Page 24 of In Cold Blood (High Peaks Murder, Mystery and Crime Thrillers #1)

“Noah,” he replied. “It’s been a while.”

“That it has,” Noah answered. Roberts must have felt the tension as he was quick to guide the conversation.

He lifted a finger. “So, I heard you have taken Axel for the week?”

“That’s right. Until Kerri returns.”

“That was very kind of you.”

“Well, she has enough on her plate right now.”

“As do you. I’m sorry about Luke. He was one of our best. A real asset to the Sheriff’s Office.” He paused. “So… what day do you head back?” Roberts tapped his pen against the table.

“I haven’t decided.”

Roberts cocked his head, a frown forming. “An open-ended vacation?”

“Depends.”

Robert’s gaze darted to Parish then back to Noah. “I’m sorry. I’m confused. Hugh gave me the impression you were back for the funeral and a few days' vacation.” There was a pause, an expression of confusion. “You’re planning on staying longer?”

“It depends on how long it takes to find out who killed my brother.”

“You can be sure we are doing our best.”

“I imagine you could use the help.”

“I hope you are not serious,” Sheriff Roberts replied as he leaned back in his seat and adjusted the sleeve of his crisp black shirt.

There wasn’t one crease. This was a man who took pride in his career much like Noah’s father.

He had four gold stars on each side of his collar, a six-pointed gold star badge above his left breast pocket, and the Adirondack County Sheriff’s Office Patch on both shoulders .

Everything was in pristine condition.

Noah glanced at Parish who crossed his arms while his gaze bounced between the two of them. Noah didn’t want to have this conversation with him present but in light of the situation, he figured Parish would eventually hear about it.

“That’s why I’m here. I was hoping you could clear it with the State Attorney for me to assist. Of course, I would take a back seat to Parish, but?—”

Roberts clasped his hands together. He could see he was trying to be tactful in his response.

“Noah. You should know better than anyone that it would be a conflict of interest. I mean, please, I understand your reasoning. I would love nothing more than to have you help but you weren’t assigned to this case.

” He gestured to Noah’s right. “And for good reason. Besides, we have Parish here who I’m sure will give this case the attention it needs. ”

Noah looked unconvinced.

Parish was no longer eyeing him but was staring out the window.

It was clear how awkward the situation was. Parish wouldn’t have chosen this; it would have been assigned to him. No doubt he would have tried to talk his way out of it but… here he was.

“I wish I could say I share that sentiment but I don’t,” Noah replied.

That got Parish’s attention.

If there was anything that riled him up, it was an attack on his ego.

It was clear that time hadn’t changed that.

It was the reason why Parish hadn’t been forthright with the higher-ups when they worked together but had simply transferred.

Parish shifted in his seat, expecting Noah to clarify. He didn’t. This wasn’t about him.

Sheriff Roberts leaned forward.

“Noah, I’ve known your family for many years.

Out of respect for your brother, I’m going to let that slide.

But regardless of whether you do or don’t share the same sentiment, it doesn’t matter.

Parish is working on this case and even though he doesn’t need us to help, he will have help.

Deputy Thorne will be assisting him. So, you can rest assured that we won’t have just two eyes on this, and we will get answers.

Luke was one of us. This hasn’t just affected your family.

It’s affected his family here at the office.

It’s affected the entire community. So, please. Leave it with us.”

“But…”

“No buts, Noah.”

Noah shook his head and glanced at Parish. “I imagine he told you that we worked together.”

“So you have a history?” Roberts asked, with a look of surprise.

“Yeah, somewhat,” Parish replied.

“I would call it more than history,” Noah added.

“But that’s neither here nor there. Look, sheriff, I understand the situation you’re in but you have to see it from my point of view.

He’s my brother. Can I at least look over the autopsy and police report?

And possibly speak with the officers who were first on scene? ”

“I’m afraid not. You know how it works, Noah. I can’t have you interfering, and you know that information is only available to us and the DA while we try to build a case.”

“Against who?”

Roberts didn’t answer his questions, he averted his gaze.

“Listen. We have released the cause and manner of death. Right now, the report is still a part of our investigation. However, you can speak with your father and Kerri regarding the autopsy. They did speak with the pathologist and received a verbal preliminary summary. And as for the officers on scene…” He stopped short.

That was his answer. Deafening silence .

Noah shook his head. He was being stonewalled. The rules of having access could vary based on jurisdiction. He had a feeling that it might go this way. “Could you at least tell me if you have any idea about the woman that called in, as I heard you didn’t get a name?”

Roberts removed his spectacles and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Who told you that?”

“Does it matter?”

Roberts averted his gaze again before turning to Parish. “Do you mind waiting outside? We’ll continue our conversation in a moment.” Parish nodded and glanced at Noah as he walked out. He knew that Noah was on edge.

As soon as the door closed, Roberts let out a sigh and leaned back in his seat.

“Noah, I know the emotions are riding high and you’re still reeling but please.

Leave the investigative work to us. If you can be of use, we’ll find you.

We want to know who did this as much as you do.

Whoever killed him, took one of ours and for that, I am going to do everything in my power to bring them to justice, but you’ve got to trust me. ”

“I do. It’s just him I don’t.”

“Whatever problems you and Parish have, take it up with BCI. Right now, State sent him, not you, to handle this investigation. I have a job to do as does he. Let us do it. Go home. Grieve. Spend time with your family. Hugh said he hadn’t seen you in forever.

I’m sure you’ve got a lot of catching up to do. ”

“Don’t patronize me, Daniel.”

He raised both hands and blew out his cheeks. “All right. Okay. But this.” He pointed at him. “This is why you can’t be involved. Red tape aside, you’re too raw. Too close to the case. Now you have my word that I’m going to throw everything we have at finding out who did this. Okay?”

Noah wanted to say no. He wanted to state his case but it would have only fallen on deaf ears.

He could already tell that Roberts’ back was up.

He was going by the book. Whatever Noah hoped to gain from this conversation would have to come by other means.

At least he’d found out that Thorne had been placed on the case.

To what extent, well that was to be learned.

And learn he would. Noah rose and feigned a smile.

“I’m sorry.” He nodded. “You’re right. It’s the investigator in me.”

“Understood.”

“Thanks for all you’re doing.”

Roberts rose and came around and shook his hand and placed his other on Noah’s shoulder. “Anything you need. Just call me.”

“I did have one question. Just curious but Kerri told me that Luke wasn’t driving his regular Tahoe the night he died. Do you know what was wrong with it?”

“The transmission went.”

“Ah. Okay. Thanks.”

He nodded and turned to walk out. “Oh, and Noah. Your father had mentioned you might be interested in a position. I mean, not that we’re in a rush, but with Luke gone, there is an opening and with your background with a sheriff’s office and BCI, you would be a great addition to this county.

Of course, no decision needs to be made today. ”

“Would it change your answer about allowing me to work on this case?”

“Nice try. No. Chew it over and remember my door is always open to you.”

Noah smiled politely. Inside he was doing anything but that. As he exited, he found Parish lingering outside the door like a fly around a turd. Probably eavesdropping. Parish stepped to one side and then entered the office, closing the door behind him.

It pained him to be shut out of the investigation. He couldn’t imagine his father would have received anything more than he would. While Roberts wouldn’t come out with it directly, he knew their family would be scrutinized as much as anyone else.

Noah scanned the room and eyed Thorne. She cut him a glance while pecking at her keyboard. Weaving around the multiple desks, Noah crossed the room. “Deputy Thorne?”

She lifted her eyes and a smile formed. “That’s right. Good memory.”

“You have a face that’s hard to forget.”

Her eyebrow rose. “How did it go?” she asked.

Noah jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “Oh, that. Perfect. Couldn’t have been better.

Actually, I was hoping to speak with you about Luke.

A friend of mine said that you were involved with Operation Heat Wave, is that right?

” Before he finished, she leaned back and cut Roberts’ office a glance and smiled.

“Let me take a wild stab. Roberts didn’t give you anything, did he?”

“Sure he did.”

“That’s why you’re asking me,” Callie replied, rising from her seat with some paperwork in hand. Noah followed her across the room.

“I was told Luke was investigating the disappearance of Keith Erikson. A game warden. Are you familiar with that?”

“Uh-huh,” she said, glancing over her shoulder toward Roberts’ office.

Noah could tell she was treading carefully.

She knew as much as he did that giving out information to someone so close to the victim could mean her neck on the chopping block.

Callie inserted some paperwork in a folder and set it down on a desk.

“And?”

“You know I can’t speak to you about that.”

“Okay, then what about Operation Heat Wave, Cyrus Keller, or the fact that my brother had his eyes on the Graysons? What can you tell me about that?”

She gestured toward the lobby and led him around a corner where they were out of sight and earshot. Her voice lowered. “Listen, out of respect for your brother, I can answer some questions but this is not the time or place, Noah.”

Noah saw that as a green light. Knowing full well the chances of getting another moment with her would be slim once Parish’s lips started flapping, he dived in. “What is the connection between Game Warden Keith Erikson and Cyrus Keller?”

She let out a sign of resignation. “Cyrus saw Keith Erikson as a bully with a badge. After Erikson went missing, Cyrus was pulled in by Luke. Cyrus was the prime suspect because of his history. Discrepancies in timelines on the night Erikson went missing, and changes in an alibi put Cyrus in the crosshair. Luke felt he had enough even though others were advising him that it might be a little hasty. Charges were brought and Cyrus had his day in court. However, due to a lack of evidence presented by the prosecution, the case was withdrawn and he was let go.”

“Do you think Cyrus went after Luke?”

“I don’t know. There were any number of people that had a reason to kill him.

Your brother was knee-deep in bringing down some heavy hitters in the drug world.

That creates waves, Noah. A loss of revenue.

It wasn’t just a few bags of coke. He took down the motherlode in this county.

As for Erikson. All I can tell you right now is that Luke thought Erikson had stumbled upon something big enough to make him a target.

And that was the reason why he went missing.

What that was I don’t know. He didn’t share everything with me and I’m not sure he wanted me to know.

I rode with him, we busted a few people, and he took me under his wing. That’s it.”

Noah nodded. “Were you one of the officers on scene?”

“I was. ”

“Who else?”

She glanced away. “Good day, Noah.”

“Look, I want in on this case.”

“Can’t do that.”

“I understand but at least can you share what you find out? Throw me a bone.”

“I could lose my job.”

“You said you would answer some questions.”

“And I have. Now if you would excuse me. I have a lot of work to do.”

“With Parish?”

She turned back to him. “You know him?”

“We have a history. I heard you were assigned to work with him. Be careful. Keep your eyes peeled. You might think he has an interest in getting to the bottom of this case but he’s more likely to let it fall by the wayside the first chance he gets.”

“Is there something I should know?”

“All I’m saying is that if you expect him to cross his t’s and dot his i’s, check his work, as he has a habit of forgetting, or using whiteout if you get my drift. His attention to detail isn’t good.”

“And yours is?”

“Based on what I’ve told you so far, you tell me.”

She smiled and glanced back into the office before meeting his gaze.

A deputy walked in through the main doors, and Callie glanced away while Noah stared into a glass cabinet at the front of the lobby that showcased the Sheriff's Office’s involvement with sponsoring local Little League teams. The deputy made a comment to Callie and walked on.

Noah narrowed his eyes. “What leads do you have so far?”

“It’s too early right now,” she replied.

“Not concerning my brother’s death. I’m referring to the leads that Luke was following up on regarding the Graysons, Cyrus Keller, Keith Erikson, and drugs being found over on Hawk Island. A property that is owned by Harry Carter. Did Luke interview him?”

“I can’t answer that.”

“You won’t or you can’t?”

“Noah. You need to understand something. Everyone liked Luke around here. He was one hell of an officer and an even better human being, but don’t go digging up old cases or bothering Harry.

That’s a recipe for disaster. Now I have a lot of things to do.

” She turned to leave. She was trying to bring it to a close without sounding rude.

“All right. But one last thing. Do you think Cyrus was responsible?”

“For Erikson’s disappearance or your brother’s death?”

“Both.”

She shrugged. “That’s what we intend to find out. Until then…”

“Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Right,” Noah said, assuming that was what she was about to say but it wasn’t.

“I was going to say until then I can’t speculate and from what I heard about the Alman case, neither should you.

” That was like a nail being driven back in.

He’d done everything he could on that case.

There were so many elements and people involved but that didn’t seem to matter when it was his face that was attached to the case.

No wonder she was treading carefully.