Page 243 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

“You can tell them we’re working hard to get to the bottom of this entire situation.”

Thomas huffed out a humorless laugh as his gaze wandered to the pink paper in Nate’s hand. “I see a timeline mapped out for Callie’s mother.” He gestured over his shoulder to the case board. “And the label on that box you walked in with says Little Girl Lost. You’re about to make a phone call to some restaurant or bar over on the mainland to inquire about a woman who dropped her child off at a diner twenty-two years ago, so how can I possibly tell Steve and Buzz that you’re working hard to figure out who messed with their cars?”

It would be so much easier if he could tell Thomas that when he found the person causing the problems in town, he would most likely also find the person who knew what had happened to Samantha Fletcher. He slid his fingers through his hair, struggling to keep his patience. “You know, Thomas, I’m trying to remember the last time I walked into your place of work and told you how to do your job.”

“I don’t need you to tell me how to do my job. This town runs smoothly. Or it did.”

“Getting to the bottom of the current situation is my number-one priority.”

Thomas huffed out another laugh, adding an eye roll this time. “Do you know what’s happening at eleven thirty tomorrow morning?”

Nate shook his head. “I couldn’t tell ya.”

“Leah and I are hosting a brunch for Eleanor Bingsley, one of New England Magazine’s most esteemed reporters. I’ve been racking my brain, trying to figure out how I’m going to brag about this beautiful island—the governor of Massachusetts’s hometown—when we’ve got a maniac running around Sanderson and our current sheriff is sitting on his ass like it’s no big deal.”

Nate rushed to his feet, clenching his fists at his sides. “Let’s get something straight right here. I don’t give two shits about your reporter or some fucking magazine. Not even twelve hours ago that maniac was out fucking around with Callie—terrifying her and destroying my property. I can promise you that there’s no one who wants him caught more than I do.”

“Nathan—”

He shook his head, more than finished with this whole thing. “Unless you have something constructive to add to my day or to this case, I want you out of here.”

Thomas’s eyes widened. “Never once in twenty-five years did your father ever speak to me the way you just have.”

“I’m not my father—”

“I deserve your respect,” Thomas said, raising his voice and pointing his finger.

“Yeah, well, respect’s a two-way street. You send a little my way and I’ll send it right back.”

Thomas made a scoffing sound as he muttered something about a smug son of a bitch.

“This has been my town for three years now—not my dad’s,” Nate continued. “Maybe one of these days you’ll start getting used to that.”

Thomas turned, shaking his head, and left.

“Fuck,” Nate whispered as he scrubbed his hands over his face and sat down again.

Moments later, Kay knocked on the doorframe with a cup of coffee in his usual mug. “Here you go, Nate.”

“I’m sorry, Kay. I’m sorry you heard that.”

Kay shrugged. “He deserved it. Pompous ass.” She walked back to the door. “There was a different dynamic between Thomas and your father. They’re friends much like you and Brad, but that doesn’t mean Thomas is right. You’re a good man and you do a damn fine job.”

Right about now he didn’t feel like he was doing much of a fine job with any aspect of his life. “Thanks.”

“Drink that coffee.” She winked and shut the door.

“Fuck,” he muttered again, rolling his tense shoulders as his office line started ringing. “This is Nate,” he answered, putting the call on speakerphone instead of lifting the receiver.

“Nate, this is Lily.”

A small smile curved his lips. “Hey. You must be here in Sanderson.”

“We are, honey, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to cancel dinner tonight. The trip over really tired Evan out.”

He frowned, hearing the regret and distress in her voice. “Don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine. I’m just sorry Evan’s still not feeling better.”

“The test results didn’t help us much—came back inconclusive. Hopefully some time with family and friends here on the island will do him some good—just not tonight.” She sighed. “Please send Callie our regrets. I sure was looking forward to seeing all of you.”