“Keep your nose clean. Diego has it in for you.”
Miles snorted. “Tell me something I don’t know. He’s hated me from the moment I walked in the station.”
“Yeah, and he’ll find a way to get rid of you. Any issues with paperwork or if you’re unsure about anything, come to me.”
“Thanks, TJ, but I don’t want to cause you any problems.” Miles stared out of the window and TJ could see the tension in his shoulders.
“I’m deputy. If he says anything, I’ll tell him all officers are my responsibility. You have a passion for this job, and I want you to do well. Let me handle Diego. Any problems with anything, run it by me, okay?”
Miles nodded, then sighed. “I always wanted to be an officer, and then I joined here, and I have to deal with him. Why do you think I put my name down for the overnight shifts?”
Yeah, it made sense. Why work during the day with Diego breathing down your neck when you could avoid him and work the late night shifts? “Smart move, but it shouldn’t have to be this way. I’ll figure something out. I don’t want to lose you.”
“Thanks. I mean it. You and the guys make it easier to come in some days.” Miles coughed. “Did you know he gave me a warning because—and I’m not joking—I forgot to cross a T in a word?”
TJ laughed, then looked at Miles and realized he was serious by the blank expression on Miles’ face. “Really? He gave you a warning over that? I thought you were joking.”
“No. I stood there, stunned, as he shouted at me. You know Rowlings?” TJ nodded. Rowlings had left several months ago and hadn’t been replaced. Apparently, they had virtually no money, so the remaining officers would have to provide cover. “He left because of Diego. Told me when I went around there after he’d left. Said he was fed up with having Diego kick off at him for minor things.”
“Shit. He told me it wasn’t for him. He’d tried it and realized he didn’t like it, so he left.” TJ smacked the steering wheel. “Diego’s up for reelection in a couple of years.”
“Maybe you should go for it. You know we’d all back you.”
TJ hummed, then signaled to pull onto the road that ran to Crompton’s. “I’ll think about it, but it’s nice to know you guys would have me. I always wondered after I came out.”
“Some may have said something, but then we all saw you with Toni and the kids and now Carter.” Miles shrugged. “They got over it pretty quick, especially when you were spotted buying baby clothes.”
TJ grinned as he pulled to a stop near Crompton’s ranch. “I think I’m as excited as they are. I know Toni can’t wait to give birth. She’s at the fed-up stage now.”
Getting out, TJ put his hat on and grimaced when he saw Crompton waiting. “Morning.”
“Diego sent you, didn’t he?”
“Yeah.” TJ stepped onto the porch that ran the length of the property. “You know Miles.”
Crompton nodded. “I’m not selling it, so what’s his problem?”
TJ looked at Miles. He stepped forward and said, “You’re taking business away from his brother’s bar.”
“He shouldn’t sell shit then, should he?” Crompton bristled, even his wiry white beard seemed to grow larger. “It isn’t my fault he sells shit and overcharges.” Crompton’s dark eyes narrowed. “You tell him I’m not selling anything.”
“You still brew it.” TJ sighed.
“Tell him I’ll stop. Man has an over-inflated opinion of himself. As soon as he became sheriff, he thought he could order all of us around. Can’t wait for him to leave.” Crompton stared at TJ. “You planning on running for sheriff?”
“I might, when the right time comes.”
“Good. We need someone who treats people fairly. Make sure you go for it.” Crompton glared at them both. “You’ve seen me, so you both can get off my land now.”
TJ nodded. “Let’s go, Miles.”
In the car, TJ drove them back to the station. Sheriff Redding sounded good. Maybe he would go for it when the right time came.
***
“What’s he done?” TJ asked as soon as he entered Cass’ house. He’d left work to come over, and waved to Toni and Carter whenhe spotted them. He wiped his feet on the mat and hung his raincoat up by the door. Taking his hat off, he grimaced as water rolled down his back. The storm he’d been warned about had hit, and hard.
“He stole some of Emily’s jewelry and sold it. He won’t tell us where he went or where the money is.” Cass walked next to TJ as they entered the living room, or the first living room. Cass had one of the better homes in Robinson. A large five bed with three attached bathrooms. Two living rooms, a family room, a large kitchen and a dining room. It made TJ feel cheap with his decent three bed house.
