choice for me, but that’s because Ihaveexperienced what the chief is talking about. Ihavehad to come home and tell a mother that her son wasn’t coming home. Because I’m the one he asked to do it.
Loss and I are old friends.
Truth be told, I used to run from it. But eventually, it became this familiar ghost that follows me around. Now, I’m not sure what my life might be like without its presence always lurking around every corner.
It’s why I keep my circle small. It’s why I vow to protect anyone I care about.
And it’s why anything new makes my life feel off-balance.
Anything, oranyone, Rhonan?
I decide not to answer that.
Chapter 6
Rhonan
Wedding Plans & A Run-In
“Daddy! Can I play Candy Land?” We’ve barely walked through the doors of Hart Winery, and Ellis is already asking to play her favorite game. Normally, I wouldn’t hesitate, but right now? I just need a second to sit.
Joanne clears her throat. “We can absolutely play, Ellis. Come on, let’s go find a table.”
I catch Joanne’s eye and mouth, “Thank you.”
Nodding, she leads my daughter into the main tasting room and straight to the little game area my mother insisted on including when she and my father opened the place.
This room holds more of my memories than almost anywhere else.
