“Your next assignment.”
A familiar sensation moved through Selena.More recognition that a quiet morning had just ended.
“What is it?”
“A homicide that requires your expertise.A local sheriff’s department asked for assistance.I’ve assigned you.”
Selena stopped near an empty conference room.“You’re mothballing me again for a single murder?”
Meg turned back.“That’s an uncharitable description.”
“It was accurate last time.”
“Last time, you solved three murders and helped a county avoid panic.”
“Last time, I was being moved out of Washington because leadership here didn’t like having their assumptions corrected in a politically motivated investigation.I thought you said the higher-ups were off my back for now.”
“They are, for the time being.”
“Then why this?”
Meg adjusted the file under her arm.“Because you were specifically requested, and I hate turning down a handsome sheriff who asks politely.”
The slow drone of the office whispered away for a moment.
The word sheriff did the damage before the file could.
Selena felt her mouth go dry.“No.”
Meg said nothing.
Selena tried again.“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“I rarely kid.”
“Meg...”
The older woman handed her the file.
Selena took it but didn’t open it right away.Her fingers rested on the cover.A ridiculous part of her wanted to hand it back unread.
Eventually, professional habit won.
The first page showed the case header.
Harlan County Sheriff’s Department.
Victim: Warren Holt.
Location: Old Ridge Hunting Lodge.
Selena closed the file.
Meg watched her.“You read fast.”
“I only needed the top line.”She stared at the black and white letters and almost whispered “Harlan County...”
Tanya's voice floated from behind them as she walked towards them."Harlan County?Isn't that whereyourSheriff is, Selena?"
