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“Maybe just someone who gives a damn,” I said softly, meeting his gaze.
“Damn right.” He wrapped his arms around me. “And someone who’s not alone.”
“Thanks, Sawyer,” I breathed, allowing myself to lean on him for just a moment before the real battle began.
twenty-four
HANNAH
The chilly airof the sheriff’s office nipped at my skin as I walked through the door, but it was the weight of responsibility that caused the shiver to run down my spine. Theo sat behind his desk, a strikingly handsome man, who could have been a model in another life. But behind the badge, he was all business.
“Morning, Hannah,” he greeted, his voice a steady calm that somehow settled the storm inside me. “Take a seat.”
“Thanks, Theo.” I took the offered chair, feeling Sawyer’s presence behind me like a silent promise. “I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice.”
“Of course.” Theo clasped his hands on the table, his badge gleaming under the fluorescent lights. “What seems to be the problem?”
Taking a deep breath, I reached into my bag and pulled out the photos and documents I’d spent the last sleepless night compiling. I slid them across to him, watching as his gaze sharpened, professional and focused.
“I believe there’s someone, well, multiple someones, engaging in illegal dog fighting here in Moon Harbor.”
“That’s a pretty serious accusation.”
“I’m very serious about it.”
Theo nodded, flipping through the documents with a furrowed brow. His eyes darted across the graphic photographs, his expression growing increasingly stern.
“My patient’s injuries are consistent with being restrained while he was attacked. I was concerned, but felt unable to come forward until I found canine bones in the forest out past Route 34.”
“Canine bones?”
“Dozens of dead dogs, Theo.”
Theo let out a low whistle, his fingers tracing over the evidence before him. He continued to sift through the evidence, his face contorting with a mix of anger and disbelief. As he absorbed the grim reality of the situation, a fire seemed to ignite within him.”This is...disturbing, to say the least.”
“I know,” I replied, my voice laden with a mixture of anger and sadness. “And it’s not just about the dogs. It’s about the people involved, the cruelty they’re capable of. We can’t let this go unnoticed.”
Theo leaned back in his chair, rubbing at his temples. “You’re right, Hannah. We need to investigate this thoroughly.”
I let out a sigh of relief.
“I can’t believe this is happening in our town,” he muttered, his voice laced with determination.
As we discussed the details of the investigation, my unease began to dissipate, replaced by a glimmer of hope. With Theo leading the charge, I felt confident that justice would prevail. But there was still a long road ahead of us.
“Thank you, Theo. That means a lot,” I said, a sigh escaping my lips as relief began to replace the dread. “Will you need anything else from me?” My question hung in the air, mingling with the scent of stale coffee and old leather.
“Keep this between us for now. We need to move carefully, not spook anyone involved. Can I count on your discretion, Hannah?”
“Absolutely,” I affirmed, feeling Sawyer’s hand brush against my shoulder in a silent cheer.
“Good. I’ll get started on this right away.” Theo stood up, his movements deliberate and confident. “You did the right thing coming forward.”
“Thanks. Really.” My throat tightened around the words, and I got to my feet, suddenly eager to escape the confines of the office.
“Anytime,” Theo said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “And Hannah? Keep an eye out, but stay safe. We’re dealing with unknowns here.”
“Will do,” I promised, my heart thumping hard against my ribs as I turned and left the office with Sawyer close behind.
