“Yeah, he texted me this morning. Someone’s been fucking with our traps. I didn’t think it was serious though. I’ll call him now.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be there soon enough. Don’t want Evander to think I’m gossiping. Just wondering if you knew.” Setting my cruise control, I’m happy that rush hour hasn’t started yet.
“Keep me posted. I’m sure it’s just some kids. They might be cautious right now considering everything else.”
“You’re right. I’ll let you know.”
We hang up, and I spend the rest of the drive listening to the radio and daydreaming about the future I want with Sophia.
When I finally pull into the Pierson Brothers Fishing parking lot, I see Granger running his hands through his hair, and the man looks like he’s lived seven lives this morning alone.
I can already tell this is more than just some kids messing with shit.
“Hey, boys,” I say, walking up to them on the dock.
“Officer Keaton, thanks for coming,” Evander says.
“Of course, what do you guys have for me?”
Granger and Evander walk over toward the boat, motioning for me to follow them.
“All the buoys are destroyed. Spray painted for marking. I pulled up all the traps immediately and found some packages inside.” Granger points to a pile of buoys, all marked with a hot pink X.
“I cut one open, and it popped for heroin immediately on the strip.” He shows me the strip. “I had one of my officers come grab the packages so they could get them tested at the lab for sure.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea. Do you have any idea who it could be?” I ask.
“We have a few. There’s been a lot of illegal trapping out here as well,” Evander starts. “We’ve been following—”
He gets cut off by my phone ringing. “Sorry, it’s my chief.”
“Hey, Chief,” I say as I take the call.
“Keaton. We have a problem here.”
“What happened?” My immediate concern is something with Sophia.
“I’m sending you a picture now. It was just done. I can’t figure out who or how, but Kane is on his way.”
A photo comes through, showing the sign in front of our police department.
You can’t stop me. You can’t hide her. I will make the dead rise again, only to make them fall for good.
“Shit. Who’s on the way to my house? That’s a direct threat.”
Granger and Evander give me questioning looks as I start to pace the dock.
“You. I don’t trust anyone in the building right now, because I don’t know how this happened. I’m waiting for Kane. I need you back here ASAP.”
“Okay. On my way.” I hang up without waiting for a response. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go. Keep me posted on what you find.”
Running to my cruiser, I hop back in and throw on the lights and siren until I make it to the highway. Then I drop the siren but leave my lights on. I will not be leaving Sophia for an hour or more on her own with Violet and Liam.
Me:Sign at the PD was hacked threatening Sophia. How is everything at the house?
Liam:Seems fine to me. I’ll go out and drive around on the four wheeler now to check.
Me:Thanks man, I’m on my way back now. And please don’t tell Sophia. I’ll tell her when I get home.
