Page 55 of No Man Left Behind

Excitement thrummed in his veins as he stepped into the squad room that looked the part. No furniture yet, but there was room. Sean had built a half-wall along the front, leaving a small waiting area.

“Let’s check your office.” Elina bounced across the room and into the hallway but when he followed, she hadn’t opened the door. “You first.”

He took her hand and opened the door. The room was the same color and completely empty. But he could see it as it would be. His desk facing the window. Some people wanted the power play position of the light at their back. He wanted to see his town. He’d have blinds installed for when he needed private conversations.

Elina squeezed his hand. “It’s perfect. You’ll have space for your desk, filing cabinets, and a door that closes.”

“I think that’s the best part of this whole renovation.” He’d finally be able to have private conversations without criminals overhearing.

The rest of the station was the same. Ready. Upstairs, the two suites with attached baths were set, as was the secure room for evidence.

“It’s going to be amazing, Marcus. Let’s go grab a few things from your office right now. Some things that will definitely make it your space.”

“I have a few ideas of how to claim the space.”

Her eyebrows shot up when she caught the heat in his eyes. Then she rose on her toes to wrap her arms around his neck. “Show me.”

Chapter18

A Wanted Man

Marcus hefted another box into the trunk of his car. He’d get his buddies and some trucks involved later, but the first couple of loads could be done with his own vehicle. The upstairs evidence room had shelves ready to be filled, and he had boxes of old evidence that he needed to keep but didn’t need to access often.

Elina studied his old office. “You don’t have anything on the walls in this space. Are you going to add some artwork in Phail Jail?”

He shot her a look at the name, but she simply smiled until he grinned back. “That name is ridiculous.”

“Which makes it perfect for this town.”

Sadly, she was right. “How am I supposed to attract solid candidates with a building called Phail Jail?”

“It’ll make sure you get people with a sense of humor. No dour curmudgeons will apply.”

That had him pausing. Hell, she might be right. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Careful, you don’t want to be one of those dour curmudgeons.”

“Hey.”

But she laughed and sprinted back into the office for another load. Maybe he’d lock the door and show her hownotcurmudgeonly he was.

Except when he entered, he found Piper and Troy in the room with Elina. Piper eyed the space with glee. “Even with what you’ve taken out so far, the room looks so much bigger.”

“I should be out of here in a few days. You’ll be able to get started on your tourism center.”

She clapped and spun. “This is amazing. I know you and Troy are going to have to get used to not working side-by-side, but you’re only a short walk away.”

He’d thought about that, too. Troy was the one who’d convinced him to come to town. To be a deputy. He’d provided him a place to stay while he’d got his footing, pun totally intended. He’d rejigged his store to give Marcus a place. A home.

There was no way Marcus was going to lose that bond with him. He’d have to make a concerted effort to drop by Phail General daily. Instead of saying any of that aloud, he nodded. “It’s going to be a good change. The needs of the town have outgrown this room. But it’ll be strange for a bit.”

Troy patted his heart. “How will we survive apart?”

Marcus laughed. “I’m sure we’ll be just fine, dumbass.”

Epic grinned. “I’ll give you a hand. You mind watching the store, Piper?”

She agreed. “And I’ll start planning what I’m going to do in here. Want to help me plan, Elina?”

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