AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Gavin’s gaze shot to hers. Even from across the room, his look felt like a touch. It was electrifying and heady. And scary. Claire hadn’t so much as looked at another man romantically since her divorce. Was she ready to try again with someone new? Was Gavin? He’d mentioned having his own scars from former relationships.
He shook hands with his fellow rangers, clapping several on the back, and then headed in Claire’s direction. Gavin jerked his chin toward the mayor. “What’s going on?”
“We’re not sure. But he’s definitely worked up about something. His pacing is wearing out my carpeting.”
“Mind if I join you? I’d like to hear what the mayor says about the case.”
“That’s fine with me.” She straightened her shoulders. “Let’s do this.”
She marched into her office. “Good morning, Mayor. Sorry to keep you waiting, but I was in a very important meeting with the Texas Rangers about the investigation. This is Ranger Gavin Sterling. He’s leading the investigation into Faye’s murder.”
Patrick spun to face her. He planted his hands on his hips, nostrils flaring, completely ignoring Gavin altogether. The glare Patrick shot her could melt the skin off bone. Claire couldn’t imagine anything she’d done to make him so angry with her.
“Why are you questioning my family about Stephanie Madden?” Patrick practically spit the words.
Perplexed, Claire moved behind her desk but didn’t sit. “Heather and Stephanie were friends in high school. I needed to ask your daughter-in-law if she had any insight that could aid our investigation.”
“Without speaking to me about it first?” A furious blush rose from his neck into his cheeks. He popped open his briefcase and pulled out a newspaper. “The media are watching your every move, Sheriff. They’re all over this case. A reporter noticed you were at my son’s house.”
He slapped the paper down on the desk. A photograph of Claire and Gavin arriving at the Scott mansion was front and center with the headline: Police Question Mayor’s Son about Recent Murder.
Patrick jabbed the paper with a finger. “Do you have any idea of the damage you’ve caused? This article alludes Ian was involved in Faye’s murder, that he may have even hired someone to kill her.”
A wave of sympathy washed over Claire. She didn’t control the newspapers or the reporters, but false allegations like these were the perfect fodder for gossip. Ian would be questioned by friends and neighbors. No wonder the mayor was so angry. He was incredibly protective of his family.
She took a deep breath. “I will personally issue a statement clarifying Ian is not a suspect. Nor is Heather. They were simply providing information to aid my investigation.”
Patrick’s jaw worked. It was any wonder he didn’t break a tooth, he was gritting his teeth so hard. Claire could feel he was struggling for control. Beside her, Gavin reached for the paper and slid it closer to him.
The mayor took a deep breath. “The next time you want to speak to someone in my family, you need to call my office. Are we clear?”
She stiffened. “No, sir, we’re not. I understand why you’re upset, but I won’t be dictated to. If I need to question someone about a case, whether they’re a family member of yours or not, I’m going to do it.”
The stain on his cheeks spread. He jutted a finger at her. “You need to be careful, Claire. Don’t make an enemy of me.”
“It’s not my intention to.”
Patrick continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “Sheriff King understood the power of this office and the way elections work. He knew—”
“Randy King is no longer sheriff.” Claire pulled herself up to her full height. She met the mayor’s heated glare straight on. “I am. No one in this county, including you, is going to tell me how to run an investigation.”
“What investigation? So far, you have nothing. You’re screwing this case up, Sheriff, and I’m warning you. It’s going to cost you dearly.”
Claire could feel her own temper rising. “Are you threatening me?”
“No, I’m telling you how things work.”
Gavin jerked up his head from the paper. His expression was hard, his back stiff. “Is the information in this article correct? Did Faye volunteer for your reelection campaign?”
Patrick’s gaze shot to Gavin. He squinted as if sizing him up. “What difference does it make if she did or not?”
“Because Stephanie also volunteered for your campaign. Did you know her? Did Ian?”
“Of course we knew her, but only in passing. Most of the town knew Stephanie and Faye. There’s only one bakery, for heaven’s sake.” Patrick clicked his briefcase closed. He glowered. “Sheriff, issue that clarifying statement immediately. And watch yourself. It’s not wise to make enemies of people you’ll need later.”
With those parting words, he stormed out of the office. Patrick slammed the door so hard behind him, the blinds on her window rocked wildly.
Claire collapsed in the chair. Uneasiness churned her stomach. “That was…a lot. What is going on?”
