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“Good morning, this is Allison Winters reporting live at the boardwalk with Willow Cove’s one and only Sheriff Reid who is here today to discuss the safety of the town and the people after a chilling incident two months ago, a string of criminal mischief, and the recent brawl that happened on this very boardwalk.”
Reid’s eyes rolled, and he was glad he was wearing sunglasses. He should have known any which way she could squeeze those little tidbits in she would. Exaggerating for ratings and making their town—the safest in the state—out to be a danger zone. It was ridiculous, and it was time the nonsense stopped.
She shoved the mic in his face, turning to try to get a better angle, but he wasn’t having it. He was there, he was going to speak, and they didn’t need to get a good glimpse of him. It was better that way. For him, for the town, and for his promise to keep everyone safe.
“I met with the mayor yesterday regarding increasing patrols throughout the town during what is expected to be a very busy summer season. She has given me the green light, and I will be implementing the necessary changes today. I also would like to take a moment and to remind you that the incidents Miss Winters continuously refers to were isolated, and there is no longer any threat to any of the citizens of our town.” Allison’s nose scrunched, but he continued. “I’d also like to say that Willow Cove has always been a safe town, and as sheriff, I will make sure it stays that way. Thank you. I hope you all have a safe, healthy, and fun summer.”
Allison brought the mic to her mouth, and once again, he should have known it wouldn’t be as simple as making a statement.
“Does that mean the mayor has increased the budget for the police department? And if so, is she cutting funds from another department?”
His teeth ground together, and if his brain wasn’t thinking of a million ways to throw Allison off the boardwalk into the water, he’d be concerned about chipping a tooth. This was exactly why he hated live TV. He couldn’t walk away in a huff or start throwing curses out. They were already too deep into this circus.
He cleared his throat and straightened. “That is something you would need to discuss with the mayor. My concern is my department and that it’s properly taken care of so we can continue to do our job and serve the good people of our town.”
“But you have to wonder if another department head is going to be incapable of taken care of their department if their funding is decreased.”
His nails dug into his palms, but he tried to keep from scowling or lashing out and giving Allison a piece of his mind. “Again, my concern is my department, and if other departments have problems with their funding, then they will also need to take that up with Mayor Sands. Thank you.”
He peered over his glasses, not using words, but insisting she end the interview now. His gaze must have said everything he hoped, because she turned to the camera. “There you have it, folks. The sheriff assures us our town is safe and we can all enjoy our summer with ease. This is Allison Winters reporting live. Sandra, back to you in the studio.”
Larry made a motion, letting Allison know the camera was off, and Reid snatched his coffee off the ground and headed away from the reporter before he throttled her.
“Reid!” she called out after him, but he kept walking.
He heard her heels click-clacking their way after him, and if he wasn’t a grown man, he would have broken into a sprint and gotten the hell away from her.
“What?” he demanded as he pivoted.
She came to a halt, her tight body flinging backward, so she didn’t collide with him. She adjusted her black hair that fell in her face, swiping it behind her ears. “I was just going to say I think that went really well.”
“Oh, is that what you were going to say? What about trying to throw me under the damn bus again?”
“I didn’t.”
A laugh bubbled up and burst out. “Then what the hell was all that questioning about budgets?”
Her eyebrows furrowed, as if she was genuinely confused. She was either a grade A actress or she was completely clueless. But after years of watching her spin stories, he knew damn well it sure as hell wasn’t the latter. “It was an honest question and something the people would want to know.”
“Really? Because I don’t think the people give two shits about funding. At least not until you put it in their damn head. Now they’re going to be wondering.”
“So let them call the mayor’s office.”
Reid ripped his hat off and thrust his other hand through his hair. “You don’t get it, do you? You put this drivel out there, thinking you’re doing the public a favor, but all you’re doing is hurting people.”
“That is not true! I’m seeking the truth and providing people with the facts.”
“Like how you were held at gunpoint, making our town out to be some dangerous place. When you didn’t care to include the fact that I told you not to get involved, that you took it upon yourself to insert yourself into that situation. That if you would have kept your damn nose out of it, and let me do my fucking job, you never would have been knocked out or had a gun pointed at you.” The anger he’d been holding in for the two months exploded out of him, and as the last words poured free, he sagged forward as if the exertion of admitting the truth was too much for him to take.
“You’re just mad I figured it out before you did,” she snapped, and so did his patience.
“I’m done here.” He swiped his hand in front for emphasis, then walked away, refusing to look back. Annoyance rattled his bones, but relief settled in when he didn’t hear the damn click-clack of her shoes behind him.
He didn’t have time for her nonsense, anyway. He had shit to do.
***
After a very long day, he headed toward the docks to unwind with a beer and his closest friend.
