Page 57 of Sins of the Fathers
“Goddammit, King! Why is it always something?” Rollins growled. “I’ve got one of my deputies cooling his heels inside a cell alongside that asshole who tried to burn down the hardware store because he was going to let him escape. Caught them red-handed. Some damn Supernatural Protection Society shit.”
“The witch—”
“Then a warehouse blew up on the edge of town—got a tip it was those HDF bastards, but they blew their own asses sky high along with the building,” Rollins said. “Now you’ve got a witch out for your hide?”
“She’s behind the Bushwhacker murders,” Dawson told him. “Those dead coyote shifters? And the HDF bikers? We think she’s backing both sides and siccing them on each other.”
Dawson could practically imagine the frustration on the sheriff’s face, but Rollins hadn’t hung up on him, so at least the man was listening.
“Those Bushwhacker deaths are out of my jurisdiction,” Rollins said. “And you didn’t hear it from me, but I wouldn’t trust the sheriff up there as far as I could throw him. Pretty damn sure he’s HDF himself.”
“Look—I know you’re stretched thin. But if your patrols happen to go by our houses or shops, please keep an extra eye out. I’m afraid someone will try arson again.”
“I can’t promise anything.”
“I know, but…if you’ve got someone in the neighborhood, I’d be grateful,” Dawson said.
Rollins sniffed. “A King, grateful? Where will you be that you can’t watch over those places yourself?”
“Rescuing Grady. Stopping a witch. Solving the murders of my parents and Grady’s grandparents—maybe Uncle Aaron too.”
“You really believe that?” Rollins’s voice made Dawson sure the sheriff was scowling.
“Yes. I do.”
“You know I didn’t like your dad or Grady’s dad—but I didn’t want them dead. If those weren’t accidents, and you can get justice, I’ll be glad for you—and lend a hand if I can.”
Dawson was silent, floored by Rollins’s comments. “Thanks.”
“Dawson—” The sheriff never used his given name, so that made him pay attention. “We haven’t found any of the Bushwhacker kidnap victims alive. I hope Grady’s the exception.” Rollins sounded sincere.
Dawson fought the rock in the pit of his stomach at Rollins’s warning. “I have to believe I can save him,” he managed, as his throat constricted and he held back his feelings. “There really isn’t any other option.”
Rollins’s words kept repeating in Dawson’s mind as he drove.Never found a kidnap victim alive.He struggled against the grief that threatened to well up in him, the fear that said he’d never get to propose to Grady.
I won’t give up until I know for certain. Until I see him…I won’t give up.Dawson stuffed his feelings down, resolute.There’ll be time enough to grieve if I fail. But right now, I need a clear head. Grady’s depending on me.
The dark skies mirrored Dawson’s mood. Gusts of wind sent leaves and debris flying, bending the trees and making the street signs shudder.
Hell of a day for a rescue. Looks like a bloody fuckin’ hurricane’s on the way.
He reached Denny’s place ahead of Gibson and Tucker. Angel came out to the porch to greet him, wagging her whole back end. Dawson pulled out a half-eaten bag of pretzels from his jacket pocket and shook the last few into his palm to give the Rottweiler, who rewarded him with a slurp of her long, rough tongue before padding away to enjoy her treat.
Denny let the screen door slam, attracting Dawson’s attention. “Feeding Angel again? She’s not going to be much of a watchdog if she can’t fit through the door.”
“She barks her head off at squirrels. Maybe we should rethink the true danger.” Dawson’s snark hid his panic. Denny knew him well enough to understand.
“Bewitched or possessed squirrels would be a hell of a problem,” Denny agreed, tongue-in-cheek. “Come inside. Dinner’s almost ready. I even made enough for your fed friends.” He turned back toward the house before mumbling, “never thought I’d see the day.”
Dawson hung his jacket on a peg inside the doorway and headed for the kitchen, just a step behind Denny.
“How are Colt and Knox?”
Denny snorted. “Well they were fine until your call. Now Knox wants to go looking for Grady, and Colt’s threatening to tie him to the bed.”
“TMI,” Dawson protested, unable to resist the humor even now.
“You boys are gonna be the death of me yet,” Denny muttered.
