Page 32 of Naughty by Nature

Cheyenne laughed at something Carolyn said, and some of Sheridan’s worry eased. She'd been very quiet since they’d opened the box from Wade. Almost stewing. He could tell she wanted to do something, but wasn’t sure what.

Sheridan didn’t think the meal could be any better until Savannah retrieved a plate of cinnamon and sugar sopapillas from the microwave, where Cheyenne had placed them to keep them warm.

Olivia groaned with pleasure as she bit into the fried dough, and Sheridan

realized that she hadn’t been this animated and seemingly happy for a long time. Having the Lowells in the house seemed to be good for everyone.

After dinner he went to his office to do some computer work. Cheyenne joined him there a few minutes later, sitting on the couch on the opposite wall. She folded her legs elegantly beneath her, then propped one elbow along the top of the couch, resting her head on her hand.

“Dinner was fantastic,” he told her. “Thank you. Real food is so much better than quickie stuff like we make.”

Cheyenne smiled at him. “Healthier, too.”

“Yes.”

“I’m glad Olivia came up.”

“Me too, actually. I think she enjoyed the dinner, and the company.”

“She’s not a bad girl.”

“I know,” Sheridan agreed. “She’s had it a little rough the past few years. My job has taken a lot of my time and attention.”

“Which is understandable,” Cheyenne said. “This isn’t a big county, but I’m sure you get a lot of work through here. You probably do a lot of things most people have no idea about.”

He tipped his head to her, agreeing, and he appreciated that she’d apparently thought about this. His job was difficult, but he loved having the power to make his community better.

Cheyenne’s eyelids were getting heavy, and he wondered if she realized how tired she was. Turning off his computer, he held a hand out. “You need to go to bed.”

“I know,” she sighed. “Thank you, Sheridan.”

* * *

The next day was Wednesday.Sheridan dropped Cheyenne and the girls off at school, then headed to work. Marlene met him with a scowl. “There are two messages on your desk.”

Uh oh.

The first was from Thomas Applegate, stating that Wade had arrived to work bright and early today. He was scheduled for the next eight hours, so if Sheridan wanted to talk to him he should be available. Yesterday he hadn’t been able to find a ride in, and didn’t remember the phone number.

That sounded like a crock to Sheridan. But Thomas was a little on the gullible side.

The next message was from Eric Groves, Wade’s parole officer. Sheridan pecked out the numbers on his phone.

“Groves.”

“Mr. Groves, this is Sheridan Lane.”

“Hey, Sheriff. I didn’t get your message until late yesterday, and I wanted to check on the paperwork before I called with details for you.”

“That’s fine.” Sheridan reached for a pen. “What can you tell me about his release? It’s been a pretty fucked up affair so far.”

“Yeah, I heard through the grapevine that the victim hadn’t been notified.”

“No one was. I was supposed to be called as well.”

“Ah, damn. Yeah, someone really bungled that, didn’t they?”

“It could have been devastating for the victim. And her daughters. I’ve moved her out of her house because I found signs of surveillance on her property. Someone was tromping around her house, looking in windows. Someone was also at a local bar, drinking soda, celebrating his release.”

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