“All I know is…” I rubbed the back of my neck. “If she and her husband have their way, you’ll have a new boss this time next year.”
“That won’t happen,” he said firmly. “The citizens of this town love you, Sheriff.”
“I hope you’re right, Juan. Money and power can change the tide of public opinion. In which case I might find myself run out of town on a rail.”
“Nah. Me and the boys are never gonna let that happen.”
“I guess we’ll see,” I drawled, doing my best to sound nonchalant.
Truth was, the Raidens were making me nervous. I had a good relationship with the city council and the mayor. But I’d have been naive to think I could trust them completely to have my back. If I ended up arresting one of the Raidens for murder, would that be the end of my career? It gave me a stomachache just thinking about that.
Either way, I’d do what was right. Even if it cost me my job.
Chapter Thirteen
Maxwell
When Royce walked into the Pancake Cottage, I could tell right away he was under tremendous pressure. He was generally a pretty happy-go-lucky guy, but today he looked like he had the weight of the world pressing down on him. His face lit when he saw me though, and he slid into the booth beside me.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes, Max,” he said softly. He leaned in and kissed me, which was unusual for him to do in public.
I certainly didn’t mind, and I responded happily. When the kiss ended, I studied him. Even though he smiled at me, it was impossible not to notice the worry shimmering in his brown eyes. “You look like you’ve gone twelve rounds with somebody.”
“I have. Some people in town are a real piece of work.” He smiled as the waitress set two glasses of iced tea on the table. “Afternoon, Jeanette.”
“How are you today, Sheriff?” She smiled, tucking a brown strand of hair behind her ear.
“I’m doing fine.”
I cleared my throat. “I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of ordering you a double cheeseburger.”
Royce gave me a grateful smile. “Sounds perfect.”
Feeling sheepish, I added, “With a side salad instead of fries.”
He sighed. “That’s probably a better decision than I’d have made. I’m in the mood to stuff my face with chili cheese fries, which would not be a healthy choice.”
Jeanette laughed. “I can change that order for you if you want, Sheriff?”
“Nah. Maxwell knows best.”
“Okay then.” She walked away smiling.
I pressed my leg against his in an attempt to comfort him. I wasn’t used to seeing him looking so beat down. He always worked himself too hard when he had a case, but this felt different. “You can tell me about it if you’d like?” I said softly.
He drank a good portion of his iced tea, his Adam’s apple bobbing. He set the half-empty drink down, and the ice jangled against the glass. “I’m just having a little trouble getting certain people to cooperate with my investigation.”
“I see. Let me guess, does their last name begin with anR?”
“How’d ya guess?”
“It wasn’t difficult. They’re an entitled bunch. I don’t know how Janelle managed to end up with such a sweet disposition. Maybe she’s adopted.”
He sighed. “She’s nothing like her parents, that’s for sure. They’re pretty obnoxious. In fact, they’re threatening to get me ousted as sheriff.”
“Excuse me?”
His laugh was humorless. “That’s what they’re threatening.”
