Evergreen Falls Fire Dept
“Adler will need to confirm with dental records for an official identification, but I’d be surprised if his results indicate this is someone else,” I add.
“Who would want him dead?” Santiago wonders out loud.
“That’s for the police to figure out.” Walker’s words insinuate that Santiago and I aren’t allowed anywhere near the investigation.
“You deputized us last year,” Santiago argues. “Plus, you don’t need Emmett at the Evergreen Gazette making things worse.”
“Emmett is the least of my concerns. Whoever the killer is, he means business. He’s sick and cruel. I don’t need you two putting yourselves in his crosshairs.” Walker points at us, emphasizing his position on the matter.
“Too bad,” I retort.
“I have two deputies at the station,” Walker returns.
“Yeah, but with the increase in tourism, you could use our help, and you know it.”
“Don’t you have a ranch to run?” Walker shoots at Santiago then turns to me. “And you have the clinic.”
“Abbott is more than capable,” I debate.
“Javier can handle the ranch hands for a bit.” Santiago waves his hand like handing off the responsibilities of running a ranch isn’t a big deal.
“We’re going to do this whether you like it or not.” I widen my stance like I’m preparing for Walker to charge at me like a bull.
Walker’s nostrils flare as he exhales a frustrated breath. He turns his head away an swears, “Fuck.”
That’s all the permission Santiago and I need.
Santiago perks up with an idea. “Can we add a deputy decal to the side of my truck?”
I snort. “No one wants your lame ass GMC associated with Evergreen Falls PD.”
“You’re just jealous that I had to pull your Chevy out of the snow last week,” Santiago taunts back.
I hate that I had to call him for help, but my truck slid into a small ditch when I was leaving the Dixon ranch, and I couldn’t get out.
Walker massages his temples. “I’m leaving before you two give me an even bigger headache.” His boots click on the tile as he leaves the clinic.
“Don’t worry. We’ll look into what brought Blake back after we question Derek’s friends and family,” Santiago hollers the information at Walker’s back.
“Don’t make me regret this,” Walker returns over his shoulder.
I'd like to think that he won’t, but in all honesty, he probably will.
Oh well. Too bad for him.
Now that that's settled, I have a reason to spend time with the woman who has effortlessly become my addiction.
CHAPTER 6
BLAKE
The life of a small-town sheriff is boring. Absolute snooze fest. And I would know because I've been following Walker around for the last couple of days.
A few cows who escaped their corral were walking down the highway.
A bit of graffiti on the side of Harold Whitcombe’s horse trailer.
