Page 74 of Rules

"You are Sheriff Tobias Trenton, yes?"

"I am."

"Good, I'm calling because the Commissioner has arranged for you to meet with Dr. Salinger next Friday at four. She's the state's consulting psychiatrist for law enforcement officers."

My blood pressure spikes instantly, that son of a bitch. "Excuse me?"

"I'm required to tell you that this is a mandatory meeting, Sheriff. The Commissioner was quite clear about that." Her tone softens slightly. "It's standard protocol for officers dealing with high-stress situations, which I understand you've had several of recently."

"I don't need a shrink," I say flatly.

"I understand your reluctance, Sheriff. Many officers feel the same way initially." She pauses. "But I should inform you again, that this is a mandatory meeting issued by the commissioner. Failure to attend could result in disciplinary actions as well as a formal evaluation of your ability to perform the duties of your badge."

The implication is clear—miss this appointment, and my badge could be on the line. That bastard.

"Can't it wait a month or two?" I ask, stepping further away from the conference room.

"Dr. Salinger has specifically cleared her schedule to make room for you. The Commissioner thought it would be best to handle this promptly." Another pause. "He also asked me to tell you, 'It's for your own good, Tobias.'"

That sneaky shit. I close my eyes, feeling trapped. "Fine," I growl, "I'll be there at four next Friday."

"Excellent. We've arranged accommodations for you at the Capitol Plaza Hotel for that Friday night."

"How considerate," I mutter. "Is there anything else?"

"Just the address, which I'll text to you. Dr. Salinger looks forward to meeting you, Sheriff."

I end the call without responding and take a deep breath before returning to the table.

Law eyes me curiously. "Everything okay?"

"Just bureaucracy," I say dismissively.

Chapter 26

Tobias

Stepping out of Law's office, I take out my phone and shoot Clark a message telling him what an ass he is. I don't get an answer. Chicken.

I've barely made it back to my pickup when my radio crackles to life.

"All units break in at Peterson's Jewelry on Oak Street. Suspects have left the scene." FUCK!

"One Alpha - Charlie, Charlie - enroute. Is an ambulance needed?"

"Negative on the ambulance, One Alpha, Ten - four enroute."

I jog back to Law's door, throwing it open, I call in. "Law, there's another break-in. Peterson's Jewelry on Oak." Lawand Ferris step into the outer office, both wearing a serious expression. "Why don't you come along and see if you see anything we're missing."

"Mouse, Keyboard, Sebastian," Law calls, "Ferris and I are going to the break-in. We'll check in when we get back."

Within minutes we're all loaded with Law and Ferris behind me in their Escalade. I'm grateful for extra help. Maybe they can see something. My mind is already churning through possibilities, patterns, connections.

Arriving, I step out and wait for them. Deputy Sang pulls up at the same time.

Peterson's Jewelry, a small family-owned shop that's been in Whispering Pines for three generations. The glass front is intact, but even from outside, I can see the devastation within.

"Sheriff," Brooklyn nods as we approach. "Law, Ferris, nice to see you two again."

---