Page 22 of Once Marked
Riley felt eyes upon them as the sheriff’s blue and white cruiser rolled through Sandhaven’s main street.The town, with its weathered buildings, felt worn rather than welcoming.
“Feels like stepping into an old photograph,” Ann Marie whispered beside her.
Riley watched through the car window as locals paused mid-step to scrutinize the vehicle, their gazes tinged with suspicion.She recognized this type of curiosity; it was rooted in caution and mistrust.The FBI badge she carried did not grant her any favors here—she was an outsider, possibly a threat.
Sheriff Beeler turned the car into the small parking lot of the Sandhaven Police Headquarters, a modest structure that mirrored the town’s no-frills, utilitarian approach to life.Beeler parked the car, gravel crunching under tires announcing their arrival.
As Riley stepped out, she caught sight of a group of fishermen across the street.Their conversation dwindled into silence, their eyes fixed on the newcomers.
“Welcome to Sandhaven,” Beeler said dryly, closing his car door with a definitive thud.
A bell above the door announced their entry with a jarring ring.As Riley stepped across the threshold, she saw a man who could only be Police Chief Rick Thorne.His stocky frame was like an old tree stump—solid and unyielding.The lines in his face spoke of storms weathered and battles endured.His blue eyes, sharp as shards of ice, met hers with an intensity that felt almost tangible.
“Chief Thorne,” Beeler said.They shook hands, then Beeler gestured towards Riley and Ann Marie.
“My companions are FBI Agents, here to help with the Shearer and Sternan cases.”
Thorne’s response was just an upward twitch of his eyebrows.
“I’m Special Agent Paige,” Riley said, then glanced at Ann Marie as she added, “And this is my partner, Special Agent Esmer.”
Thorne nodded, a motion as purposeful as everything else about him.
“I take it the two of you are here because of our recent murders here on the Outer Banks,” he said.
“That’s right,” Riley said.
“I called for the FBI’s assistance, Sheriff Beeler explained.
“Not a bad idea,” Thorne said with a monosyllabic chuckle.“We could use some help.”
Then he extended his hand to Riley.“Welcome to Sandhaven,” he said.
The skin was rough like sandpaper, and the grasp very firm, almost challenging.
“Thank you, Chief,” she responded.
He gestured to an open office door, and the three investigators followed him inside.Thorne took his seat behind his cluttered desk, and Riley settled into a creaking wooden chair across from him.There was only one other vacant chair, and Beeler indicated that Ann Marie should take it.
Sheriff Beeler leaned against a filing cabinet, his voice breaking the silence.“We’re here because the FBI has traced those emails and photos that were sent to one Billie Shearer.And we’re sure that those messages sent to Billie Shearer came from the same source.”
“And who might that be?”Thorne asked.
“Marcus Callahan,” Beeler said.
Thorne’s chair groaned as he reclined.“Callahan,” he muttered, the lines on his face deepening with weariness.His reaction was a clear confirmation of the man’s notoriety.“Can’t say I’m surprised.That man’s been a thorn in our side for years.”
Riley leaned forward, her elbows resting on the edge of the scarred wooden surface separating them.“What can you tell us about him, Chief Thorne?”
“Persistent troublemaker,” Thorne spat out.“Toeing the line just enough to stay out of cuffs, at least most of the time.It’s like he knows how far he can push it without crossing over.Smart, in a devious sort of way.”
“Has he ever shown violent tendencies?Anything physical?”Riley asked.
“Violence?No, not other than ordinary skirmishes, often with his own friends,” Thorne admitted reluctantly.“You know, barroom brawls, that kind of thing.But his type, they’re all about power, control.Wouldn’t put it past him to escalate.”
“Any known associates we should be aware of?”Riley pressed.“Anyone who might corroborate his story or give him an alibi?”
“Plenty,” Thorne responded.“He’s got cronies, yes-men who hang on his every word.They work for him, drink with him, cover for him.You won’t get a straight answer out of any of them.”
