Two women, both in love with you…
how do you do it?”
The words hung there.
Across the room, McHan’s eyes flicked toward Denton.
Denton didn’t smile.
But one corner of his mouth shifted—faint, restrained.
Tucker lowered the bag.
“Deputy Wilson. Clarification required.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Any personal relationship with Deputy Parker or Special Agent Quinn?”
Scout didn’t hesitate.
“Deputy Parker trained under me. Professional relationship. Agent Quinn and I were caught in a blizzard under fire. That is the extent of my reportable involvement.”
Denton spoke from the perimeter, tone smooth.
“Given the offender’s fixation, it may be operationally sound to rotate Deputy Wilson off primary interviews pending review. The unsub is attempting emotional leverage.”
A few county deputies went still.
Burke didn’t wait.
“He stays.”
Silence.
You could feel shoulders square.
Tucker’s eyes moved between them.
Then he said it.
“Someone laid hands on an SBI agent in your county.”
The air shifted.
County deputies didn’t flinch.
They bristled at the implication.
Burke met Tucker’s eyes.
“You think I need that spelled out?”
Not confrontational.
Not submissive.
A reminder.
