Page 56 of One Vote for Murder
“Then I don’t understand why you’re catching all the flak.”
He sighed. “Because I’m the one Michael hates. So I get the honor.”
“Is that lunatic actually doing all of this simply because you made him answer some questions about Archie’s murder?” I scowled. “Could he be so petty?”
“He is definitely that petty. He took me doing my job as a challenge to his manhood or something.” He drained his bottle and tossed it in the trash. He then went to the fridge and helped himself to another.
I hated seeing him so agitated. He was definitely worried, and that worried me. Royce was such a good person. Were the people of Rainy Dale actually stupid enough to vote out a man who cared so deeply about them? “This whole thing is complete bullshit. Simply because you made the Raidens answer questions about Archie’s murder, they want you fired?”
“All I can do is hope the people of Rainy Dale actually value me.” He gave a twisted smile. “I feel like the world has gone insane. First, River kidnaps you. Now, I might be ousted from office for doing my job.”
Anger rippled through me. “I don’t believe anyone can beat you. I just don’t. If Rainy Dale is so foolish that they’d vote you out, they didn’t ever deserve you.”
“I guess I’ll comfort myself with that knowledge.”
Feeling his palpable sadness, I said, “You’re a great sheriff, Royce. I truly believe you’ll win.”
He smiled. “Thanks.” He drank from his second beer, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat. Once he’d swallowed a few sips, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “By the way, Mrs. Numi asked me to have you call her.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know why?”
He sighed. “Something about your escrow closing sooner than expected.”
“Sooner?”
“Yep.”
“Huh.” While that was exciting news, all I could think about was how dejected Royce looked.
His gaze flickered. “I thought you’d be more excited.”
“Well, I… I’m pleased, of course, but it’s you I’m worried about.”
He smiled. “Really?”
I nodded. “Yes. Isn’t it obvious?”
“I guess it is.” He moved closer. “It’s sweet you’re trying to comfort me. You don’t usually do that stuff.”
My face warmed. “It’s the new me.”
He slipped his arm around my waist. “I like the old youandthe new you.”
I laughed gruffly. “Well, good because they’re both still in here.”
He touched my cheek, his expression odd. “Was it hard living with me, Max?”
I frowned. “What?”
He lowered his lashes, hiding his expression. “I loved having you here.”
“You must know I love being here.”
“I think you prefer space from me.” He let go of me. “It’s just how you’re built.”
