Page 26 of The Sweetest Obsession

There’s a man across the street who makes me frown.

I don’t recognize him, and I know damn near everyone in town.

All part of my job as the highest-ranking officer below Chief Bowden. It’s also just part of living in a town with a population in the low four digits.

This guy, he’s older, maybe early sixties. Gaunt. Grey hair combed neatly, despite the wild-eyed look.

Sunken cheekbones, deeply hollowed eyes that lock on mine like he wants something.

Never seen him before in my life. Could be a tourist since we’ve got a lot of people staying up at Janelle Bowden’s B&B, The Rookery, currently at full capacity with the autumn leaves turning.

That outfit looks familiar, though.

Waistcoat.

Tailcoat.

Slacks.

White gloves.

Who the hell wears gloves this time of year in broad day—

Oh.

Yeah, I’m pretty sure I saw a few of the household staff up at the big house decked out just like that guy. The Arrendells really take the whole old-world butler thing to an extreme, right down to the uniforms.

Considering I just came from checking out a suicide up there this morning, I’ve got some weird-ass feelings about one of their employees standing out here in the middle of the street in his work clothes, just staring like he’s never seen an irritated cop before.

I know I’m probably overthinking it.

The Lord and Lady of the manor who signs his checks are probably real fuckin’ jumpy after the whole thing with their psycho son.

I wouldn’t put it past them to send a minion or two to keep tabs on me so I don’t try to kick up any more shit that’ll harm their precious reputation.

I narrow my eyes at the man, flashing him a challenging look, but he doesn’t move.

His expression never changes, even when I cock my head questioningly.

All right then.

I make a mental note to do a little digging, see if I can ID him, but for now I’ve got a little girl I don’t want anywhere near anyone connected to the Arrendells and their depressing bullshit.

I settle behind the wheel of my patrol car and delay pulling out until I’m sure my parents are safely ahead of us.

The weirdo across the street doesn’t seem remotely interested in them.

When I pull out, though, and check the rearview mirror, his head cranes, following me down the street.

Nah, I don’t like this.

One more problem I sure as hell don’t need.

* * *

By the timewe get home, little Nell still hasn’t relented.

I get the scorned princess act all the way through homework, dinner, and cleaning up for bed.

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