“We go arrest him.” I shrug as Oakley looks at me, knowing it’s not quite that simple.
“Liar,” she says, rolling her eyes. “What if we figure out a way to use me as bait?”
“No.”
“No, listen. I don’t want this to continue longer than it already is. If we use me to draw them out, this all ends faster. It’s not like I’ll be unprotected. Lord knows you won’t leave my side, but we could end this.”
“No.”
“Sheriff…” Oakley draws out.
“You can’t seriously think this is a good idea.” I throw my hands up in exasperation.
“I don’t necessarily think it’s a good idea, but it would streamline things. Less red tape to work through.”
“No. End of discussion.”
Rina rolls her eyes as Oakley eyes me, with more curiosity than anything.
“You’re being ridiculous,” Rina says.
“Let me do my damn job, Marina. I don’t tell you how to do yours, so don’t tell me how to do mine,” I say in frustration.
“I’m goingto let that slide because I know you’re stressed, but that’s the only time you get to say that to me.” She looks at me, irritated.
I sigh. “I’m sorry. This whole situation stresses me out, and I don’t like that you’re in the line of fire. I need to do something, but I can’t risk you in the process. Please understand that,” I beg.
“I do, but it doesn’t make me less annoyed,” she grumbles.
“And with that, I think it’s time I head out and call my friend for an update.” Oakley stands up.
I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose, frustrated that things have taken such a turn. But I should have expected it from Rina. She’s hardheaded and independent as hell.
“Keep him updated!” Rina calls as Oakley chuckles in response.
“You’re a pain in my ass,” I mumble.
“I know, but you wouldn’t like me if I wasn’t this way. I meant what I said, though. Don’t take your frustrations out on me, please.”
“I won’t. I’m sorry I was a dick.”
“Hey, guys!” Oakley calls from the front door.
“Yeah?” Rina asks.
“You might want to come see this.”
Rina and I look at each other before abruptly standing and meeting Oakley by the door.
The box wrapped on the porch sends a chill down my spine.
“Do you have gloves?” Oakley asks Rina, who is standing stock still next to me.
“Umm, yeah, there’s some by the side door and some in my workshop,” she whispers.
“Hey, come here.” I pull her to me as Oakley disappears to grab a pair of gloves.
“I don’t understand why this is happening. What did I do?”
