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“The people in this town will expect me to put their minds at ease about this attack. That means working the case the right way and Deputy Morris, first on the scene, can’t just up and disappear.
“Ross, I’ve given you a lot of leeway these past weeks. I’d like you to respect my take on this. With our combined efforts I believe Ruth’s house would be the safest place in town. She has all the amenities and it’s defensible.” He cleared his throat. “She can move into my place until Eva gets this resolved. Between us, we can find trustworthy personnel to maintain a twenty-four hour perimeter surveillance.”
“I still want someone with her.”
“I don’t need a babysitter,” Eva groused.
The sheriff ignored her. “My deputy here can hardly move in with her without causing a scandal that would end his prospects with Shannon O’Kelly.”
“And here I thought we were living in the twenty-first century,” Eva said.
Carson felt her gaze on him, but he was too busy trying to keep his mouth from falling open to give her any kind of acknowledgement. Shannon had dumped him last year—rather publicly. Hard to believe the sheriff had forgotten that.
“What’s the big deal? The sniper brought this situation out of undercover status.”
Wondering the same thing, Carson appreciated Ross asking first.
“Hang on!” Eva surged to her feet. “What is wrong with me staying at the motel?”
“Too public,” the sheriff and Ross said in unison.
“Bad enough if you’re under the same roof,” the sheriff added. “The same room is out of the question. Even in the twenty-first century. You’d drive each other crazy in minutes. Besides, Deputy Morris can’t get in and out of there without being noticed.”
“Everything gets noticed in Haleswood anyway,” she said. “I’m already settled at the motel and the public location works against whatever Morcos has in mind.”
“You’re not the tactical expert,” Ross said. “It’s easier to protect you at Ruth’s.”
Carson appreciated her effort, admired her argument, but he knew the sheriff. And Ross’s implacable expression didn’t bode well either. She’d lose this battle. They both would.
“You’re more secluded at the house,” the sheriff said. “There’s more space, separate bedrooms, and a full kitchen. That means less need for coming and going which gives the sniper fewer chances to take out my deputy.
“Plus, she’s got that new security system and the neighbors are still on alert to any oddities after the trouble last month. All of that works to your advantage, young lady.”
“Secluded or not, everyone will know I’m there in less than five minutes.” Crossing her arms drew his attention to her chest. Carson looked away, hoping the sheriff would relent. “What’s the gain?”
“We can defend you more effectively,” Ross repeated.
She rolled her eyes. “If it’s so safe up there, I don’t need a babysitter or a bodyguard.”
“You need someone who can fire back,” Ross stated plainly.
Eva gasped, it was clearly one betrayal too many. “Fine.” Once more, she slid her laptop into the bag. “Work out your secret entrances, handshakes, and code words. I’ll be with Bart.”
She stormed out, leaving the men to stare at one another.
“She’ll come around,” Ross said, sounding less than convinced.
“I’ll call Ruth.” The sheriff raised his cell phone. He nodded to Carson. “Go on and stay with her until you get word we have a perimeter in place. I imagine that will take us a few hours.”
Carson winced.
“She won’t admit it, but she needs support while Bart’s in surgery. As much as they bicker, they’re very close,” Ross finished.
Carson nodded. That sort of thing worked for some couples.
Chapter 4
“Whydidheclosethe blinds?”
