Page 87 of Cold Light of Day

Tanya laughed. “They were already weird. Hello, this is Shadow Gap.”

“Poor choice of words. How about, things are about to get messy around here.” Because Craig was about to be chief. He made a good officer, though she questioned his attitude toward her sometimes. But she had issues too.

Tanya stood. “And if they do, I’ll be your inside man.”

“I don’t want you to risk your job for me.”

Walking over to the side wall, Tanya stood next to the Scriptureplaque and read it. “‘To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humblywith your God. Micah 6:8.’ I was here when your grandparents presented this plaque to your father. That’s all you’re doing, all any of us are doing. You’ve been unjustly targeted by a council member or two who have connections. Hang in there, Chief. It’ll work out.”

Tanya slightly bowed her head, then stepped out, only to peek back in. “Get ready. The gavel is here.”

Oh...the mayor.

Autumn stared at Mateo’s picture.

A slight knock came at the door, and Mayor White walked in. Per her usual compassionate self, she offered a smile—this time, a sympathetic one.

“Mayor White. Cindy. What a surprise to see you.” Autumn felt an inward eye roll coming on but kept her composure. Autumn gestured at the one chair across from her desk. “Please have a seat. I only have a few minutes. I’m in the middle of an investigation and closing in on the person behind the recent crime wave.” She could hold on to hope that Cindy wasn’t here to fire her, or if she was, maybe Autumn’s news would stay her hand.

“Look...” Cindy huffed, her discomfort apparent.

Autumn felt a punch to her gut, which she’d expected. Shehadn’texpected the strength to flood out of her, her palms to sweat, and her heart to pound.

“Please, let me finish this investigation,” Autumn said.

“Then you know why I’m here.”

“I’m hoping my suspicions are wrong.”

Cindy stared at her hands in her lap, then back up at Autumn. “I was the one who let the news leak so that Tanya would know and prepare you.”

Her way of acting like a friend?

“Thank you. I think.”

Cindy’s eyes shimmered. “This is the part of my job that Ihate, and it’s not something I have to do often, but I can’t ignore the latest news that you’ve been gallivanting around the Panhandle with a wanted fugitive. Chief...Autumn, how could you let yourself get sucked in to working with him?”

Autumn stood and stared down at the mayor. “We’re talking about the town hero, Cindy. Grier Brenner—”

“You mean Troy Fox. I hear that’s his real name.”

Autumn should have at least learned the truth about that from him, because she didn’t know which was his true name. “Whatever a person’s name is, it’s their character that shows us who they really are. You know him and who he really is and what he’s done for the people of this town. Go over to the Lively Moose right now and take a show of hands to learn who believes he’s innocent.”

“None of that matters. The city council has voted you out.”

Autumn wanted to slink into her chair, the fight slipping out of her. Not really the fight as much as she needed to choose her battles, and she wanted to help Grier. She had the energy and determination left to help him. To do justice.

“And who will be acting police chief?”Let me guess...

“You know who’s in line. Craig Atkins.”

“He and Wally have been out to get me ever since I was elected.”

“Be that as it may, it’s out of my hands, Autumn. Now, I suggest you take some time to rest—you look a wreck—and go home and spend time with your father. I hear he’s coming home today. Nolan is accompanying him.”

What? Autumn hadn’t heard the news.

“I called the hospital to find out where things stood with him. Nolan mentioned not wanting to distract you and preferring to surprise you, so now I’ve blown that surprise, but I figured you needed some good news. Believe it or not, I care about you and your family.”

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