Page 28 of Chasing Shelter

“Who?” Trace demanded. There was so much authority in his voice.

My mind flashed back to the woman at The Mix Up earlier. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It matters to me.”

My nose stung, and pressure built behind my eyes. Why was that simple statement almost more than I could take? “It’s not your battle, Chief. Let it be, and it’ll pass with time.” I just hoped like hell I wasn’t lying.

A muscle fluttered in Trace’s jaw. “Sheriff. And I’m pretty sure that titlemakesit my battle.”

I sent him a droll look. “Are you going to follow me around and make sure no one tugs my pigtails?”

“If I have to.”

“You don’t. Just let it go.” I needed to leave before I spilled all my secrets to dark green eyes that promised respite. Safety. I’d gotten myself into the various messes I was currently in, and I needed to be the one to get myself out. “I need to get home to meet an appliance repair person. Thanks for the T-shirt.”

“Ellie—”

“I’ll wash it and drop it off later.”

“Ellie—”

“Thanks again.” I was out the door before Trace could say another word.

I barreled through the bullpen and nearly knocked into a man almost as tall as Trace and a little bit broader. His tan skin and dark features spoke of Hispanic origins, and his wide, amused smile relayed nothing but kindness. “Careful there, you could take someone out.”

“Sorry,” I mumbled.

The man glanced behind me, following the path I’d taken, andgrinned wider. “Coming from Trace’s office. In his tee, if I’m not mistaken.”

I grimaced.Morefodder for the rumor mill. “I was the victim of a drive-by egging.”

The man’s brows rose. “And it’s not even Halloween.”

“Guess it’s just my lucky day.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “Well, I’m glad Trace could help you out.” He extended a hand. “I’m Gabriel Rivera, that cantankerous fool’s best friend.”

My brows lifted, and I couldn’t help but study Gabriel more thoroughly. He looked a few years older than Trace, and the fine lines around his mouth told me he smiled more often than his bestie.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Ellie.” I left off my last name. Pierce was the last thing I wanted to be known by. I needed to look up how to change it legally.

Gabriel smiled wider. “Linc’s sister?”

“One and the same.”

“Pleased to meet you. I’m sorry your welcome to Sparrow Falls was less than warm, but I hope you’ll stick around.”

“No eggs will keep me away from The Mix Up’s cupcakes or The Pop’s double veggie burger with extra cheese.”

Gabriel laughed. “A gal after my own heart. Well, minus the veggies. I’m a carnivore. Let us know if you need anything.”

God, that was nice. Sparrow Falls was going to kill me with its kindness. “I will. Thanks. And nice to meet you.”

“You, too.” I headed out before someone else in the station could almost make me cry. I needed to pull myself together. Maybe I was PMSing. I wasn’t usually such a weepy mess.

Stepping out into the sunshine, I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and decided to take a different route home. They weren’t that different in terms of distance, and this way, I wouldn’t have to pass the spot of the egging or risk running into anyone who’d witnessed it.

I tried to focus on the good things. Listing them off in whispers to the breeze.

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