“That’s not true. He enjoys being sheriff, even though he complains about it.”
Ace huffed a laugh. “Fair.”
“We’ll warn him. But honestly? The entire state of Alaska knows that Knife’s Edge has a sheriff. I don’t think there’ll be a problem,” May mused.
Ace didn’t look convinced.
May spotted an empty booth in the back corner of the restaurant. Every other table was full with people enjoying the very excellent food. “I have to admit that I kind of like winter around here.”
Ace smirked. “Less tourists?”
“Exactly.”
They moved past several occupied booths.
“Hey, Ace!” A pretty dark-haired woman waved enthusiastically.
Ace slowed. “Oh. Hi, um…”
“Betty,” she said. She had to be in her mid-twenties and was both vivacious and curvy. “And my partner, Barbie.”
May blinked. Oh yeah. The two newest influencers to hit town.
Barbie’s hazel eyes lit up. She was just as voluptuous but a lovely blonde with brown skin. “We were looking for you last night.”
“Yeah, I heard.” Ace’s tone stayed polite but cautious. “I don’t want to be on a podcast.”
“That’s not why,” Barbie said, winking.
Ace coughed. “Ah, thanks but no. Have a nice night, ladies.”
May walked past the last table and started to slide into the leather booth.
Ace gently caught her arm and tugged her back, guiding her to the other side before taking the seat himself.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“I always face the door.”
May paused. “Former Navy issue?”
“You could say that.”
She shook her head but didn’t argue.
Janet appeared quickly to take their orders, giving them the option of steak, some chicken dish, or Cobb salad. She and her husband owned the place, and the menu always varied. May ordered the salad and Ace the steak. Janet hurried away, pouring water in glasses as she went.
May waited until she was out of earshot. She didn’t have time to worry about Ace with the hot influencers. “I was interviewed by the troopers.”
Ace’s expression didn’t change. “Yeah?”
“They wanted to know how long you were at my house last night.” She held his gaze. “Do you know why?”
Ace’s face looked like it had been carved from stone. “Yeah.”
May’s stomach cramped. “Why?”
“They think I murdered that woman.”
