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The extra drama swirling in my mind wasn’t like me any more than losing my mind in falling into a sick relationship with Diego had been. I dropped my head into my hands, the ache behind my eyes horrific.
“The Death Squad. Find out more about their existence, including the men who run the notorious organization tonight on my special exposé.”
What the hell? The voice as one I recognized easily. I jerked my head up, immediately swiveling my chair toward the television. Just before whatever program was on went to commercial, I was able to catch a glimpse of Brandy’s face. What in God’s name was she doing? And what did she know?
I grabbed my things, my heart racing as I rose from the table, tossing my cup into the trashcan. As I rushed outside, I struggled to snag my phone from my purse. It was already after four. I’d do my best to pretend that nothing was wrong when meeting with the mayor. But Brandy and I were going to have a long talk.
As I headed for the corner to cross the street to where I’d parked my vehicle, I found and dialed her number at the station. She was a smart enough girl to keep her private phone number off the grid, something I’d done as well. I expected to reach her voicemail, even though I gritted my teeth when I heard her chirpy little voice.
Now on the corner, waiting for the lights to change, I finally heard the beep. “Brandy, this is Sheriff Rose. I don’t know what the hell you think you’re doing by hindering a murder investigation, but you and I are going to talk. Call me on this number and let me know when you’re going to be available.”
The light finally changed by the time I was finished with the call. As I hurriedly walked across the street, the feeling of being watched continued, the sensations strong enough I had heart palpitations. It was ridiculous to suddenly be terrified, something that I hadn’t felt in so long. I hadn’t lied to Diego. I’d turned off my fear after that night, replacing it with determination.
As I’d experienced when learning he’d been my savior, I felt the clock drifting backwards, pulling me into the past. The moment I reached the sidewalk, I noticed a dark SUV with smoky windows, the kind that didn’t allow you to see inside, headed my way. The driver was going well under the speed limit. By all rights, there was no reason to be afraid, but I knew whoever was inside the vehicle was making their presence known.
Or I should say allowing me to recognize a threat. There was no front license plate as allowed in Alaska. I moved onto the pavement between two parked cars, keeping my eye on the vehicle as the driver slowly passed by. As soon as they did, they sped up, preparing to screech around the corner. I raced after them, horns honking behind me since I was too far into the road, almost getting myself killed in the process of hoping to see the back plate.
While one existed, it was covered in mud or some other substance, preventing me from seeing a single letter or number.
I wanted to laugh and would have if a cold shiver hadn’t been driven down my back. I backed away, trying to control my breathing.
Whatever was going on had been unearthed. I was missing something significant but I’d obviously stumbled into something that was supposed to remain in the shadows. The overdoses. I’d worked under the assumption they hadn’t been connected given the outward appearances. But what if they were? What if they hadn’t voluntarily taken the drugs? Dear God. I’d been a fool. I’d allowed weeks to go by without putting the pieces together, assuming this was nothing but drug dealers trying to make a fortune on innocent people.
I jogged toward my state allotted vehicle, dialing Damon’s work cell phone number at the same time. I was surprised when I got his voicemail, then remembered he was working the case I’d refused to do. Fuck. I jumped inside, immediately starting the engine. As I threw the gear into drive, I dialed the main office number.
“Hey, Shirley, it’s Sheriff Rose.”
“Sheriff. You’ve had about two dozen phone calls today alone. Even one of the news stations stopped by. Judge Callum was also here a few hours ago.”
Jesus. I had no doubt he’d wanted to reiterate his warning.
“Sorry. I’ve been running leads. Is Damon or Steven in the office?”
“Hold on. Steven just walked by. Let me grab him for you.”
I headed out of the parking lot, constantly looking in the rearview mirror. Another batch of rain had started, the dark clouds adding to the oppressive atmosphere and strange melancholy that had settled into my system. I was losing my patience with the various cases and with myself. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t bothered to look into the possibility the deaths were related. What was wrong with me? Had I fallen into the mentality that bad people didn’t exist in small towns?
“Whoowee, Sheriff,” Steven said when he came on the line. “We were about ready to send out a search party to try and find you.”
“Just working the case, including a meeting with the mayor. I won’t be back to the office so can you do me a favor?”
“Sure thing.”
“Email me the reports on the overdoses, including the ME’s reports. I feel a long night coming.”
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
“No, it’s something I need to handle myself. Just looking for connections.”
“I hear you,” he said. “I’ll get that done in a minute for you.”
“Thank you very much. I’ll be in tomorrow. Oh, and one last thing. Do a drive by of Brandy Martin’s place when you leave. Okay?”
With Damon working the case on the body the hunter found and the other two deputies I’d recently hired working the nightshift, Steven could provide me with eyes and ears.
“Yes, ma’am.”
As I ended the call, I took another glance into the rearview mirror, half expecting to see the same SUV from before following me. Was it possible the occupants included Diego? The vehicle certainly reminded me of one I’d seen parked at the small marina before heading to the lighthouse.
