Page 17 of Outlaw Ridge: Griff
Lily nodded but didn’t say anything, her eyes shifting toward the corner of the building where a second man was mounting a new security camera to the edge of the roof.
“That’s Colt Maddox,” he explained, following her gaze. “One of Strike Force’s best techs.”
Colt caught his eye and gave a nod before going back to work, cable coiled around his arm.
“I’m guessing the new camera is your doing,” Lily said.
Griff made a low sound of agreement. “I don’t want anyone else sneaking into this lot. Not to slash tires. Not to leave threats. And sure as hell not to lie in wait.”
Lily’s jaw shifted slightly, but she said nothing. Just looked back at the parking lot like she was already imagining the next move. Griff didn’t blame her. Because someone had already drawn first blood. And the next strike, they both knew could come from anywhere.
Griff keyed them in through the private entrance, the station door shutting behind them with a soft click. They moved through the front area, both shrugging off their coats and tossing them over the backs of their chairs.
The morning hum was already in full swing. Deputy Hayes Brodie was at his desk, thick arms folded, eyes scanning a case file with the same grim focus he used in the field. His wife, Deputy Jemma Salvetti Brodie, was across the room, stacking papers with an intensity that suggested she was still trying to prove herself. She’d only been on the force for a little under two years, but she worked twice as hard as most. Griff respected that.
Deputy Jesse McCain sat closest to the exit, one leg propped over the other, typing with the ease of someone who could drop into a fight or a briefing without missing a beat.
Griff figured the fourth deputy on dayshift, probably Torres, was still out at the fire scene, securing the perimeter or collecting whatever hadn’t burned.
Lily slid into her chair, glancing toward Jemma as she passed.
“You okay?” Jemma asked, voice quiet, careful.
Lily gave her a short nod. “Yeah. Aside from the coward trying to scare me off.”
That drew Hayes’ attention. He looked up from his report, mouth tightening. Jesse sat forward slightly.
“If you need anything,” Hayes said, “say the word.”
Jesse nodded. “I’ve got your back.”
Even Jemma straightened. “Same here.”
Griff didn’t chime in. He didn’t need to. He was already in this with her, and she knew it.
The soft creak of the door opening had them all glancing up as Sheriff Hallie McQueen stepped out of her office, a coffee mug in hand and her ever-neutral expression in place.
She scanned the room, then focused on Lily. “No new updates from the fire department or the lab,” she said. “But Rhett Hale should be here in about thirty minutes.”
Griff nodded and pulled up the digital case file on his screen, his fingers already moving. Thirty minutes wasn’t much time, but it might be enough to get their footing before the man who led the original investigation walked through the door.
He had a feeling they’d need it.
Hallie ducked back inside her office, and a moment later, she came back out carrying a cardboard box. She set it down on Lily’s desk.
“Green light’s official,” Hallie said, glancing at both Lily and him. “You’re both on the cold case full-time. No patrol. No distractions. Run it down until you’ve got answers.”
Griff nodded once, already expecting that. Hallie didn’t waste resources when things got serious. And right now, someone lighting a deputy’s house on fire was about as serious as it got.
Hallie tapped the box lightly. “Brought a few things from the supply locker. Uniforms, some clothes, even a toothbrush and backup boots. Nothing fancy, but it’ll get you through.”
Lily looked up, surprised. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome to stay at my place if you need to,” Hallie offered. “I’ve got the spare room.”
Griff knew she meant it. Hallie didn’t say things she didn’t mean. But he also saw the way Lily hesitated.
“I appreciate it,” Lily said. “But with your fiancé staying over most nights, I don’t want to intrude.”
