Page 33 of Cold Light of Day

The man also loved all things Alaska, including the Bigfoot lore. He knew that made him the town kook, but he preferred it that way. Once Grier got to know Hank better, he realized the man was nothing like the persona he intentionally projected.

Grier could learn a thing or two from the man, and if he did leave and start over, Hank would be his model. He nudged Cap off his lap, and the husky lay by the woodstove. Grier shuffled to the laptop at the small table against the wall and sent an email.

Where are you? I need intel, ASAP.

No texts. No calls. Nothing remotely trackable or traceable. Their encrypted email setup was as secure as possible.

He got no response, and really, he hadn’t expected any after the extended silence. He’d been praying for a miracle.

Elbows on the desk, he pressed the heels of his palms against his eyes. Soon he would need to move to plan B.

Plan B did not include Chief Autumn Long, but that was better for her.

The next morning, after a fitful night, Grier needed a good hot breakfast and a cup of strong black coffee that only Ike Lively could make him. He had just pushed through the door of the Lively Moose, looking forward to the food and the many metaphorical philosophies from his friends, when a round of applause caught him by surprise. The cheers warmed his heart, but even small-town notoriety was a risk.

He started to turn around and walk out, but that would only cause more commotion. More questions. He waved off any praise and made his way to his usual booth, where Otis and Sandford sat.

Otis patted him on the back. “You’re a star around here.”

Maybe he should have chosen a different booth and kept to himself, but he had a feeling that wouldn’t have made a difference, especially when a few more people slid—more like squeezed—into the booth, packing him in tight. This was definitely too crowded when popularity wasn’t part of his plan.

“After you saved that woman, you found a body...and saved Ross.”

“And the most important part—you found Hank’s dog.”

“Are you Superman? Some superhero in disguise?”

Grier hung his head.

If only you knew...

FIFTEEN

After the last few days, Autumn found herself taking comfort in reading and signing reports. Who wouldn’t prefer mundane tasks over bodies and shooters—murder and mayhem? Even though she lived with the former police chief and had worked under him, she hadn’t realized the time demands required of her position. This was especially true considering the city council meetings and any other events happening around town, from volunteer assemblies to lunches to charity functions. And though it seemed that none of it had to do with policing or protecting the community, being a police chief was as much about communicating with the public as protecting them.

Autumn gathered her notes in preparation to speak with the city council and answer whatever questions Wally might throw at her. She opened her drawer and grabbed a couple of ibuprofens and downed them with the last of her soda. She straightened her uniform and badge and secured her hair back into a ponytail so not even one rebellious curl would get away. She knew some thought that she looked too young,wastoo young, for the job—and that worked against her when it came to the city council. She had no doubt they, Wally in particular,would grill her over the recent violence. The council knew the outcome of the meeting in Anchorage, and she could think of at least one reason they’d called this gathering—they wanted to fire her.

Autumn drew in a few calming breaths, then exited her office and headed to Tanya. She glanced around. The three desks at the back were empty—Craig and Angie weren’t around—so she could speak freely.

“I’m heading over to meet with the council, then I’m going to talk to Sarah.”

“Good luck with that.”

“You think I’m going to need luck?” Autumn shouldn’t overanalyze—Tanya hadn’t meant anything.

Tanya’s big brown eyes grew wide with her smile. “For the council meeting?” She waved her hand. “Pfft. You’ve got this. I was referring to Sarah. She left this morning.”

“She left? How do you know?”

“I saw her getting on a boat when I was dropping off my brother at the marina.”

“Well, I’ll have to wait until she gets back. But just get me her contact information.”

“I don’t think she’s coming back.”

“How do you know she left for good?”

“She had bags with her. Since she isn’t a resident, I imagine she left for good.”

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