Page 27 of Rules

Brooklyn and I said our thanks for being updated. Deputy Mark Sang appeared.

"Another one?" He asked, moving into the building. "Damn, they had some fun in here."

"Wait till you see the mannequins in the front." Brooklyn said.

"Hey, you want to run point on this one?" I asked her. "I want to see if the neighbors saw anything that can help."

"Sure, I'll run it." Brooklyn nodded. "Good to ask them right away."

As I step outside, I see the Zhang brothers standing next to their backdoor.

"Did they hurt Martha?" Peter asked. "Was it the same kind of robbery?"

"As far as we can tell. Did either of you see anything odd or off this morning?"

The two of them shook their heads no. "Everything was like it always is."

I thanked them and rounded the corner into the main parking lot. Onlookers, concerned business owners and shoppers are all focused on the shop. Among them, standing on the sidewalk out front of her building, is Ruth. She's wearing a maroon dress that makes her copper hair seem even more vibrant. She's talking to Calvin from the hardware store, her expression worried as she glances repeatedly at the boutique.

Before I can overthink it, I stride directly toward her. Her eyes widen as she notices my approach, her conversation with Calvin faltering mid-sentence.

"Calvin." I nodded.

"Sheriff."

"Ruth," I say, my voice more authoritative than intended. "Inside. We need to talk. Now."

Chapter 11

Ruth

Tobias's commanding tone makes me feel several different emotions all at once. Frightened for what he's possibly going to tell me happened at the boutique. Snippy at being bossed around. And if I'm honest, incredibly turned on with his take charge masculine tone. His face is set in hard lines, jaw clenched tight as he gestures toward my shop door. Calvin gives me a sympathetic glance before backing away, clearly wanting no part of whatever storm is brewing.

"Tobias," I find myself saying, even as I'm fishing my keys from my purse. "What's wrong?"

Tobias doesn't respond, just stands there radiating tension. The commotion at Martha's boutique has drawn a small crowd of onlookers, and two police cruisers now block the parking lot.

"Is Martha okay?" I ask, unlocking the door.

"Inside," is all he says.

I bite back my snappy retort and head into Blossoms, the familiar scent of flowers and greenery usually calming me butnot this time. Tobias follows right behind me, closing the door firmly behind him and flipping the lock.

"What is going on?" I ask, my back against the counter. "I was just talking to Martha yesterday about—"

Tobias is standing near the door. "Four men in masks." He took a step toward me. "Same as the bakery." Another step. "Same as the antique store." His voice is clipped, deep, and professional. "They beat her. Badly. Broke her arm, probably some ribs."

My hand flies to my mouth. "Oh my God. Is she going to be ok? What did they take?"

"I don't know." Tobias takes another step. "These are escalating with more violence each time." Another step and he's close enough for me to hear his breathing. "You need to change your ways. And install security. Better security."

"I have an alarm system," I pointed to the keypad near the door. "And I lock up."

"Not enough." He shakes his head, hands on his work belt. "Listen to me, from now on, no more working late. No coming in early. Regular business hours only. And you don't enter this building without another person. Don't look at me like that. These are the rules."

I blink, trying to process his words. "Ex-cu-se me?"

"You heard me." A half step closer. "And you're going to go see Randy at the sporting goods store and buy a taser. Today. He'll show you how to work it. You WILL carry it with you at all times, to and from work. No excuses."

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