Page 3 of Jacob

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TONY LOOKED AROUNDhis office.He felt silly because he was still nervous, especially at his age.He was forty.He shouldn’t be nervous, not even at his new job.

He straightened his back and squared his shoulders.He glanced down, but his uniform was as neat as it had been when he’d checked his reflection in the mirror before leaving his new house a few minutes ago.He looked fine.He looked like what he was—the new Green Hill sheriff.

“Is anyone here?”a voice called out from the front of the office.

Tony sucked in a breath and told himself that he could do this.He’d gotten the job.He had everything he needed to be a good sheriff.

He left his office and plastered a smile on his face.An older woman was standing at the front desk, looking around.

“Good morning, ma’am.What can I help you with?”

She squinted at him.“Why is the front desk empty?”

“I’m still looking for a new receptionist.”The old one had been married to the sheriff, and they’d retired together.

“Well, you should find one.”

Tony told himself to keep smiling.He’d been the one who decided he wanted this job.He couldn’t snap at the first person who annoyed him.“I’m doing the best I can, ma’am.What can I do for you?”

She crossed her arms over her chest.She was wearing a flowy dress that fell down to her midcalf and sandals.Her hair was dyed such a dark black that it was almost blue, and it was very obvious that it wasn’t her natural color.She was frowning as if she found Tony inadequate.

“My blankets keep disappearing.”

Tony blinked.He thought he’d heard that right.“I’m sorry?Your blankets?”

“I keep them on my porch swing.I like to sit there at night and look at the sky.I always keep at least one blanket there, but these days, every time I get up in the morning, my blanket is gone.I’ve already gone through five of them.You need to do something because I can’t afford to continue buying blankets.”

Tony had no idea what was going on.“You’re saying that someone’s stealing blankets off your front porch while you’re sleeping?”

“That’s the only explanation, isn’t it?They’re not there in the morning.I need my blankets.”

“I’ll look into it,” Tony promised.It wasn’t like he could tell her to leave because he didn’t care about blankets.They were in a small town.This was probably going to be his daily routine now.

He took the woman’s name, address, and phone number and promised he’d come around as soon as he could.She didn’t look convinced, and she was still complaining when Taylor walked in.

He’d been the deputy here before Tony arrived.The old sheriff had retired, but Taylor was young.Tony wondered why he hadn’t wanted to become Sheriff.Maybe he’d ask him once they knew each other better.

Taylor grinned at the woman.“Mrs.Thompson.To what do we owe the pleasure?”

Mrs.Thompson giggled like a schoolgirl.She hadn’t behaved that way with Tony.“Taylor, it’s so good to see you.”

“I hate that I’m seeing you here at the office, though.What’s going on?”

Mrs.Thompson patted her hair.“Someone keeps stealing blankets off my porch.I made a report, and the sheriff promised he’d look into it.”

“I will,” Tony confirmed when both Mrs.Thompson and Taylor turned to him.

“You have nothing to worry about, then, Mrs.Thompson,” Taylor said.

He was holding two coffees and offered one to Tony, who took it with a grateful smile.They had coffee at the station, but he hadn’t had the opportunity to make a pot yet.

Mrs.Thompson didn’t look convinced, but she nodded and allowed Taylor to walk her out.Tony took a sip of coffee and groaned in pleasure.Even though they hadn’t worked together for more than a few days, Taylor had gotten his order right.

“I wouldn’t have taken you for someone who likes caramel,” Taylor said as he walked back in.

“I contain multitudes.”

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