Somewhere Whole by Molly Black

Author:Molly Black [Black, Molly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-06T16:00:00+00:00

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The ranger station was buzzing with activity when Piper and Wade arrived. The hum of voices and the clatter of equipment filled the cramped space, accompanied by the pervasive scent of freshly brewed coffee. Piper couldn't help but feel a prickle of anxiety as she scanned the room, her eyes searching for any sign of Sam Nicholson. There was no telling when he might return from the morgue.

"Stay alert," she murmured to Wade as they approached the supervisor's office, her instincts on high alert. "The last thing we want is for Sam to walk in and find us digging into his past."

"Couldn't agree more," Wade replied in a hushed tone, his expression grim and focused.

Piper rapped on the supervisor's door and waited. A gruff voice called out from behind the closed door, "Come in." Piper took a deep breath before pushing open the door and stepping inside, followed by Wade.

A tall, burly man with a no-nonsense expression stared back at them from behind his desk. His office was Spartanly decorated, with only a few family photographs on the walls for adornment. He eyed them cautiously as they entered, his posture tense and guarded.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

Piper cleared her throat before answering. "I'm Agent Woods, and this is—"

"I know who you are," the supervisor, whose desk name tag read GERALD GAGE, said. "I'm told you found Mr. Hogan's remains?"

Remains. The word sounded so alien, considering that Brad had been alive half a day ago.

Piper nodded. "We did. His body's on its way to the morgue now, if it hasn't already arrived there."

Gage leaned back, interlacing his fingers across his stomach. "So, what can I help you with?"

"We were hoping you could tell us about one of your rangers: Sam Nicholson."

Gage's brow furrowed. He sat forward in his chair, his expression guarded. "You think he's in on it, don't you? Involved in the murders?"

"We're investigating all possibilities," Piper said, not wishing to give the impression that this was a witch hunt. "Some of Sam's behavior has been a bit…unusual, and so we wanted to speak with someone who knows him."

Gage eyed her warily for a long moment before finally speaking again. His voice was calm and measured as he replied, but there was an unmistakable edge to his tone. "I'm sorry," he said evenly. "But I don't feel comfortable discussing my rangers without their permission."

He paused before continuing, a hint of challenge in his gaze now as it rested on Piper's face. "If there are any more questions you have for me about Mr. Nicholson or anyone else here at the ranger station, please let me know in writing and I will respond accordingly."

"Listen," Wade said, "I get that Sam's one of your guys, and you don't want to throw him to the wolves. I understand. But the best way you can protect him is by helping us clear him."

Gage studied them both with a flinty expression. "I'm not sure you appreciate the responsibility I have to maintain the professionalism of this department.

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