Page 75 of Her Wild Coast Promise

While I’m chomping at the bit to defend my department and Chief Kauffman and correct the congressman’s assumptions regarding the Soren Creek survey camp incident, I remind myself of what Cora would say—stick to the talking points, turn the negative into positive, and don’t stray into the weeds. “That’s why if I’m elected sheriff my first priority is to expand our department and up our skillset with more advanced training. The McKenzie Valley went from sleepy to at risk almost overnight. We weren’t ready, but it’s not too late to turn the tables.”

He raises his eyebrows, but I doubt I’ve impressed him. “The business sector would appreciate that. I’m afraid if this situation continues to spiral out of control, some of them will deem the McKenzie Valley too risky. That would negatively impact the community, and it would certainly take a chunk out of your tax base.”

“Strong businesses are an important part of every community.”

“Including development?”

“Development is inevitable, but the community should have a say regarding the pace, and the infrastructure needs to grow at a similar rate. Schools, community centers, libraries, law enforcement.”

“And transportation,” he says, but it’s not framed as a question. “Trucks need roads.”

“Of course, but not without adequate enforcement.”

“So you’re not against development?”

My personal beliefs have nothing to do with my role as a public servant, so I phrase my reply carefully. “My job is to support the needs of the community.”

“I like that.”

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I grimace. “Forgive me.”

“Don’t let me keep you,” Congressman White says while I peek at my screen. It’s a code 644 from Brian Ambrose, which means something urgent is going down.

“I’m afraid I need to get back to work,” I tell Congressman White, but he’s already rising.

After we shake hands, he gives me a cordial nod. “I’ll be keeping my eye on things.”

“Thank you for your time, sir.”

The doors behind me pop open, spilling a bright beam of light down the center of the room. I spin on my heel and cross the plush carpeting to the exit, giving the secretary a nod as I pass. She closes the doors behind me. The waiting area is empty and the air is cool and sterile. I head for the stairs, the soles of my dress shoes loud on the marble flooring.

Once I’m alone, I call Brian.

“Where are you?” he calls over the low whir of a helicopter in the background.

“State capitol.”

“Get to the roof.”

My thoughts spin. “What’s happening?”

“We’ve got Kalle Jensen’s impersonator, and we’re going in.”

“For fucking real?”

He laughs. “Yeah for fucking real. Now get to the roof or you’re gonna miss the fun.”

“I’m not in uniform.” I glance up the stairway but I can’t see if there’s an exit door at the top.

“No time for that. I got you covered. Just hurry.”

With a curse, I sprint up the steps, my breaths echoing in the narrow chamber. I put Brian on hold so I can alert dispatch that I need two backup units at the ferry terminal for assistant with a fugitive apprehension. I’ll get Hunter on the radio once I’m in the chopper.

I switch back to Brian. “How’d you put this together?”

“He bought a beer on the ferry concessions and the cashier recognized his ID from our alert. We went through the footage until we found him.”

“When was this?”

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