Scalpels & Psychopaths Dr. Thornton Murder Mysteries 2 by S.C. Wynne

Author:S.C. Wynne [Wynne, S.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: S.C. Wynne
Published: 2021-02-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Maxwell

It turned out Deputy Juan had a few things he needed to finish up before he could drive me home, so I waited in the lobby. The night had definitely been a letdown. I’d hoped for more alone time with Royce than we’d had, but who could have known Gerald Granger would turn into a cat burglar before our very eyes?

Naturally, I’d done my best to hide my disappointment when Royce had suggested Deputy Juan drive me home. I’d have been willing to wait as long as it took in his office, but he hadn’t offered that option. So I’d meekly accepted the offered ride home, hoping Royce would be pleased with my easygoing attitude. I wondered if perhaps Royce had sent me home because he was annoyed with me for not waiting in the car as instructed. This was the second time I’d done that, so perhaps he was trying to punish me for not obeying his direct order?

Deputy Juan came into the lobby, giving me an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Dr. Thornton. My computer was freezing, and it took me forever to finish my reports.”

“No problem.” I stood. “You’re doing me a favor by driving me home.”

He shrugged and headed for the door. “I don’t blame Sheriff for not wanting you to walk home late at night. Not with the crazy stuff happening around here lately.”

“I suppose.” I followed him to his patrol car.

Once we were inside the vehicle, he started the engine and pulled out onto the deserted road. “I’m trying to help where I can, but Sheriff Callum likes to do everything himself. I wish he’d delegate more. Sometimes I worry he’ll get burned out and not want to be sheriff anymore.”

I frowned. “Really?”

“Well, no man is an island.”

“I can’t see Royce quitting. He cares too much about Rainy Dale. He’s not the sort of man who shirks responsibility. He’s the kind who rises to the occasion. I think it’s in his DNA.”

Deputy Juan glanced over at me, and I could feel his surprise. “I’m amazed you know that about him.”

“You are?”

“Well, if you don’t mind my saying so, people don’t seem to be your thing. I wouldn’t have figured you’d be able to read him so well.”

“Most people aren’t my thing.” I hesitated. “I like Royce. He’s worth trying to understand.”

“I see.” His cheek curved in a smile. “So it’s like a selective thing that you employ when needed.”

“I suppose so.” I was relieved Deputy Juan seemed easygoing. I’d had a few conversations with Deputy Sam in the past, and he’d seemed more judgmental. He hadn’t liked me much, and he hadn’t cared if I knew that. But Deputy Juan had a similar energy to Royce.

We were quiet for a few moments, and then he said, “People sure are surprised you and Sheriff Callum hit it off.”

My cheeks warmed because I knew I was the odd part of the equation. “Royce is easy to be around.”

“Agreed.”

“The town should relax. What I have with Royce is casual.

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