Page 24 of Shadow Sabotage
“Absolutely.” But I was surprised to realize I didn’t want to think about the investigation at all.
After dinner,I strolled back to my cabin alone, enjoying the quiet. Most of the guests were still at the bonfire, chowing down on s’mores while Walker entertained them with cowboy stories. Their voices faded as I walked, until all I could hear was the soft whinnies of the horses in the nearby pasture. Bright stars filled the sky, so clear you could see the Milky Way.
You didn’t get skies like this in New York City.
As I walked, my thoughts drifted back to Claire. She was smart. Strong. But she didn’t have the personality of a cop, and she seemed much happier out on the ranch—at least when her mother wasn’t pestering her. The place appeared to be a successful tourist operation, employing most of the family. Sheclearly loved her siblings, and it seemed like there was more than enough work to employ her, too.
Why had she chosen a different path?
Not my business, I reminded myself. I was here for one reason only: to solve Katelyn’s murder.
One final investigation as a DCI special agent before I moved on.
My new job was waiting for me as soon as I closed this case. It added another layer of motivation. The quicker I wrapped things up here, the quicker I could start the next chapter of my life. Which meant I shouldn’t waste time with Claire Hawkins.
She’d done well with her assignment today. And she was surprisingly perceptive, a fantastic skill for a detective. She had a ton of potential. But no matter how bright she was, she was still completely inexperienced and I didn’t have time to train her in the field. She could handle the paperwork while I worked the investigation.
Alone.
When I reached my door, I let myself in and tossed my keys into the bowl at the entryway, flicking on the lights to get a better look at the cabin I’d barely glanced at earlier. The place was styled to look rustic, but the quality of the furniture and the included amenities put the rental on par with some of the better resorts I’d been to. It had a fully stocked kitchenette with a solid oak table, a living area with a stone fireplace and full-grain leather furniture, and a private bedroom with luxurious linens and a great view of the mountains. The floors were spotless and the furniture shined. The faint scents of cedar and citrus gave the place a fresh, clean feeling.
The Hawkins family had a great operation, and staying here would be a giant step up from the motel in town. Satisfied, I threw my jacket onto a kitchen chair and grabbed my files. Then I headed to the living area, flicked on the standing lamp, andsank down into the oversized leather armchair, propping my feet up on the matching footstool. Before long, I was lost in my notes, searching for something that would unlock this case. A connection, a clue, a detail nobody had noticed.
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed. I picked it up and scanned the text message.
Good evening, Agent Weston. This is Sgt. Trey Collins from the Sage County SO. I’d love to be of assistance on this case.
I sent him a quick text back.
Thanks. I appreciate the offer.
I put my phone down, meaning for that to be the end of it, but it buzzed again seconds later.
I bet you do, after today lol. I could tell you were as surprised as I was that Sheriff McGrath assigned Hawkins to you. We both know she’s out of her league on this one. I’m sure if you request a change, he’ll make it happen.
I frowned. This was definitely over the line. And if this was how Claire’s colleagues talked about her, no wonder she was so uncomfortable at the office. I decided to be more direct in my answer.
Apologies for being unclear. I appreciate the offer, but Sheriff McGrath assigned Deputy Hawkins to the case and she and I have it covered. I believe the sheriff needs your assistance keeping the town running smoothly.
Dots appeared, showing he was typing again. But after a few seconds, they stopped, and whatever message he’d begun typing went unsent.
Probably a good thing.
I put my hands behind my head, letting my thoughts drift again to Claire. I couldn’t figure out why it pissed me off so much that Collins had denigrated her that way. He wasn’t wrong—Ihadbeen surprised. She was still green and lacked investigativeexperience. And hadn’t I already decided that I didn’t have time to train her?
I felt bad for her, but I wasn’t here to make friends.
One last case. I couldn’t afford a distraction.
Chapter Nine
Claire
The next morning,I tried to slip out of the house without getting caught. But Mom, with her special radar, heard me tiptoeing across the living room and called me into the kitchen.
“Leaving without breakfast?” she asked, all doe-eyed and innocent. “I baked this morning. Fresh cherry muffins—your favorite.”
My mouth watered. Unable to resist, I grabbed one off the tray and bit into it.
