Page 21 of Bennett

A wave of anger tightened her chest. “Sounds like someone’s being a real pain in the ass.”

“That’s the polite way to put it,” Matthew said, crossing his arms over his chest.

She took a step forward, her gaze narrowing toward the partially open door. “Well, if you don’t mind, I’m going to pop in and see for myself.”

Bennett shifted, stepping in front of her with the kind of smooth efficiency that only came from years of training. His broad shoulders effectively blocked her path to the door, and admittedly made her heart flutter.

Stupid organ.

“Can’t let you do that.” His voice was calm but firm. “Sheriff’s orders.”

She lifted a brow. “Seriously?”

“Seriously,” Bennett repeated steadily. “Gabe wants the place left as untouched as possible until he can see the damage himself. So, unless you’ve got a badge hidden somewhere in that apron, you’re staying right here.”

Matthew grinned. “You know, Bennett, you might want to work on your delivery.”

“Why?” the guy asked, his gaze never leaving hers. “Just telling her how it is.”

“Sorry, Laurel,” Carter muttered between bites. “Gabe did say that. Said not to let anyone trample all over the crime scene.”

“But if you know the damage, it means you were inside.” She split her gaze between them. “Right?”

“Yeah, we were,” Matthew replied, his grin as shameless as ever. “Isn’t that right, Bennett?”

Why that…

“So, you could go in, but I can’t?” She narrowed her gaze on Bennett. “Double standard much?”

Carter sidled up next to her, coffee still in hand. “Doesn’t seem fair at all, now does it?”

“Nope.” Matthew shook his head, playing along with a straight face. “Definitely smells like favoritism.”

Bennett’s mouth twitched, but he apparently refused to be goaded. “We were hired to secure the place. Can’t do that completely from the outside. Besides, we didn’t know the second floor was damaged until we went up.”

Convenient.

Laurel crossed her arms. “So, you guys cantrample all over the crime scene, but the second I try to do my job, I’m the one who’s messing up the evidence?”

“That’s about the gist of it,” Bennett replied coolly. “Except you’re not the one doing a job here. You’re just trying to satisfy your curiosity.”

“Oh, no, sweetheart.” She narrowed her gaze on him. “I’m here because Aunt Annie put me in charge and asked me to take a look. So, yeah, Iamdoing a job.”

Bennett didn’t budge. Not even a little. “Nice try, but the answer’s still no.”

Laurel’s jaw clenched. “You’re really good at making friends, you know that?”

“Occupational hazard,” he stated calmly. “I follow the rules, especially when they come from the sheriff.” He shrugged, as if that somehow made him sound less bossy.

It didn’t.

Carter sighed. “Looks likeBy-the-books-Bennettis back.”

She narrowed her eyes. “More likeBuzzkill Bennett.”

Coffee spewed from Carter’s mouth as he choked out a laugh.

Matthew snickered, slapping Carter on the back. “I dunno. I think he’s just trying to be a gentleman. Isn’t that right, Vaughn?”