Page 88 of Cold Light of Day

Cindy stood and clasped her hands in front of her. No cookiesthis time. “Between you and me, you’ve been a great police chief. I hope the future has wonderful doors open for you, even if that means being right back here in the office. I’ve said enough, and probably too much.” Cindy opened the door, then turned back. “Oh, the council expects you to gather your personal items and be out of the office by the end of the day.”

“Thank you for keeping me informed.” Autumn stared at the door after it was shut.

The breath whooshed out of her.

I do not have time for this.

She turned back to the computer, but her fingers trembled and she couldn’t effectively type. She removed her Staccato P and the holster and set it on the desk. Then placed her credentials next to it. Bile rose in her throat as she stared at her gun and badge.

I can’t let this crush me.

She stood and grabbed all her stuff, which amounted to very little, and put it into a cardboard box she had sitting in her office. She reached for the plaque but hesitated. It had been gifted to her father, and she stood by the Scripture—a motto of sorts. She pulled her hand back. Whether she agreed with the city council’s decision didn’t matter in terms of fighting for justice. She hoped, believed, that Craig would meet the same standards, and he might need this reminder from Scripture.

She dropped her hand and turned to head for the door. Tanya stood there, the door cracked. “I didn’t mean to spy. I was just coming to tell you that Craig is headed over.” She gestured to the plaque. “You did the right thing in leaving it.” Tanya’s lips spread into a sad smile.

Autumn tore her gaze from her friend, held her head high, and carried her box of personal items out the front door. She headed for her Ford Interceptor, then stopped.

Oh.

That vehicle no longer belonged to her either. Maybe ...maybe she could at least be a police officer. Nah. At this point, she couldn’t stomach working for Craig. As she headed across the street to the Lively Moose, she thought she caught a few people staring at her through the windows, but they quickly averted their gazes. She pushed through the door and headed through the restaurant, to the back stairs, and climbed up to the guest room. After dropping the box onto the floor, she plopped onto the bed.

Could this day get any worse? She pressed fingers against her closed eyes and groaned. She was tougher than this, or at least she thought she was.

Oh yeah. Dad was coming home tonight. She needed to go home instead and maybe bake a cake, hang a “Welcome Home” sign, and make lasagna. She was glad he was alive and coming home—but he was still in danger. She didn’t know if law enforcement had heeded her request to search for Mateo near White Pass Summit or on the train.

And what had happened to Sarah? Worst of all—Grier? What could she do to help him now that she wasn’t police chief? She didn’t have access to information like she had before. She wanted in to those fugitive databases—something gnawed at the back of her mind.

A slight knock came at the door. Autumn didn’t answer and hoped that whoever was there—Birdy or Grandpa Ike—would think she was taking a nap and leave. The door opened and she could tell it was Birdy who slipped inside, closing it behind her. Her grandmother sat on the bed next to her, then she grabbed her hand and squeezed it.

She didn’t say anything. No words of encouragement. Then, finally, she asked, “What now?”

“I don’t know, Birdy. I was working with a notorious fugitive, remember? Not like I can go out and get another job in law enforcement.” At least not yet.

Birdy huffed and stood. Autumn opened her eyes and sawher grandmother had crossed her arms. “Now you listen to me. That young man is innocent, and you know it.”

The burden of it weighed on her. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Maybe I don’t, but I’m absolutely sure you wouldn’t have been working with him if he were guilty. You’re not an idiot, Autumn Emma Long.”

“What do you suggest I do? I just got fired!”

“All the better to help him. There’s nothing, no one, holding you back. You don’t have to answer to anyone now. You’re still the same determined woman with or without your badge.”

With those words, Birdy turned and walked out. Autumn sat up.

Stood.

Birdy’s words had the wanted effect, and actually, that came as no surprise to Autumn. She didn’t have time to feel sorry for herself. She would ask Grandpa Ike to drive her home, then she could use Dad’s old truck until she got her own vehicle. She lifted the box she’d brought from her office, opened the door, and glanced down at the contents. Mateo’s wanted fugitive picture stared back at her.

The image jogged her memory. Why hadn’t she realized this sooner?

God, please don’t let it be too late.

THIRTY-SIX

Still cuffed, Grier stared straight ahead in the small gray room. Gray walls. Gray floor. Gray table.

Cameras in the upper corners. And one mirrored window. He’d been left alone for two hours or more. Nothing to eat or drink. No use of the facilities.

---