Page 75 of Luke

When she stopped beside the steps at the back of the diner, she looked into the rearview mirror and saw the sheriff pull in behind her. He opened his door and stepped out, then walked toward her. She opened her door, stepped out, got Leah out, and reached for the bags, but the sheriff got them, then they walked up the steps. She unlocked the door, stepped inside, and he followed. He set the bags on the sofa.

“Would you like a cup of coffee, Sheriff?”

“No, thank you, and please, call me Sam. Do you mind if I look around?”

“No, please do whatever you need to.”

“Yes, ma’am. I just want to make sure it’s clear.”

Bryce removed Leah’s coat, then her own, and placed Leah in her bouncy seat and wound the mobile. She smiled as Leah reached for the teddy bears.

“She’s adorable,” Sam said when he entered the room.

Bryce noticed the wedding band on his finger.

“Do you have children?”

He grinned. “I do. We have a three year old girl, and a son who just turned one.”

“I don’t suppose you have photos?” Bryce tilted her head asshe smiled.

“Nah, why would you think that?” Then he looked through his phone and showed her photos.

“They’re beautiful. Is this your wife?”

“Yes, that’s Tessa.”

“She’s gorgeous.” Bryce looked at the handsome sheriff. “I can see where your babies get their looks.”

Sam grinned. “From their beautiful mama.”

Bryce laughed. “I’d say their daddy had a hand in that too.”

Sam seemed embarrassed but grinned. “Thanks. I’m going to step out and call Sheriff Beckett in Hartland County. He needs to know about this. I’ve already contacted the MSP, the Minnesota State Police.”

“Alright.” Bryce watched him walk out the door and close it behind him.

She sat on the sofa and prayed it was all a misunderstanding and that man had been lost or something. She shook her head. The Minnesota plates was too much of a coincidence.

When Sam reentered the apartment, she saw another man behind him, dressed the same way. Khaki shirt, badge, jeans, cowboy boots, and hat.

“Bryce, this is Deputy Logan Townson, Logan, meet Bryce Spencer.”

“Ma’am,” the deputy said. “I’m the one who pulled Luke over that night you were with him, but Luke didn’t introduce us.”

Bryce laughed. “Hello.”

“Logan will be here until noon, then one of the other deputies will take over. They’ll be in three-or four-hour shifts. They will let you know when another takes over.”

“I’ll be in my vehicle, but you can send me a text if you need something. Do not come out of the apartment,” Deputy Townson said.

“Okay.”

Sam nodded. “I’m going to take a drive around town and see if I can find anything. I’ll check with the local hotels. You’ll be fine, Ms. Spencer. I don’t like trouble in my town and once we find this man, it’ll be over. Have a good day.” Sam handed her his card. “If you need anything, do not hesitate to call any of those numbers.” He touched the brim of his hat, and left the apartment.

“Deputy Townson? Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“If you wouldn’t mind, ma’am.”

---