Page 46 of Barbed Wire and Burglary
“Thank you.” He forced an extra dose of gratitude into his voice. “It’s nice having someone to talk to who actually understands this stuff.”
“Anytime.” She snatched up her purse and coat.
“We could continue this over dinner later on if you’d like,” he offered.
Since she looked like she was waffling over what answer to give him, he gave her a verbal nudge. “I’m not sure what your schedule is like, but if you’re able to extend a day or two, I could carve out some time to show you around town.”
Her eyes widened. “I can’t imagine there’s much to do in a town this size. I already checked with the front desk at the hotel, and they said there’s no symphony or ballet.”
“Heart Lake has some stunning views,” he assured in his most gracious voice. “Anyone who’s never seen the sun setting over the water is really missing out.”
Bemusement curved her mouth upward. “If you say so.”
I just did.He pushed down his irritation. “Well, I knew it was a long shot when I asked. My uncle is notorious for not giving us much say in our schedules. If he needs you back on Monday, then so be it.” He was purposely goading her by insinuating her wishes didn’t carry much weight at the home office.
As expected, she bristled. “If you and Aurora need me here longer, I could probably extend a day.”
He nodded vehemently to seal the deal. “I think it’s a good idea.” It was a terrible idea, but it would give A.J. and Aurora the time they’d requested to comb through every inch of the home office. As an unexpected bonus, Uncle Cary was out of town for a few days. He didn’t say why, and Aaron hadn’t asked. All he’d done was mention that Aurora might scoot through the area to attend a friend’s wedding, and that she’d likely stop by the office to get a few hours of work done.
Uncle Cary hadn’t said much. He’d sounded distracted and anxious to end their call. Hopefully, he was also too distracted and anxious to inform Elise about Aurora’s presence in New York.
Aaron droveto the Heart Lake Police Department, feeling a tug of something he couldn’t name. Familiarity? Pride? Belonging? In the short time he’d been in town, the place was starting to grow on him. The people here were so nice,especially Maggie. He was really looking forward to seeing her again.
Luke ushered him jovially into his office. “Sounds like Colonel Pike is no longer dead set on having you arrested.”
“That is correct.” Aaron grinned. “It helps that he’s dating my sister.”
Luke burst out laughing. “I bet.”
“Seriously, though.” Aaron waved the rolled-up map he’d brought with him. It was the one A.J. had compiled. “Mind if I show you something?” He angled his head at Luke’s desk, indicating he’d like to roll out the map there.
“Sure.” Luke gestured for him to continue. He even helped him smooth out and hold open the map. “What are we looking at?”
“A possible explanation for the uptick in break-ins around here,” Aaron warned gravely. “I don’t have a name yet, but I’m hoping to have one soon.” He described the colorful dots on the map representing the clusters of burglaries everywhere Diamondback’s security consultants traveled. “I’m sorry, sir, but it’s possible the trouble we’re experiencing in Heart Lake followed my sister and me into town.”
“It is what it is, Deputy.” Luke squinted at the map. “On the upside, after we bring these hoodlums to justice, you’re going to owe me.”
“Name your price.” Aaron needed his help regardless.
“I was shorthanded when you submitted an application for your transfer,” Luke reminded, “and I’ll be shorthanded again after you leave. I won’t be nearly as shorthanded if you stick around for a while.”
Though Aaron was flattered, he didn’t see how that was possible. He was usually gone within a few weeks of Aurorawrapping up an assignment. “My family is pestering me to step into the role of CEO,” he confessed. “I’ve put it off as long as possible, but my uncle is adamant about retiring soon.” He could already feel the weight of the responsibilities that would soon be his. He rolled his shoulders to ease the pressure.
Luke watched his movements. “What about your future brother-in-law? Seems to me he and your sister have the makings of a solid team.”
Aaron snorted. “You say that as if I could serve up the CEO title as a wedding gift to him.”
“Or her.”
“Her,” Aaron repeated, suddenly wondering why she’d never been in the running for the position. He’d never asked why, because she’d never acted like she wanted the job, but maybe he should have.
While he chewed on that, Luke tossed him another question. “Is it possible you’ve been dragging your heels on a career change because you’re already where you’re supposed to be?”
It was a valid question, one that Aaron didn’t have an immediate answer for.
“You and Maggie Meyer seem cozy,” the sheriff added teasingly.
Aaron wasn’t ready to discuss his feelings for the kindhearted nurse. “Maybe we should circle back to how we’re going to protect this town from what’s coming.”
