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“Looks like you have a fan club with the mothers of Jackson Creek,” I said with a sly grin.
He grimaced, his cheeks flushing. “Nah, they’re just grateful I’m giving them about twenty minutes of entertainment once a week for their kids.”
“From what I saw, you seem to like it too.”
“I do. It builds community, and I like kids.” He shrugged. “I may not have any of my own, so next best thing.”
“Unlike us women, you don’t have a biological clock ticking. There’s still plenty of time.”
He turned the open box toward me. “Want one?”
I lifted a hand, even though I was tempted. “I’m about to have lunch with my dad, so I’ll refrain.”
“To talk about your potential job?”
“That, and I want to ask him questions about John Michael Stevens.”
His jaw went slack. “The man who killed your sister?” Fear filled his eyes. “Oh, my God. Do you think Ava’s disappearance has anything to do with your sister’s?”
I was about to answer when the bell on the door chimed and Drew walked in, wearing his Jackson Creek PD uniform. “Sorry to interrupt,” he said, glancing from me to Nate. “I’m gonna have to get a raincheck on lunch today. I need to head out to Scooter’s Tavern.”
“That’s out of your jurisdiction, isn’t it?” Nate asked in confusion.
“Yeah, but the chief is trying to get the case moved to us and he wants me to start a log sheet.”
“What the hell’s going on out there that they need a log sheet?” Nate asked.
“Oh,” Drew said, then laughed. “I figured you’d know before me. They found Eddie Johnson in a stolen van behind Scooter’s. Looks like James Malcolm took him.” He turned his attention to me. “Did you get a chance to talk to him before Malcolm offed him?”
I cringed at his crassness. “A little respect for the dead, Officer,” I said before I thought better of it. It’s exactly what I would have done if any officer had spoken like that in front of me in Little Rock, but I had no authority to say anything here. Still…
An apologetic look washed over Drew’s face. “You’re right. Sorry.”
“It’s easy to turn hard doing that job,” I said. “Just try to keep your humanity, okay?”
Irritation filled his eyes. “Yeah, sure.” He waved to Nate. “Maybe tomorrow?”
“Okay,” Nate said, and we watched him let the door close behind him and head down the street.
“I think I pissed him off.”
“He needed to hear it,” Nate said with a sigh. “He’s kind of lonely here, and the guys on the force haven’t exactly welcomed him with open arms.”
“Why not?”
“They don’t take to newcomers and word has it Drew got the job because the chief is sleeping with his mother.”
“Yikes.”
“Exactly. But I think he’s maybe mimicking what they’re saying, trying to break into their cool club, you know? I’ve heard a few of the other officers say some pretty jaded things.”
“He should talk to Louise,” I said. “She’s having the same issue with the sheriff’s department.”
“That sucks,” Nate said, “but I think it’s a good idea.” He grinned again. “Have I told you I’m a bit of a matchmaker?”
“No, but I doubt you’ll get any complaints out of Louise. You heard her last night. She thinks he’s cute.”
Nate rubbed his hands together and released a mock evil laugh. “Well, then. My plan is already working.”
