AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What had I learned here? That TJ was likely right about Suds and Duds being a hub for drug distribution, but I suspected that was only the tip of the iceberg. You couldn’t use a storefront to move all your product. It just wasn’t realistic.
Unless the police chief turned a blind eye to what you were doing.
Shit. Had that been happening? While I thought Chief Larson was a babbling, arrogant idiot, I didn’t know him well enough to determine whether he’d turn a blind eye to illegal activity.
My phone rang and I pulled it out of my pocket, relieved to see Louise’s name on the screen. I pulled out of my parking space and answered using my car’s Bluetooth as I headed back to town.
“Sorry about last night,” Louise said when I answered. “I’ve never been called in while off duty before, but the sheriff’s department is spread a little thin and well…”
“Don’t worry about it,” I assured her. “That’s not why I called.”
“Okay.”
“I have a huge favor to ask.”
“What is it?” she asked without hesitation.
Start with the small favor and work my way up.
“Last week there was a van parked in a neighborhood close to Jackson Creek’s downtown. It was there for multiple days, day and night, and then it disappeared. The logo on the side said B&G Woodworking. Turns out that van was stolen from a business in Memphis two weeks ago. Could you maybe spread the word that the van’s in the area and ask the other deputies to keep an eye out for it?” I hastily added, “The owner had some custom cabinets in the back and he’s hoping to get them back.”
She was silent for several seconds, long enough for me to make sure our call hadn’t been disconnected.
“Do I want to know how you got involved in this?”
“It depends on if you want to know officially or unofficially.”
“Crap. What are you messed up in?”
“I haven’t done anything wrong,” I protested defensively.
“Harper, I never said you did, but you have to admit it’s an unusual request for a civilian. Especially since your parents don’t live near downtown.”
It was my turn to pause. I still hadn’t decided whether to tell her what I was really up to, but if there was anyone I could trust, it was Louise. She’d stood beside me in Little Rock when no one else would. “Have you heard of TJ Peterman?”
“Who hasn’t?” she scoffed. “The asshole’s trying to make a name for himself. All bluster and ego.”
“His twelve-year-old daughter has been kidnapped.”
“What? When? I’m on duty and haven’t heard anything about it.”
“And you won’t, because Chief Larson and TJ Peterman are declaring her a runaway and have agreed not to announce it to the public.”
“Wait. Back up a few steps.” She paused. “I’m about to take a lunch break. Can you meet me somewhere so we can discuss it in person?”
“As long as it’s not anywhere in Jackson Creek,” I said. “I can’t afford for anyone to overhear us. How about in Wolford?”
“I’m not anywhere near there,” she said. “I know we were there just last night, but how about Scooter’s Tavern? They have a good food menu, and it never hurts for a uniformed officer to hang out inside to let them know we’re watching.”
I didn’t really want to go back yet, not after my humiliating confrontation with Malcolm, but I’d already decided I needed to try and talk with him. It wouldn’t hurt to go back and check the place out with a new intention. And the place also had booths, which would help make our conversation more discreet.
“Sure, but I’m a good twenty minutes away.”
“I’ll be there in ten and order for you. What would you like?”
“A burger sounds good.” Along with an icy cold beer.
Chapter 15
