Page 49 of Dead Heat

West stalked the length of the rug, eyeing the bowls. “Do you think we have enough snacks? Elena likes pretzel sticks.”

“Relax,” I said. “The chief is going to lose her appetite the second she learns the reason for this meeting.”

West halted and looked at me. “Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

I shrugged. “Sort of?”

“What if she wants to drug test us?” Bert asked.

West raised his eyebrows. “Would that be a problem for you?”

Bert’s gaze darted to Anna. “No.”

“She isn’t going to drug test anyone,” I said. “At most, she’ll think we’re nuts or trying to prank her.”

West shook the nervous tension from his hands. “This is ridiculous. I haven’t felt this riled up since the first time I kissed Sage.”

The other werewolves exchanged glances at the mention of the fae’s name. I wasn’t sure how to interpret their reaction and now wasn’t the time to pry.

Paulie turned away from the window. “They’re here.”

Bert scooped a handful of potato chips from a bowl and shoved them into his mouth. “What?” he said, in response to Anna’s look of judgment, crumbs flying from his mouth. “I eat when I’m stressed.”

The door swung open and Chief Elena Garcia entered the room, quickly followed by Officer Leo. The chief’s eyelids drooped, and her hair was crying out for a cut. Even with the addition of Leo, the safety of Fairhaven clearly kept her occupied.

Same, chief. Same.

She surveyed the room. “Is it game night?”

“No, chief. No games tonight,” West said. “This is business.”

“Business, huh?” She seemed mildly amused. “What’s this about?”

“It’s a meeting especially for you,” West said. “We have an important matter we’d like to discuss with you.”

The chief frowned. “Is this about the parking meters? Because I told you it would cost too much to upgrade them. Maybe when the town has more money in the budget.”

“The police are only in charge of monitoring the meters, not installing them,” Leo added.

“This isn’t about the parking meters,” West assured her. “This is a safety issue.”

The chief cut a curious look at Leo. “Did you know about this?”

He shook his head.

“Come in. Sit,” West said. “Can I offer you refreshments?” He motioned to the table against the wall that was laden with snacks and drinks.

Leo spotted the beer bottles. “Is that a Hazy IPA?” He seemed to remember he was accompanied by his boss. “Or water. Water’s good.”

“You’re off duty,” the chief said. “Have a beer if you want one.”

“I highly encourage alcohol for this conversation,” West said.

Chief Garcia did a double take. “Now you have my full attention.”

Leo popped the lids off two beer bottles and handed one to the chief. “Ooh, are those soft pretzels?”

“Got them from Gallo’s,” Paulie said. “Best bakery in the county.”

---