Selma took one sharp step forward, handbag rising.
Connor caught her wrist before the bag could become county evidence.“Selma.”
Roy stepped back, though not far enough to be wise.
Connor released Selma’s wrist when she lowered the bag.“We’ve got two options.First option, you both go on your way and forget this ever happened.”
Selma glared at Roy.
Roy glared back.
“Second option,” Connor said, “I book both of you for disorderly conduct.Then you spend the night in jail with Old Eddie, who still hasn’t sobered up.”
Selma’s nose wrinkled.“Eddie Kilburn?”
“That’s the one.”
“That old drunk smells like pickled onions.”
“Then I’d choose option one.”
Roy muttered, “Nobody’s booking me.”
Connor looked at him.“Try me.”
For a few seconds, the sidewalk held.Selma’s face remained tight.Roy looked as if he wanted the last word badly enough to risk jail for it.
At last, Selma lowered her handbag fully.“Fine.”
She marched to her car, opened the door, then pointed at Roy through the window.“If this bumper drops off, I’m sending you the bill.”
Roy called back, “Send it to my lawyer.He’ll have a field day with you.”
Selma slammed the door and pulled away from the curb with more force than necessary.The sedan rattled down Main Street, bumper still attached.
Roy watched her go, then turned to Connor.“You could’ve backed me up there, Connor.”
Connor leaned against the side of his SUV.“I have to treat everyone the same.You know that.”
Roy looked offended.“I wasn’t asking for a big favor.”
“Yes, you were.”
“Maybe a little one.”
Connor folded his arms.“Remember Sheriff Kelly?”
Roy’s expression soured.“Don’t remind me.”
“Would you like a sheriff who does deals under the table with criminals the likes of Morimer and only looks out for the people he knows?”
Roy pushed his cap higher on his forehead.“No.Morimer is a creep.”
“Then don’t ask me to be one.”
Roy sighed.“I suppose you’re right.That Morimer… Someone should put him behind bars.Too many fingers in too many pies.I’m sure he was behind the fires in town last summer.Clearing buildings for insurance.”
“I’ll get him eventually.He’s a slippery one.”
