Page 261 of Taken Away

Then Anne’s expression softened.

“Walter.”

He stood.

“Anne.”

“What are you doing here?”

Walter glanced toward the hallway that led back to Burke’s office.

“I have a meeting with the sheriff.”

“So do I.”

A faint smile touched Anne’s mouth.

“Well,” she said lightly, smoothing one hand over the strap of her handbag, “apparently Sheriff Scott has business with half of Blackwood today.”

Walter did not smile back.

Before the silence could stretch too thin, Sheriff Burke Scott appeared at the end of the hallway.

“Anne.”

She turned toward him.

“Sheriff.”

“Thank you for coming in.”

“You made it sound important.”

“I just want to clear some things up with you.”

Anne’s brows lifted slightly.

“With me?”

“You go all the way back with Blackwood. You know the estate history better than most folks still living.”

Her gaze flicked briefly toward Walter.

Then back to Burke.

“I suppose I do.”

Burke stepped aside and gestured down the hall.

“Why don’t we continue this in the conference room?”

Anne gave him a small, amused look.

“Not an interrogation room?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Should I be relieved?”