Last Stand Sheriff by Tyler Anne Snell

Author:Tyler Anne Snell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-06-10T16:03:46+00:00

* * *

“LYDIA CARTWRIGHT DIDN’T exist until five years ago.”

Declan should have felt something at hearing the words out loud, but a part of him was going on autopilot. A routine created out of necessity for being sheriff. A detached acceptance of what he was learning. A bridge between throwing his hands in the air with anger and confusion and complete silence. An in-between where he could stay for a while until he figured out how he needed to, as sheriff, react to whatever news he received.

Caleb ran a hand through his dark hair and then hung his hand on the detective’s badge on a chain around his neck. Jazz was sitting in the chair he was hovering over while both looked at the computer screen.

“Why do you say that?”

Caleb touched the computer screen, but Declan couldn’t see what they were looking at.

“First of all, that’s when all of her social media accounts popped up,” he answered. “Secondly, that’s also when her car was registered and she moved into an apartment in Kilwin...” He slid his finger across the screen. Jazz pulled it off the glass as if she’d done it countless times in their partnership. It didn’t stop Declan’s brother from continuing his explanation. “All within the span of a week. Before that there seems to be no trace of her. At least not on the internet or through the databases we have access to.”

“But just because she isn’t showing up on either doesn’t mean Lydia didn’t exist before then.” Declan had to be the devil’s advocate. Caleb looked up. His eyes were just as blue as Madi’s and Des’s.

“And yet you still think something’s off with her,” Caleb guessed.

Declan eyed the desks around them. A few deputies were in, their heads bent over paperwork. There wasn’t any use in lying to his brother. Or Jazz, for that matter. They both were sharp as tacks when it came to reading someone. Even sharper when it came to their family and friends.

“I think Cooper Mann is telling the truth,” he admitted. “I think Lydia either initiated the attack or carried it out against herself.”

Caleb cringed. Jazz’s sour expression wasn’t too far off.

“Victim blaming is an absolute nonstarter, you know that, right?” Caleb pointed out. Declan didn’t need the no-brainer statement. But, in this instance, his gut was starting to kick up a fuss.

Declan lowered his voice, leaning in so only they could hear him for sure.

“Which is why I want to be certain we check her out. If I’m wrong, then we’ve helped her case by shutting down any opposing argument Cooper’s lawyer could put up in court. And if I’m right?” He shook his head. “Then we might start getting some answers around here. Some answers we desperately need.”

Caleb kept his stare for a moment before sharing a look with Jazz. Declan remembered the first case they’d worked together as partners. Oil and water. Now? They could communicate in looks alone if they had to.

The look they shared must have been an agreement.

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