“Something woke me up,” I complain, before taking a sip of my coffee.
“And so you thought you’d return the favor?”
“No. I came down to get coffee. Thank you, by the way, because without this, I’d need your services for another homicide.”
“What are you talking about?” She sounds wide awake now.
“Everything okay?” I hear murmuring in the background before the sound of movement. “Everything’s fine. Go back to sleep.”
I wait, keeping my eyes on the people I can see, not giving them any reaction when some of them spot me.
“Okay, tell me what’s happening.”
“I seem to have a crew out back working the ranch, which is odd as I haven’t hired anyone. I don’t want anyone here who has ties to Dale, Porter, or my dad.”
“Fucking men. Everyone was given notice and severance pay, which I thought was really fucking nice of you, considering,”she mutters, making me grin. I didn’t know anything about severance pay, but I trust Jen more than anyone on the planet.
“You call the cops?”
“Before I called you. As soon as they heard my name, they told me they didn’t have anyone available and that they’d try and get someone over to me later.”
“Tell me you’re joking?”
“I wish I could.”
“Un-fucking-believable. Alright, leave it with me. I’ll get this sorted. Do not murder anyone. I promised my husband a dirty weekend away.”
“I really didn’t need to know that.” I grimace before hanging up to the sounds of her laughter.
I take another sip of my coffee as the phone chimes, signaling an incoming message. I open it, knowing it’s from Jen, and grin.
Don’t forget you have your first interview at 9 am. Try not to hire any ax murderers.
Smartass.
I’ve just gotten out of prison for murder, I don’t think I’m in a position to judge. Also, you did background checks on these guys, so I know you know everything down to what size boxers they wear.
I finish my drink before the phone chimes again.
Ha ha ha, you’re hilarious. Fixed the vermin issue; an inspector is coming to eradicate them.
I blink, not sure how to respond to that, so I don’t. I sit and stare at the people who are cautiously watching me without looking like they’re watching me.
When the house makes a chirping noise, I frown and get to my feet. I head inside just as I sense what the house is trying to tell me.
Someone’s coming.
I place my mug on the kitchen island before heading to the door. I peek out and see a cruiser pull up and smile. If an officer is here, Jen must have ripped them a new one. Let’s hope it’s not Officer Asshole Andrews because I’m really not in the fucking mood.
“Open up, please,” I ask the house nicely. To my surprise, it does without argument.
“Thank you,” I murmur as the cruiser door opens, and none other than the sheriff steps out.
Crap. I’m not mentally prepared enough for this guy yet. Still, when he walks toward me with that damn cowboy hat tipped low, I feel a part of me wake up and take notice before I shove it back down.
“Miss Hart.” He taps the brim of his hat in greeting as he approaches.
“Sheriff.”
