Nick frowned. “I’ve heard of it, but I can’t say I’ve ever been there.”
Sander’s lips curled up. “Well, lucky for you, they need a new detective.”
Fuck.“No, you can’t be serious.”
He knew he was. The man never joked about anything.
“You want me to transfer to Fisher Springs? But this is my hometown, I know everyone here.”
“I understand, but this is the best I can offer right now. With Freeman breathing down my neck, be grateful I can even offer you this.”
Nick leaned back and closed his eyes. “Can I transfer back?”
The man nodded. “Eventually.”
“Eventually?”
“Give it six months for everything to blow over, and then we can talk.”
Nick ran his hand over his scruff.Six months in the middle of nowhere? There goes my social life.
“Thanks for not firing me.”
The man nodded. “You’re a good detective. I don’t know what’s going on with you lately, but I should warn you. Fisher Springs is a small-knit town, and you’re an outsider… it might take some time for the townsfolk to warm up to you.”
Nick chuckled. “No worries about that. I’m a likable guy.”
Chase Harvey,Officer, Fisher Springs Police Department
Chase entered the diner and took a seat at the counter. His best friend Harmony poured him a cup of coffee.
“What’s wrong with you? You look like you sucked on a lemon.”
Chase poured a sugar packet into the coffee and stirred. “Just found out Joey’s taking a medical leave of absence.”
Harmony put the coffee pot back on the warmer. “Hmm. Does this mean we have no detective? Or are you stepping up?”
Chase shook his head. “Chief said some guy named Nick Moore is taking the position. But what gets me is Joey doesn’t seem sick.”
“You know, it might be his mental health. He’s had trouble since his mom died.”
“I know.”
“Many around town think the chief should have forced him to get help sooner but gave him the benefit of the doubt because he’s his son.”
Chase scoffed. “Dunin doesn’t play favorites.”
“I know. I’m just telling you what I’ve heard.”
Her position at Lucky’s Diner let Harmony hear it all, and she kept Chase well-informed. It was the center of town gossip.
“Well, you should let the chief know you can step up if this other guy doesn’t work out.”
Chase nodded. He could do that for Joey… keep things running smoothly until he returned. He would make sure this Nick guy knew Joey was coming back. “Thanks for listening to me.”
Harmony gave his hand a squeeze. “Always. Are you getting anything else?”
“No, thanks.”
