Page 31 of Rules

"Their a well trained group that's for sure," Law reports without preamble. "Unfortunately, less than a twenty percent match probability on any of those men being Michael, based on height, weight, and movement analysis."

I feel a conflicting mix of relief and disappointment. "Could they enhance anything else? Vehicle plates? Distinguishing features?"

"The van has false plates—numbers don't match any registration in the system. As for features, not much, but they did catch that the second one out of the building was favoring his right side. Maybe he got hurt?"

"That's something at least." I made a note. "Any hits on Michael's whereabouts?"

"Nothing concrete since that Texas lead, which I'm increasingly convinced was a decoy. The ladies are watching him hourly. I think he's playing a game. He's been making strategic withdrawals across three states, but none in person."

"Creating a false trail?"

"That's our thinking." Law sounds frustrated. "He's too smart to show himself on cameras."

I hung up after promising to share any new developments. The disappointment is irrational—why would I want Michael to be behind the break-ins? I guess, a known enemy is always preferable to an unknown one.

"Anything?" Holly asks, appearing in my doorway.

"Not Michael, according to Law's team." I lean back in my chair. "But someone organized. Someone with training."

Holly nods, then changes the subject. "I've been thinking about those folks in the hospital. Mrs. Henderson has no family besides her husband. Sue at the bakery just has a sister in Ohio."

"What are you thinking?"

"Maybe we could send them something? Let them know we're thinking about them?" Holly shifts her weight, almost apologetic about suggesting kindness in the middle of an investigation.

It's exactly the kind of thoughtfulness that makes Holly invaluable—not just to the department, but to Whispering Pines. She's the heart of this office, organizing birthday celebrations,remembering officers' anniversaries, bringing homemade cookies when someone's having a rough day. Being the sole administrative staff for a sheriff's department is technically a nine to five job. Holly treats it like a calling.

"That's a great idea." I reach for my wallet. "Let me chip in."

She waves me off. "We've got money in our community care fund. I thought we could send flowers. Something cheerful to brighten those clinical hospital rooms."

My mind immediately goes to Ruth, standing in her shop with her hands on her hips, refusing to be intimidated by me or by faceless criminals.

"Good idea."

"I have to go pick up my youngest for his dentist appointment, if it's not too much trouble can you call the order in to Blossoms? I want to give her enough time and she'll be closed by the time I can call."

"Sure, no problem." I answered. Holly hurries to answer the ringing phone. I'm already playing out the words I'm going to use when Ruth answers.

My finger hesitates over the last digit of Blossom's phone number. After our argument, Ruth might hang up as soon as she hears my voice. Taking a deep breath, I complete the call. It rings four times before connecting.

"Blossoms Flower Shop, this is Ruth speaking. How can I help you?"

Her voice is bright and professional, giving no indication of our earlier confrontation. For a moment, I consider hanging up, having Holly make the call instead. But that would be cowardice and unfair to Ruth.

"Ruth, it's Tobias." An awkward pause. "Sheriff Trenton, I mean."

The silence stretches for three heartbeats before she responds. Her tone is crisp and professional. "What can I do for you, Sheriff?"

The formal address stings more than it should. "I'd like to order some flowers, arrangements, bouquets, for delivery to County General Hospital."

"I see." Her tone remains neutral. "For the business owners who were attacked?"

"Yes."

"Of course." The sound of papers rustling comes over the line. "Let's see, Gerbera daisies for Sue, a purple arrangement for Martha. Yellow and red for Mr. Henderson. I can deliver them tomorrow."

"Wow, how do you know all of that?"

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