Yuletide Slaying by Paty Jager

Author:Paty Jager [Jager, Paty]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Murder investigation, dreams visions mysticism, spirits angels, paranormal detective, small town, Nez Perce grandmother, amateur sleuth, Native American mysteries, Holiday mystery
Publisher: Windtree Press
Published: 2016-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Shandra liked Captain Leeland. He had a kind face and was eager to talk about his family.

“Does your wife ever worry about you? You know when you’re doing things like this?” She’d never had a chance to talk to the wife of a law man. She wondered if the fear ever went away.

“All the time. But we’ve discussed the fact this is what I want to do. It helps people. She’s a teacher so she understands wanting to help.” He waved half a roll at her. “You and my Julie should get together. I’ll have her call and set up a time you two can meet.” He nodded to the other room as Ryan walk through the door. “If you’re going to hang around with Ryan you could use a friend who knows what it’s like to be married to a man in law enforcement.”

“What’s this about marriage?” Ryan asked, his gaze locked on her.

“I was telling Shandra if she plans to hang around with you she might want a woman’s view of being married to someone in our profession.” The captain wiped his mouth, stood, and picked up his dishes, carrying them to the sink. “That was delicious. Thanks.” He walked into the other room leaving them alone.

Her heart thudded in her chest as he continued to stare at her. What was going on behind those brown eyes?

He finally spoke. “What can you tell me about Mr. Sterling?”

It took her several seconds to comprehend what he’d asked. She thought he was going to say something about their future, not bring up a man she’d met once. “He…uh…not much. Why?”

“It seems curious that he is so adamant to get out here and see your process. How many buyers in the years you’ve been selling have insisted on seeing where you work?” He leaned against the counter, his arms crossed.

“Two or three people a year like to come see the studio and ask questions about making my own clay. He said he’s been ripped off by art investments before and wanted to make sure I was the real deal.” She didn’t see anything wrong with that. She’d known some shady art dealers over the years.

“What does he do? Where is he from? How did he pick Huckleberry Lodge?” He pushed away from the counter and walked toward her. “Right now we have to question any stranger’s motives.”

She shook her head. “How can you live worrying that everyone you don’t know is going to harm you?”

He reached out and drew her up against him. “I hadn’t until that FBI agent recognized me. I’ll figure out how to keep from looking over my shoulder. I might have to go to Chicago and talk with the gang leaders, we’ll see. Right now, my focus is making sure no one harms you or my family.” He held her away from him. “What do you know about this Sterling guy?”

“Not much. Ted and Naomi know more. We talked art the other night. I think he is from Seattle.

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