Page 27 of Murder in Calusa Cove
Fletcher stood, adjusted his belt, and moved around the console. Unlike some of his Parks and Rec counterparts, Fletcher carried a weapon. His position was classified as law enforcement, and today, that might matter.
They tied the boat off and stepped onto land.
“This is Seminole land,” Fletcher said, his tone cautious. “If someone’s living here, we don’t have much authority unless they’re doing something seriously illegal.”
“Even if they’re not part of the tribe?” Chloe asked, gripping Hayes’s hand as they navigated the thick brush, scanning for snakes and anything else that might strike.
Hayes nodded. “Unless they’re damaging the land, the Seminole Nation usually leaves them alone.”
“Truth is, so do we,” Fletcher added, sweeping a long stick through the tall grass ahead. “It’s risky living out here, and we discourage it, but we don’t stop them—the same way we don’t clear out the squatters on salvaged boats. As long as they keep to themselves, we keep track and let it be.”
“That shack’s been there a while,” Hayes said. “I don’t know why Dewey claimed it was new. That doesn’t make sense. He knows these parts better than anyone—except maybe Silas.”
“Funny you mention him,” Fletcher replied. “Silas told me recently he thinks something’s off with Dewey. Said he saw him coming out of a doctor’s office a few towns over.”
Chloe frowned. “Why’s that odd?”
“Because Dewey doesn’t do doctors,” Fletcher said. “I’ve known him my whole life. Years ago, he fell off a roof helping a neighbor during a storm and broke his leg in two places. Went to the ER, sure, but walked out the minute they put his leg in plaster. Cut off his own cast a few weeks later. He thinks doctors are quacks. Tells anyone who’ll listen that hard work, clean food, and moderation are all a man needs.”
“Maybe he’s sick,” Hayes said quietly.
“If he is, he won’t say a word. That’s Dewey. Too damn stubborn for his own good.” Fletcher sighed. “Honestly, I think it’s something in the water—half this town is built on pride and mule-headedness.”
Chloe tightened her grip on Hayes’s hand and pointed with her other. A man sat slumped in a rusted metal chair on the sagging porch ahead, barely visible through the foliage.
Hayes tapped Fletcher’s shoulder, signaling toward the shack.
Fletcher nodded and fell in beside him.
Chloe bent down, hand hovering near her gun.
Hayes gave a quick shake of his head.
She narrowed her eyes, whispering, “Why not?”
“We can’t go in hot,” he murmured. “Not with a guy like Cole. He’ll bolt—or worse.”
They moved forward, slow and steady, the heat pressing in from all sides, the swamp around them silent except for the low buzz of insects and the crunch of their boots in the undergrowth.
Fletcher cleared his throat loudly.
Cole jerked. He immediately snagged his rifle, which was leaning against his chair. “What the fuck do you want?” He jumped to his feet, gripping his weapon, but thankfully, not pointing it at anyone.
Fletcher held up his hands. “Hi, Cole. I’m Fletcher Dane. Do you remember me?”
Cole nodded. “You’re friends with the police chief.”
“I’m also with Parks and Rec, and I’m out here checking on things.” He waved his hand toward the shack. “Are you living in that?”
“For now.” Cole lifted his chin. “But that ain’t illegal. I checked with the locals. The Seminoles built that shack like a hundred years ago. Before permits and all that crap was needed.” He ran his fingers across his unshaven, dirty face. “I lost my job at the gas station in Copeland. My car kept breaking down, and I didn’t have the money to fix it, so I was constantly late.” Cole lowered his gaze.
Chloe’s heart dropped to her toes. She’d never seen a man so broken before.
“Nahele Pompey hired me to do some woodworking.” Cole set the gun down against the side of the shack. He raised his hands and wiggled his cut-up and bloody fingers. “I’ve always been good with my hands. He can’t pay much, but I’m saving my money. Once I have enough, I’ll move on. I promise. I don’t bother anyone.” He exhaled sharply. “Except that one time, but I swear, I didn’t start it. They got in my face. I know I’m not always right in the head, but I try not to cause trouble.”
Hayes inched closer. “Retired Marine, right?”
Cole nodded.
