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“It’s my understanding Sheriff King managed the department differently.”
“That’s a polite way of putting it.” Daniel arched his brows. “I’m a simple man, Gavin. I say things bluntly. Randy King was a terrible sheriff. He was constantly looking over his shoulder, afraid of losing power, so he insisted on working every case himself. He ignored evidence from time to time. He also made judgments about people.”
“Like Stephanie?”
Daniel nodded. “Sheriff King labeled her a troublemaker because of who her stepfather was. But he was wrong. I didn’t know Stephanie well, but she attended the Bible study group at church. She was a hard worker. A sweet girl.”
His assessment echoed Mary Ellen’s. Gavin always dedicated one hundred percent of himself to each case, but hearing what a good person Stephanie was only fueled his determination to discover what happened to her.
“This town needs Claire,” Daniel continued. “Fulton County is my home, but I’m not blind to its faults. We need an honest sheriff. One who does the job with integrity and fairness.”
Gavin couldn’t agree more. “I’ve already spoken to my supervisor. No expense will be spared on this case. We will get to the bottom of things.”
“Thank you, Gavin. I have one more request. My wife is supportive of Claire’s job, but she worries day and night about her. Don’t bring the case up at dinner.” He side-eyed Gavin. “I’m not saying Lindsey ain’t strong. She’s tough as nails, but her kids are a soft spot. Whatever precautions need to be taken, talk to me about them. I’ll explain them to Lindsey.”
“I understand.” Gavin admired the tender way Daniel spoke about his wife. His concern for her well-being was evident. How would a love like that feel? Decades into a marriage with grown children?
He couldn’t imagine it. Gavin had been alone so long, he’d given up any thought of growing old with someone. His career took all his energy. There wasn’t room for dating or marriage. And maybe that was the crux of the issue with Claire. The spark between them, the one Gavin had no intention of doing anything about, made him notice the loneliness in his life.
He didn’t like it.
“Mommy, mommy, mommy.”
Claire crouched and opened her arms wide. Jacob’s little body collided with hers, a bundle of curls and exuberant energy. She showered kisses on his face before lifting him from the floor into her arms. The troubles she’d walked through the door with melted from her shoulders. There was nothing better than being with Jacob. Her son was the center of her world.
He planted a kiss on her cheek and then wriggled to get down. “Grannie and I made cake. I want some, but she said I have to eat dinner first. Can we eat now?”
“Let your momma take off her shoes first, Jacob.” Lindsey, Claire’s mother, came around the corner from the kitchen. Age had added lines to her face, but nothing could diminish the beauty of her smile. She embraced Claire, hugging her tight. When she pulled away, concern lurked in her eyes. “I’m so glad you made it in time for dinner. How are you, honey?”
“I’m hanging in there.” Claire gave her mother a reassuring smile. “It smells delicious in here. What are we having?”
“Roast chicken. Where’s Gavin and your dad?”
“Dad’s showing Gavin the property. They should be here shortly.” Claire unlaced her boots and pulled them off. Then she removed her duty belt and placed it on top of the bookshelf, well out of Jacob’s reach. “Give me a minute to wash my hands and I’ll help set the table.”
It was lovely to slip into family mode, to forget about the case for a while and talk to her mother about mundane things like the weather and Jacob’s latest painting hanging on the fridge. The fragrant scent of chicken and mashed potatoes made her stomach growl. Claire hadn’t eaten since breakfast over twelve hours ago. She stole a flaky biscuit from a platter on the table, broke off a piece, and tossed it into her mouth.
The back door opened. Gavin stepped over the threshold into the mudroom. Claire’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of the ranger. A ridiculous reaction considering she’d only known him for a day, but there was something about Gavin that put her at ease…maybe it was the way he’d reacted when the sniper fired. Without thinking, without calculation, Gavin’s first instinct had been to protect her. And yet, he didn’t make Claire feel inadequate. It was a strange combination. A balance most men had trouble with.
Her ex-husband certainly had. Sam didn’t work in law enforcement—he was an executive for a computer corporation—but his insecurity over Claire’s rapid career advancement destroyed their brief marriage. He had an affair with a coworker. It didn’t matter that Claire was pregnant or that they’d made vows. Sam declared he wasn’t in love with her anymore. Their marriage was over.
One of the bleakest moments of Claire’s life was being served with divorce papers while six months pregnant. Jacob had never met his father. Sam lived in Japan with his new wife. He wanted nothing to do with them.
“Everything okay?” Gavin asked, interrupting her chain of thoughts. He kept his voice low, probably so her parents, busy cutting the chicken at the counter, wouldn’t overhear. “You have a troubled look on your face.”
“Just thinking.” She forced a smile. The last thing Claire wanted to do was talk about her failed marriage. “I’m okay.”
The concern riding his handsome features didn’t ease but, to Gavin’s credit, he didn’t push the issue. “By the way, my colleague, Ryker Montgomery, has confirmed he’s coming. He should be here in a few hours. I hope it’s okay, but I asked your dad if Ryker could stay in the cabin with me.”
“Of course it’s fine.” Her father was probably relieved to have two Texas Rangers on the property. Claire was too. “I’m glad to have the extra help. This case is only twelve hours old, but it’s getting more complicated by the minute.”
“Agreed.”
“Mommy, I’m hungry.” Jacob’s gaze shot to Gavin. His eyes widened. “Who are you? Are you a cowboy? You look like one. Except a cowboy should have a dog. Do you have a dog? Mommy won’t let me get a dog until I’m older.”
Gavin laughed. Claire smothered a smile and tried to look stern. “Jacob, that’s not how you should introduce yourself. Offer your hand and tell him your name before you pepper him with questions.”
Jacob extended one plump hand. “My name is Jacob Wilson.”
