Page 60 of Home Town Knight

I had mixed feelings about this vigilante thing. Whenever possible, I preferred openness to secrecy. But that was just it. Secrecy was the only way to fight a group like Stillwater until we were ready to face them head-on. “Are you a Protector too?”

“As much as I can be.”

Stuck in the middle, he’d said. He was both a Protector and the sheriff and had to keep himself apart. Alone.

But he wasn’t alone right now.

“Gen, you could be in extreme danger if these Stillwater people find out what you know.”

“That’s why I’ve been so secretive about this.” I shrugged. “But they’ll have to get in line. The Alpine Hotel shooter probably has dibs.”

“Not funny. You came to Hartley to confront me when you thought I was one of them. Do you have any idea how reckless that was? What if I’d kidnapped you or arrested you under false pretenses to shut you up?”

“There’s always a risk to doing this job. Like there’s a risk to yours. But you keep doing it.”

He grumbled and tugged me closer, planting a kiss on my head. “We blew past my one-hour mark. We need to eat, get dressed, and get to the station.” I started to get up, but Owen held me there, waiting until I looked back at him. “Thank you for telling me about your source. And Stillwater. I’mgoing to look into this, but I’ll also do whatever I can to keep you safe.”

I leaned in, and we shared a soft kiss. “You’re my Last Refuge Protector?”

“I have been since yesterday. But I’m glad that now you know it.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Owen

I tappeda pen on my desk, staring at my whiteboard again. I had a murder investigation to get back to, yet my thoughts were occupied by Genevieve and what she’d told me about Stillwater.

I’d known thatshebelieved there was corruption in my county. But to have proof? That was something else.

Before we’d set out for the station, she’d made a secure transfer of the evidence to an email I used only for Last Refuge Protector business. I didn’t want that info touching any of my official department computers or accounts. I had already forwarded it on to River, and I would dig into it later.

We’d also scarfed down the breakfast she’d made, which had been more of a lunch considering the timing. After arriving at the station, I had asked Keira to set up Genevieve with a computer so she could review our files on the Tucker murder. Gen was safely tucked into a conference room nearby. I’d been tempted to keep her here in my office, like a prized possession I didn’t want to let out of my sight. But that would’ve raised questions with my other deputies and the endless stream of people who demanded my time on any given day.

Speaking of.

My blinds were open so I had a view of the front part of the station. I saw District Attorney Grissom’s face in the window just before he knocked on my door.

“Come in,” I said, standing up.

Grissom entered. But he wasn’t alone. Jud Hale—the former state senator who was apparently thinking of running against me—stood behind him, followed by Undersheriff Norris Linscomb. My second in command.

What the hell was this?

“Owen,” Grissom began. Which wasn’t a good start, if he’d already dispensed with my title. Unlike me and my department, I wasn’t usually on a first-name basis with the DA. “We’ve got some questions.”

I made a show of glancing around. “I’m sorry, am I in the wrong place? I thought this was my office. And thatSheriffwas above my name on the door.”

Norris pursed his lips, looking apologetic. “Boss, if this isn’t a good time?—”

“No,” Grissom cut in, “I’ve had to drive out here for the second day in a row. And Mr. Hale was inclined to join me. The sheriff needs to make time.”

Jud Hale said nothing. Just stood and stared like he expected me to bow down and make way.

Blood boiling, I waved for Norris to shut the door, then took my seat behind my desk. Grissom eyed my whiteboard, but I’d used a personal shorthand. He wouldn’t be able to get much from it.

“What’s this about?”

Jud stepped forward. He was skinnier than me, but taller, and he was dressed like a wealthy rancher, including a pricey Stetson. He’d been friends with some of my older cousins growing up. The ones who were now in prison. “No disrespect meant, Owen. But as the president of the HartleyLandowners Alliance, I’m here to express our citizens’ concern about a killer on the loose.”

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