Not taking no for an answer, I continue getting out of the car and stand on the sidewalk to wait for her before following her to the bakery door. Once she’s safely inside, I wave goodbye and make my way over to the station.
“Morning, everyone,” I greet, entering inside.
“Morning, Sheriff, what are you doing in so early on a Saturday morning?” Beatrice asks with her brows furrowed.
“What is up with this town this morning?” Ian mumbles.
“What’s going on?” I ask the men walking up to Ian’s desk.
Cade starts to laugh, and Ian gives him the bird. “Nothing. Just seems everyone is out and about so early today.”
Cade barks out a laugh and rests a hand on Ian’s shoulder. “Ian here got a glimpse of Ms. Johnson’s tits this morning.”
“I’m scarred for life, man,” Ian says, slumping into his chair.
Shaking off the shudder that rolls through me, I ask if there’s been any calls from Rossi or Mark.
Rossi is the sheriff over in our neighboring town, and Mark is Chief of Hadley River. I recently reached out to both to see if they’ve had any murders as well. So far, I haven’t heard back from either.
“You actually just missed Rossi. He said he’d call back after nine when I told him you’d be in.”
“Great, thanks. Did he say anything?” I ask my brother.
“Nah. Was just looking for you. What exactly are you doing here so early anyways?” he asks before eyeing the ceramic mug in my hand. Shooting me an amused expression, he asks, “You spend the night with someone special? Like maybe a certain baker?” He flashes me a shit-eating grin, and Ian chuckles.
“Mind your own business. The better question is, why are you here? Where are the kids?”
“They stayed at Mom and Dad’s last night. Figured I’d come in early since I have the time.”
“You need to get a nanny, dude.”
“I’m trying, all right. And give me that coffee.” He swipes the mug from my hands, and I grunt, taking off for my office.
Once I’m settled at my desk behind closed doors, I think of Jade. After I left her house last night, I couldn’t get her out of my head. Her laugh, her scent, that beautiful shy smile she gives. She consumes my thoughts.
“You good there, Sheriff?” Ian asks, stepping into my office.
Fuck. I was so focused on thoughts of Jade I didn’t even hear the door open.
“You wanna talk about that cute little baker you were just thinking about?” he asks, trying to hide a smile.
“There’s nothing to talk about. I gave her a ride this morning, that’s all.”
“Hmm. Well according to Mrs. Ira, she saw you arrive last night and leave this morning,” he says, gauging my reaction.
Jesus Christ. It’s barely six in the morning, how is that old bat spreading crap already. I rub a hand down my face and shake my head. “Not that it’s anyone’s business, but I gave Jade a ride home last night and stayed for pizza. I left and came back this morning to drive her to work. I didn’t stay the night. And if I had, it wouldn’t be anyone’s business.” I scowl. Sometimes living in a small town can be a headache.
Ian raises his hands in surrender when Garrett walks in. “Hey, Sheriff, I have Chief Mark on line 2 for you.”
“Thanks, Garrett.” I shoo Clay away and pick up the phone, hitting line 2.
“Sheriff Donovan.”
“Sheriff, it’s Mark. I meant to call you back yesterday and forgot. I’m sorry, but I’m not much help. There haven’t been any murders here that we know about, and no one matching your description of your Jane Doe missing either.”
“Thanks for letting me know.” I sigh, sinking into my chair.
“What the hell is going on there? First I saw the news of you guys finding that abducted woman and now this?”
