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She stopped just as she was crossing the road. Brody Duke stood there.
“It is uncanny how much like my mother you look.” He studied her.
She managed a smile.
“You all good? Need me to point you in the right direction?”
He was a good-looking man, but she didn’t get that same zap of heat in her belly when he smiled like she did with Ford.
“Um, no, I’m good, but thank you. I’m just heading to see Sheriff Dans.”
“Want some company? I’m heading that way.”
No!“Sure. Thanks.”
“So, Autumn. What do you do in Ryker Falls?”
“I’m a teacher.”
He whistled. “You guys are brave.”
“Not really. I love teaching, and kids love to learn.”
“Some kids. Me and my brothers weren’t those kids.”
When they reached the police station, he held the door open and she entered. Sheriff Dans was standing at reception.
“Won’t be a moment, Brody. I just need to speak with Autumn.”
“Take your time, and I can flirt with Sybil.”
Sybil was in her fifties and gave Brody Duke an eye roll.
“Come through. You want coffee?”
“No, I’m good, thanks,” she told the sheriff.
His office was neat. Things were stacked on the desk and a large filing cabinet was against the wall. She smelled the coffee in the pot on the drawers behind his desk. There was a board with a whole bunch of photos pinned to it. Children, young boys, and a girl. Autumn dragged her eyes from it and sat on the seat he waved her to.
“I’m guessing you have a problem since you’re coming to see the sheriff of Lyntacky and not telling one of those large protective men from Ryker Falls.”
Her stomach was clenched tight, and her throat felt like it was closing over. She was so scared she thought she’d be sick.
“What I want to ask you is not trouble exactly. Well, I hope it’s not.”
“Okay.” He steepled his hands on the desk.
“This is going to sound strange but—”
“Autumn, I’m a sheriff. Odd is completely normal to me around here.” His smile crinkled the sides of his eyes.
“Right. Well, I’m just going to come out and say it then.”
“I find that’s always the best course.”
“Do you remember a girl called Jessica Harris who vacationed here many years ago?”
Sheriff Dans’s eyes stayed on hers while he thought about her words.
