“We take the evidence to the sheriff,” Tyler said. “Show him the notes, explain our concerns.”
“About one of his deputies possibly being a killer?” Phil shook his head. “That’s not going to go over well.”
“It has to be done,” Joe said. “We can’t sit on this. Two women are dead. There’s been another threat. The sheriff needs to know.”
Brooke thought about the sheriff. She knew him casually—he came into the coffee shop sometimes and always ordered the same thing. Black coffee and whatever pastry looked good. He was fair, from what she’d heard. But asking him to investigate one of his own people?
“Steph could help,” Brooke said suddenly.
“Steph?” Joe asked.
“Yeah. She was engaged to the sheriff’s son. That ended...oh, I guess about a year and a half ago. Steph was treated like family. And she’s still friendly with most of them. Even her former fiancé and his new wife. She couldget us a meeting, make sure he takes it seriously instead of dismissing it as paranoia.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Joe said, already pulling out his phone. “Mind if I call her now?”
“Go ahead.”
Joe stepped back inside the house, his voice fading as he moved toward the living room.
Phil stood and started clearing plates. “I’ll clean up. You two talk.”
Once they were alone on the patio, Tyler turned to face Brooke fully. The sun had dropped below the Beartooth Mountains, casting long shadows across the small space. He looked tired but determined.
“I meant what I said,” Tyler told her. “About staying with you. Whatever happens, we face it together.”
“Even if it’s dangerous?”
“Especially then.” His hand came up to cup her face. “I love you, Brooke. I’m not going to let doubt keep us apart. Not anymore.”
She leaned into his touch. “I love you, and I’m not going anywhere. I’m finished letting fear make my decisions.”
“We’re really doing this?”
“We’re really doing this.” She smiled. “Fair warning, though—I’m terrible at sharing my space. I like things a certain way. And I’m not great at compromise. And you already know how I can sometimes fixate on things.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
They kissed, soft and sweet, a promise of more to come.
When they pulled apart, Brooke rested her forehead against his. “This is going to be complicated.”
“Everything worth having is.”
Phil appeared in the doorway. “Joe’s still on the phone with Steph. Sounds like she’s on board to help.”
They went back inside. Joe was pacing near the couch, phone to his ear, nodding along to whatever Steph was saying.
“Yeah, I think that could work,” Joe said. “Okay. Call me back when you know. Thanks, Steph.” He hung up and turned to the group. “She’s going to reach out to the sheriff tonight, see if she can set up a meeting for tomorrow morning.”
“What’d you tell her?” Brooke asked.
“Just that we have evidence related to the murders that needs to get to him directly. I didn’t go into details about suspecting a deputy.”
“Smart,” Phil said.
Tyler checked his watch. “I should head to my place and pack a bag. It’s getting late.”
“I’ll follow Brooke home and wait there until you arrive,” Phil offered.
