“I hope it’s him and we’ve got him locked away. But until we’re certain, we’re putting all our manpower behind it, and we’ve got a county meeting this morning,” I assured him.
Smith nodded. “Just let me know what I can do.”
“I will,” I promised.
I’d have to do a check-in with all my people. I didn’t want anyone playing vigilante. We needed focus and attention to detail.
A whistle caught my attention, and Nash motioned me toward the conference room. I headed in that direction. His gaze was assessing as I approached. “How’s Luke doing?”
I’d filled my family in via our text chain last night. To say they weren’t happy with Melody was an understatement.
“He’s a lot better today. I just dropped him and Hallie at the SUV. They’re going to work on stuff for Drew’s birthday.”
“Good. I’d like to put ex-lax in Melody’s coffee indefinitely,” he grumbled.
“You and me both. But at least Holt’s keeping a closer eye now.”
Nash nodded, changing the subject. “Mads told me you gave in and are getting a puppy for D-man for his birthday.”
I groaned. “I hope Maddie’s dog-whispering ways are charged and ready for use because I really don’t want to be picking up dog shit in my house for a year.”
Nash chuckled. “She’s great with puppies. She’ll have your buddy in tip-top shape in no time. I just hope yours isn’t a constant shoe-stealer like mine is.”
“Let’s hope.”
“Chief.” A voice sounded behind me.
I turned to see our crime scene photographer, Gibson, heading toward us. “Morning.”
“I’ve got everything loaded. Want me to set up in the conference room?”
“That’d be great. I think we have coffee and donuts in there, too. Help yourself.”
“Just don’t take the Boston cream,” Nash called.
I shook my head. “You can’t call dibs on group donuts.”
“I picked them up, didn’t I?” Nash argued.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “You need help.”
Movement caught my eye as Reed wound through the desks toward his. “You feeling all right?” I asked as he passed.
“Huh?” Reed looked up, dark circles standing out under his bloodshot eyes. “Oh, yeah. Late night.”
“Get some coffee. We’re meeting in fifteen.”
Nash let out a low whistle as he walked away. “Did he bathe in a vat of whiskey or something?”
I didn’t want to know. I just hoped he got his head on straight with what we were dealing with.
“Come on, let’s get set up.” I motioned Nash into the conference room.
Copies of the case files were already at each seat. Coffee and donuts were set on a table off to the side. Gibson was hard at work setting up the projection screen.
I wanted everyone to go over the case together, talk it out. Because you never knew what would shake loose as you did.
I moved to my spot against the wall and set down my water and notes for the meeting. As I straightened, our county sheriff’s frame filled the doorway.
