Page 100 of Rules

After about a minute, he shifted uncomfortably. "What?"

I didn't respond, just continued to look at him with an unwavering gaze. Seeing the bruising starting to come to the surface around his bandage, I fought the urge to ask how his ego was taking to be knocked out by a woman. Asshole.

"You got something to say?" His voice was higher than I expected, already.

Silence.

"You got a problem, cop?" He stood, puffing out his chest in a show of bravado that might have been more convincing if his hands weren't trembling.

I remained silent, unmoving.

"This some kind of mind game? 'Cause I ain't saying shit."

Still, I said nothing. Just watched him. Memorized his face.

"Man, the shop owner was fine. I could have licked her like a barbequed pig."

I still said nothing.

The man paced his cell, agitation growing with each lap. "You're wasting your fucking time."

I stood abruptly. His eyes widened, and he took an involuntary step back. I almost smiled at that. Good. I picked up the chair.

"That's it?" He stood in the middle of the cell watching me.

I turned to look at him once more, letting him see exactly what I was thinking, what I wanted to do to him. His face paled.

"Ass," he whispered.

Without a word, I walked back to the entrance and handed the chair to Sang, whose expression was carefully neutral.

"Thank you," I told him quietly.

"What for, Sheriff?"

"For getting to the shop so quickly last night. For making sure she was taken care of. Good job."

He nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Just doing our job, sir."

"Still. It matters."

As I headed back upstairs, Brooklyn intercepted me in the hallway.

"Boss, we've got the preliminary report from forensics from Blossoms. Lots of prints, most match Ruth's staff, but a few unknowns. They're running them now."

"Good, any word on the other two suspects?"

She shook her head. "Nothing yet. But we've got an APB out, and Law's team is looking too."

I nodded. "Speaking of Law, I need to update him. Hold down the fort. I'll be back."

Before leaving the parking lot, I made a quick call to the veterinary clinic.

"Whispering Pines Animal Hospital," a cheerful voice answered.

"This is Sheriff Trenton. I'm calling about Joey, Ruth Manchester's dog."

"Oh yes, Sheriff. Dr. Wright was expecting your call. Let me transfer you."

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