Don't Flinch by Molly Black

Author:Molly Black [Black, Molly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Molly Black
Published: 2022-06-27T00:00:00+00:00

***

The sky was already darkening by the time Taylor reached the Brock Island police station with Wesley. The sun was setting early, and Taylor wondered if a storm was going to hit them soon, judging by the sudden swollen feeling in the air. She hoped not—the last thing she needed was more rain on her parade.

They walked into Sheriff Garth's office, and he didn't look happy to see them. The walls of Garth's office were lined with newspapers and police reports and other documents that had become yellowed and brittle over the years. Sheriff's badges were hung above the desk like ghostly badges of honor, and an empty picture of what must have once been a handsome man was tacked up to the wall. The sheriff's deputy was slumped in the corner, head bowed over a computer screen, and he didn't even look up as they entered.

Garth's face was stern and his eyes looked tired. The air in the small room was musty, like it hadn't been aired out in a long time, like it had just held its breath.

"Great, you two are back again," he said.

"We just need a minute of your time," Taylor explained. "I need to know how many people live on this island with the last name Smith."

Garth laughed, leaned back in his chair. "You think I know that off the top of my head?"

Taylor lifted a brow, waiting for him to fess up and stop messing around. This was a small community. She was willing to bet a year's salary that Garth knew every single person by name.

Garth sighed, letting his demeanor fall off. "There are three people here with the last name Smith."

"Did any of them used to be a veterinarian in Baltimore?" Taylor asked, hope in her chest.

"I sure as heck don't know that," Garth said.

Of course he wouldn’t, but it was worth a shot. "Well, can you tell me about each Smith?" Taylor asked.

"Smith's your most common last name in the United States," Garth said. "Can't expect me to keep track of all of 'em."

If that were the case, then Taylor would just have to do the dirty work of investigating them herself.

"I'm going to need their addresses, Sheriff Garth."

"I don't give out addresses," Sheriff Garth said.

"Then I'll find them on my own," Taylor explained. "But this is an FBI investigation now, so your cooperation would be truly appreciated."

Taylor kept her voice clipped, her demeanor professional, despite the fact she sort of wanted to kick Garth in the shin.

"Look, I just don't like you," Garth said. "And I don't like your friend over there. I've been here a long time, and I don't need two kids coming in here and interrupting my work."

"You don't have to like us," Taylor said. "Just give me the addresses."

Garth shook his head. "I'd rather just forget about this."

Wesley stepped forward, opening the file he'd been given. "Sir," he said, "I think you should hear us out. Special Agent Sage has a good reason to believe that one of the Smiths could be connected to this case.

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