Page 30 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

“We’re getting closer,” I say, trying to sound hopeful. “Ana has a lead. But enough about that. How are you holding up?”

He smiles faintly. “Better now that you’re here.”

We sit together on the couch, the day's stress melting away in his presence. “I’ve missed you,” I say, leaning against him.

“I’ve missed you too,” he replies, kissing me gently.

For a moment, everything else fades away. It’s just the two of us; the world outside doesn’t matter.

“How’s the overall investigation going?” he asks after a while.

“We’ve uncovered some leads,” I say, deciding to keep the rest of the details vague now. I do not want to plant a hope that will turn out to be the wrong thing in his mind. “It’s complicated, but we’re making progress.”

He listens, his brow furrowing. “You sound like whatever you are getting into is dangerous.”

“It is,” I admit. “But we’re careful.”

“I don’t want you getting hurt, that would kill me faster than the council’s decision,” he says, his voice serious.

“I’ll be fine,” I assure him. “We’ll figure this out.”

He kisses me again, more passionately this time. “I believe in you, Evelyn.”

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”

We spent the evening talking about everything but the case, enjoying the rare moment of peace. It reminded me of why I’m fighting so hard to clear his name.

I stand at the podium in front of the Sheriff’s Department, where the press conference is already underway. Reporters bombard me with questions, their voices a chaotic blur.

“Sheriff Evelyn, why aren’t you bringing justice for the victims?”

“Is it true you’re focusing on exonerating your ex-fiancé, Alexei?”

I take a deep breath, meeting their gaze. “The investigations are ongoing. I assure you, our primary focus is justice for all victims. We’re following every lead, and no one is being favored or neglected.”

A reporter scoffs. “It seems like a conflict of interest.”

“I understand your concerns,” I reply firmly. “But I can assure you, the department is dedicated to solving these cases and proving whoever is the guilty party.”

More questions fly, but I end the conference. “Thank you. We will update you as soon as we have more information.”

I turn and head back inside, feeling the tension ease slightly as the doors close behind me. In the conference room, the deputies are waiting.

I take my seat at the head of the table, looking at each of them. “I know this is frustrating,” I begin.

“We haven’t gotten many leads, but we’re making progress.”

The room is silent, and the deputies are waiting for me to continue speaking.

“I’m creating a task force of three deputies to focus solely on the investigation. The rest of you will continue to keep the town safe and handle general matters.”

I see the relief of lifting the secrecy in their faces as I continue. “Mark, Linda, Teresa, you’ll be the task force. You’ll continue the investigation.”

They nod as if they are just hearing the task force news.

“Keep digging, follow every lead,” I say. “The killer will not disappear and get away with this, at least not on our watch.”

I dismiss them, and everyone returns to their space. Once they’re gone, I head to my office. The space feels both a refuge and a reminder of the responsibilities I am tasked with.

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