Page 182 of Sin With Me

“I could have this town running smoothly, but when I asked for help, no one was willing to do it. They all have farms around here to take care of and say there’s no crime. But once in a while, one does show up, and unfortunately there are no resources here to do the job I’m supposedto.”

“You mean like these men?” I pointed to the cork board where half dozen photographs had been pinned, noting the familiar face of John Huntz.

“We don’t get many fugitives here, Emma. But this guy” – Sheriff Lowes shook his head, pressing his chubby finger against Huntz’s forehead with vengeance like he wanted to put a bullet right through it – “he was a piece of work. He kidnapped Eric and Annabelle Waters when they were young, and had harassed the family for many years before that. That man was capable of murder; you can tell by just looking at his face. Hasn’t been seen since the day Eric was found wandering down the road, with Annabelle a few miles behind him. Eric must have told you the story.”

“He has. What about this one?” I pointed to anotherguy.

“Disappeared with his wife and was never heard from again. Her body was found floating in a creek one hundred miles south. His never was. He was Huntz’s neighbor.”

“You think they’re linked,” I stated.

He laughed again. “I never scratch anything off the table until I’m sure. If you ever need a job Emma, you just let me know. You’re a smart woman. I could use some help around here. With your wits, we could resolve half the city’s disputes in no time. And maybe solve a case ortwo.”

I got butterflies of excitement in my belly at the offer.

“John Huntz owned properties, right? One burned down, and Missy lives in the other one. Do you know why?” I asked.

Sheriff Lowes regarded me knowingly, and I knew he was beginning to wonder why I had so many questions about Huntz. But I also knew I hadn’t asked enough to make him suspicious just yet – he’d take it as curiosity because I was staying with Eric. “Well, it looks like you know more than many here, Emma. Missy was an orphan. Since only the town’s register and priest knew about the second property, which had been left unoccupied for years, the church asked whether Missy could live there in exchange for all the work she had done for the community. They gave the town a remarkable donation for a new fire truck in return. Since no one could object to the matter, Missy movedin.”

“Interesting…”

“Emma, not that anyone will ask you about it, but you should keep this between us. I have a feeling many would tear the place down if they knew, and Missy needs a home to live in. Do you know what I’m trying to say, Emma? Can I trust you withthis?”

I pulled my fingers across my lips, saying, “Sealed. I promise. If you ever do get that new computer, I can show you how to enter the data and clear up the work.” I caught the binder that was about to slide off the pile of papers on hisdesk.

“I will definitely let you know, Emma.”

“Have a greatday!”

“You too.” He removed his hat, bowing hishead.

After two hours of chatting and getting an extensive update of the town’s neglected work, I stepped outside into the smoldering heat. Dust swirled in the air as a dark-haired girl on a bicycle pulled up to the store Missy worked at. She flipped the kickstand to support the bike and headed my way. My gut twisted. Her snobby demeanor and undeniable look of satisfaction on her face confirmed we wouldn’t be friends. Her boobs nearly spilled out of her shirt with pride.

“Hi, Emma. I’m Claire. Eric’sgirl.”

Why did I feel like my fingers suddenly grew claws instead of nails?

“Hi, it’s good to know there’s more than one Eric intown.”

“Oh, no, there’s only Eric Waters. The one who made me a woman.” She sighed.

What thefuck?!

For a moment I doubted that she belonged in this polite town. Claire could have easily passed for a bitch from the biggest city in the world. How she had gotten her skanky hands on someone like Eric in the first place was beyondme.

“You know, a connection like the one we have never dies. Once they take you to their barn, it’s a sealed deal for the rest of yourlife.”

Eric told me he’d never taken a woman in his barn. Had he lied? Or was she bluffing? I crossed my arms over my chest.

“Well, I personally find his bed much more comfortable. Come to think of it, the floor in his family room and the shower weren’t too bad either,” I countered.

She waved her hand as if dismissingme.

“He’s just letting off his anger for now. And once he does, he’ll come back to me. After all, he told me you’ll be leaving soon, and he’ll need to return to his regularlife.”

Another moment of this conversation and I swear I would make use of the new weapon that had grown at the end of my fingertips. I’d never met anyone who aggravated me so much. When had she gotten a chance to talk tohim?

“Have a great time while you’re visiting, Emma. And don’t let a bull kick you on the way out oftown.”

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