Page 21 of Raven's Curse
“Which allows me to push the gray areas. Skirt the lines without completely obliterating them. But I can’t hand you all service weapons and send you out to patrol, even if I want to.”
Zain coughed. “We don’t need weapons, and we’re willing to face whatever consequences arise.”
Greer let her head tilt back as she scrubbed her hand across her face. “If I receive any calls with even a suggestion of something search and rescue related. If there’s a hint that someone’s hurt or a question of their whereabouts, you’ll be the first people I task. But I can’t send you on traffic stops or suspected break-ins without just cause. The town needs you. Needs Raven’s Watch. I have to consider every soul under my protection.”
Greer raised a brow when Foster stepped forward, looking as if he was going to argue. “I’ll bend the rules as much as I can. I promised I’d keep you all up-to-date. That I wouldn’t hide behind my badge or the facts, even if they’re going to hurt. I’m just asking you to walk that fine line with me.”
Footsteps clicked across the linoleum floor, Shirley’s wiry frame appearing around the corner. “Sheriff?”
Greer glanced over at the woman. “What’s up, Shirley?”
“I’ve got Shaun Faraday over at Raven’s Lodge on the line. He’s asking if he can have the room sanitized, now?”
“Of course, he is.” Greer stretched her neck from side to side. “Tell him I’ll be over shortly. That I’m going to do one more sweep. And if I see so much as a dust line from a broom when I get there, I’ll arrest his ass for obstruction.”
Shirley grinned. “I’ll take great pleasure in letting him know. The guy’s an ass.”
Bodie chuckled. “We’ll go clear the scene.”
Greer tsked. “Oh no. You’ve both been on duty for far too long. Go home, and get some sleep. I’ll stand watch tonight.”
Bodie simply crossed his arms. “Seriously? You’ve been pulling double shifts all week. Hell, for months. I agree we all need a break, so we’ll head home but only for a few hours. We’ll be back here at eleven sharp. I expect you to take the rest of the night off.”
“And here I thought it said sheriff after my name?”
“I think you’ve mistaken that ‘S’ for stubborn.” Bodie inched closer. “You’re just cranky because you know I’m right. I know you want to wrap this up quickly. Put this bastard behind bars, but things move a bit slower in small towns. Get some sleep, and you can attack it head-on tomorrow.” He tapped Eli on the shoulder, then headed for the door, glancing back at her as he held it open. “I expect you to take your own damn advice and go back to Chase’s or Foster’s since Eli’s bunking in my guest suite.”
Greer shook her head. Bodie was as protective as the rest of them and just as loyal.
Foster stepped up beside her, hands shoved into his pockets. “He’s right. You take care of everyone else but rarely consider your own safety.”
“I’ll be careful.”
“You’ll take backup.” Foster cut her off with a harsh breath. “You think we haven’t noticed how you’ve allowed Kash and Nyx to shadow Jordan all day?”
“They were scouring that wooded area. It was appropriate.”
“And tomorrow? The next day?”
Greer pursed her lips, holding her head high. “Jordan’s pregnant. While I don’t have enough resources to sideline her, especially this early in her pregnancy and with everything that’s gone down, I’m not immune to the situation. If I lose my job for ensuring she’s safe, then so be it.”
Foster’s muscles eased, a slight smile curving his lips. “No one’s going to fault you for that. Just like they won’t fault you for having Chase ride shotgun whenever possible.” Foster cut her off before she could protest. “He’s a medic. You can push those lines a bit farther where he’s concerned.”
Greer snorted. “You guys really are a giant pain in my ass.”
“We love you, too.”
“Go home. Shirley’s working the night shift. She knows to call if anything pops up, so keep your phones handy. I’ll be along once Bodie and Eli are back.”
Foster glanced at Chase, one of those annoying silent conversations passing between them before he and Zain headed out, giving her one more look as the door closed behind them.
Chase rolled his shoulders before moving in beside her. Close, but still removed. She checked her weapon and ammo, stopped to update Shirley, then headed out, constantly scanning the area as she walked toward her Bronco. Clouds blocked out the star shine, and rain splattered against the pavement, puddles slowly forming along the street.
Chase tapped her arm. “Give me a sec. I need to grab my bag.”
She sighed. While she didn’t anticipate any issues, she knew Chase rarely went anywhere without his medic bag. And after losing Rhett last night…
She slipped behind the wheel, the hairs on the back of her neck prickling when she caught a glimpse of the backseats in her rearview — still tipped forward and bloodstained. A reminder of all they’d lost.
