“Anyone see who put it there?”
“Not that I know of. I was working inside. Didn’t notice it until I went out.”
Sue told her about the visit from the game warden while Edi turned the note over, examining both sides of the paper. “Could’ve come from anywhere. But Henry?” She made a face and shook her head. “I can’t imagine him leaving something like this.”
“Well, someone did,” Sue said. “Whether it was him or whoever. It’s a threat. What are you going to do about it?” Her voice was sharp.
“I’ll file a report, make sure it’s on record.” Edi looked at Tyler. “But honestly? This is probably just a prank. Your name’s all over social media right now. People are talking about you in the grocery store, at church, everywhere. Someone probably thought it’d be funny to scare you.”
“Funny?” Sue’s voice rose. “You think it’s funny? ‘Who’s next?’ That’s not funny, Deputy. That’s dangerous.”
“I understand your concern—”
“Do you? Because if something happens to Tyler, or to someone he cares about, and you dismissed this as a prank, how are you going to feel?”
Edi’s jaw tightened. “Mrs. Toles, I’m taking this seriously. I’ll make sure it’s documented. I’ll ask about increasing patrols in this area. But the reality is, we get stuff like this sometimes. Especially in high-profile cases. Nine times out of ten, it’s nothing.”
“And what about the one time it’s not nothing?” Sue pressed.
“Then we’ll deal with it.” Edi pulled a baggie out of a pocket and put the note inside. “In the meantime, I’d suggest you all use precautions. Lock your vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t go anywhere alone if you can help it.”
“That’s it?” Sue asked. “Lock your doors and hope for the best?”
“That’s all I can do right now. I’m sorry, but without more to go on...” Edi trailed off. “Look, Tyler, I know this is scary. But try not to let it get in your head.”
Tyler shook his head. Easy for her to say.
Edi left, taking the note with her. The three of them stood in the office.
“She’s wrong,” Sue said finally. “This isn’t a prank. Someone’s threatening you.”
“Maybe.” Tyler wasn’t sure what he believed anymore.
“Brooke needs to know,” Sue said. “If someone’s watching you, if they know about her—”
“We don’t know that they do,” Robert interrupted. “The note doesn’t mention her specifically. Could just be general intimidation.”
“Who’s next?” Sue repeated. “That’s specific enough.”
They both looked at Tyler, waiting for him to decide.
He thought about Brooke’s smile last night. The way she’d kissed him. The hope he’d felt this morning, fragile and new and terrifying in how much he wanted it.
He thought about Jen and Garrett. About the fire. About how everyone he loved seemed to end up hurt.
What if Edi was wrong? What if this wasn’t a prank? What if getting close to Brooke was the worst thing he could do for her?
“I don’t know,” Tyler said quietly. “I don’t know what to do. Maybe I should just, you know, not see her again.”
“You can’t push her away,” Sue said firmly. “Tyler, that woman chose you while knowing you came with baggage. You don’t get to make that decision for her.”
“But what if knowing me puts her in danger?” Tyler’s voice was rough. “What if the person who wrote this goes after her because of me?”
“Or what if they don’t? What if you push away the best thing that’s happened to you in years because you’re too scared to take a chance?”
“Distance might be safer, though,” Robert said quietly. “Not forever. Just until this is sorted out. Until we know who killed Sheila and why they’re coming after you.”
Tyler looked between them. Sue, passionate and certain. Robert, practical and cautious.
