Ted’s grandmother, Annie Barrett, had started working as a mother’s helper for the Colton family after Cal’s fraternal twin brothers, Aiden and Dylan, had been born. Because Annie had custody of Ted, she brought her grandson with her to the Coltons’ home each day, and Ted quickly became like another brother to Cal and his siblings. So much so that when Annie suffered a stroke and was admitted to a nursing home, the Coltons took in Teddy, raising him as their own.
Seeing Ted’s picture of the dear lady who’d been like a member of the family brought back many fond memories for Cal. Warm cookies waiting after school. Hugs that smelled like Annie’s talcum powder. The sound of her not-quite-in-tune voice singing lullabies to the younger kids.
Cal kissed a fingertip then reached out to touch the kiss to Annie’s cheek in the photograph. “Miss you.”
“Hello?”
He spun around at the sound of the mayor’s voice and shot his friend a grin. “Just telling your grandmother I missed her and taking a walk down memory lane.” He held his hand out for Teddy to shake. “How’s it going, Teddy?”
The smile of welcome on the mayor’s face dimmed with irritation. “I’ve told you, it’s Ted now. I’m not twelve anymore.”
Cal held up a hand of apology. “Sorry… Sorry. Old habits die hard.” He stepped closer to the mayor’s desk and motioned to a chair. “May I?”
“Of course. Please sit down.” Ted took his own chair and propped his forearms on the desk.
“I understand Kelly is making strawberry cupcakes from your grandmother’s recipe for the barbecue this weekend. Those were always your favorite, weren’t they?” Cal asked, leaning back in the leather armchair.
“Hmm? Oh, uh, yeah. Great. But, uh…if we can dispense with the chitchat, this is an official visit. I’d like to get down to business.”
Cal straightened, sitting taller. “Okay. That sounds serious. Am I in trouble?” he asked, flashing a lopsided grin.
Teddy…er,Tedonly gave a weak answering smile. “No. I heard about the body found out at theGeese in Flightsculpture earlier. As you can imagine, I was none too happy to hear about a murder in the county, so close to the city limits. What can you tell me about it?”
“Not much at this point.”
Ted frowned, clearly dissatisfied with that answer. “Do you have any leads? An ID of the victim? Any surveillance footage to place a suspect at the scene?”
“Well, there are a few leads, but… I’m not heading up the investigation. I’m not in a position to divulge details—”
“I’m the mayor! Don’t you think I should be kept in the loop if there’s a major crime committed in my town?”
“Technically, this statue on the Enchanted Highway is not within your mayoral jurisdiction.” Cal didn’t like getting into technicalities or legalities with his old friend. He trusted Ted not to share the information, and he could understand his desire to stay on top of the case, but…
“Who is in charge of the case, if not you?” Ted asked.
“Wyatt. The drug task force.”
Ted sat taller, his eyebrows lifting. “Then the case is connected to drugs somehow? A deal gone sour? Smuggling? An overdose?”
Cal didn’t say anything, but he gave Ted a telling look that said he was on the right track.
Ted grumbled a curse word under his breath. “I was afraid of that.”
Cal weighed his words, then said, “Look, Ted. I know the increase in drug traffic coming in from Manitoba has been a worry for you and your administration, but Wyatt and the task force are doing everything they can.”
“Are they? A man was found dead near the main tourist attraction for the area. Murdered!” He paused and tipped his head, inviting Cal to deny this assessment…which Cal could not. Ted gave a disgruntled nod, confirming he’d received Cal’s silent affirmation. “You know, you’re up for reelection soon as well. This isn’t just an issue for my office. We’ve had a great record before now, lowering general crime and improving parks—”
“I know,” Cal said, waving a hand to interrupt the mayor. “You’ve been a terrific mayor and are well liked. Your landslide reelection is proof of your popularity. And I understand your concern about how the increased flow of drugs reflects on your office and the local law enforcement.”
“I’m glad you get the big picture,” Ted said. “But what I want to hear is what is beingdoneabout it?” Ted narrowed a hard glare on Cal. “I want to be kept in the loop with this latest investigation and any other discoveries related to drug traffic in the area. How can I properly do my job and protect the citizens of Red Grove if I’m kept in the dark?”
Cal swallowed the teasing reply that formed on his tongue, knowing Ted wasn’t in the mood for the family’s usual brand of good-natured joshing. Instead, he cleared his throat and nodded. “I understand. Be assured we—my department and the drug task force—are equally concerned about the surge of drugs. We’re doing everything we can to root out the source and stop the flow.” He paused, then added, “And we’ll keep you informed…to the extent the law allows.”
Ted’s mouth firmed. “What does that mean? I’m themayor.”
Cal was deciding how to explain that being the mayor didn’t mean he was allowed access to certain sensitive information that could jeopardize an investigation when the phone on Ted’s desk buzzed.
“Sir, the representatives from the state commission have arrived,” his administrative assistant announced through the intercom.
