Whoever it was that dared to do this, they won't be breathing much longer.
CHAPTER 16
WALKER
Ankle deep in half-melted snow, the chill of the late morning contrasts with the burn in my chest as I remove the cigarette from my lips. My back rests against the brick exterior of the small police station.
This much-needed break couldn't come soon enough. Sleep was scarce last night. Every time I closed my eyes, I was haunted by the bruises on Blake's shoulder and hip. I don't blame Levi. He kept her safe the best he could.
The entire town of Evergreen Falls was turning into one big crime scene.
At six-thirty this morning, my phone rang.
Mayor Bridger Reynolds.
Against my better judgment, I answer.
“What the hell is going on out there, Walker?” Bridger demands before I can get out a greeting. “First a murder, then another body, and now rumors of an attempted break-in? Silver Pines opens in a few weeks. Tourists aren't going to spend money in a town they think is crawling with killers.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“My deputies are working every lead we’ve got.”
“Not fast enough.”
I bite back a sigh.
Bridger always sounds like an overgrown toddler throwing a tantrum whenever things don't go his way.
“This investigation doesn't move faster because you raise your voice.”
“I’m the mayor.”
“And I'm the sheriff.”
A beat of silence.
“You work for this town,” he reminds me, his tone seething.
“I work for the people in it.”
His tone sharpens.
“If this keeps affecting tourism, I'll take it to the town council. Maybe Evergreen Falls needs a sheriff who can actually keep this place under control.”
There it was.
The weekly threat to fire me.
I've lost count of how many times Bridger has tried to use my badge as leverage over the years.
“If you think you can do better,” I return, allowing my tone to convey my annoyance, “come down to the station and take it.”
“I’ll remember you said that.”
“I doubt it.”
I ended the call before he could have the satisfaction of getting the last word.
