Appalachian Abduction (Lavender Mountain Book 2; Appalachian Magic) by Debbie Herbert

Author:Debbie Herbert [Herbert, Debbie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romantic Suspense, Thrillers & Suspense, Mystery & Intrigue, Violence & Crime Story, Protection & Safety, Action & Adventure, Dangerous & Deadly, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Clean & Wholesome, Suspenseful Fiction, Lavender Mountain Series, Appalachian Magic, Lawman, Small-Town Officer, Rogue & Undercover Detective, Best Friend's Daughter, Rescue Mission
Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue; Original Edition
Published: 2018-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

James settled into a chair in Harlan’s office. The hot seat, judging by Harlan’s scowl. That, and the fact his boss had told him to come alone and leave “that woman” behind, clued him in that this wasn’t going to be a pleasant conversation. James mentally reviewed the ginseng poacher arrests he’d made yesterday with Charlotte. Everything had proceeded smoothly. This had to be about the trafficking case. Harlan leaned back and ran a hand through his hair.

“What’s up?” James asked.

“I’ve just spoken to the mayor. There’s been a backlash from our questioning at Falling Rock. Numerous complaints and a formal petition for the mayor to ‘do something about me.’”

“Rich folks’ complaints. We’ve done nothing wrong and the mayor knows it. Did Madeline Stowers and her husband lead the charge on the petition?”

“He didn’t mention any names, but it wouldn’t surprise me.”

He’d be lousy at Harlan’s job and the ensuing political pressure that came with holding a public position. Mostly he’d hate the necessary kowtowing to the rich and powerful that came with an elected office. But James had enough sense to realize his resentment of the upper echelon was partly a result of his own upbringing as a Tedder. People had always judged him by the black sheep in his family and it had left him with a huge chip—no, make that a boulder—to carry.

“Surely he understood the necessity for questioning everyone,” James said.

“He did—but he’s still not happy about the situation.”

Anger flushed the back of James’s neck. “Maybe the mayor should be more concerned about the safety of his officers and the welfare of the people in his city than he is with keeping up an all-is-well appearance about crime in the area.”

“Was that little speech for my benefit, too?” Harlan asked brusquely. “Because if it was, I can assure you that I have my priorities straight.”

He said nothing. Let Harlan make of it what he wanted. Bad enough to have this tension at work, but the fact that this man was his brother-in-law might make the next family get-together awfully awkward.

“I’ve been reviewing my conversation with Captain Burkhart, Charlotte’s supervisor. Her claim that the traffickers operate here stems from an unreliable witness.”

“But don’t forget that she saw a young girl at the window.”

“Exactly. She saw it—not you.”

Heat lanced his gut. “You accusing her of being a liar?”

“Not deliberately. Hell, James, sometimes people are so determined to prove a theory that they actually invent things in their own mind as proof and believe it’s real. Detective Helms has admitted to a personal involvement in the case and that’s always dangerous. It can cloud your judgment.”

Harlan was nothing if not stubborn. “What about the men who tried to run us off the road? You can’t blame that on a figment of imagination.”

“No. But it’s possible the incident had nothing to do with covering up a human trafficking ring.”

“What else could it be?”

“Let me put it to you this way,” Harlan said slowly. “Ever since you found that woman in your cabin, trouble has followed.

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