Page 37 of In Cold Blood (High Peaks Murder, Mystery and Crime Thrillers #1)

F ear was ever-present in her line of work.

It broke some officers and energized others.

From her early days as a patrol officer, she never really took for granted the nights she made it home alive.

The chances of being targeted for a beating or having a crazed lunatic end her life with a gun or knife were always at the forefront of her mind.

It was par for the course in law enforcement but even more so working for the Sheriff’s Office.

Unlike local PD who were confined to a small jurisdiction, a deputy sheriff patrolling over a million acres could be waiting a good thirty minutes for backup.

Of course, backup could arrive sooner if game wardens were on hand but there was no guarantee.

A first responder’s life was always a big unknown.

Callie downed her third cup of coffee that day just to stay awake.

Her nerves twitched.

She pulled at the bottom of her eyelids.

She’d spent the morning gathering as much information as she could about the hours leading up to Parish’s attack.

She’d pored over surveillance footage from cameras at the lodge, hoping to see those involved, but due to the sheer number of tourists in town, Parish’s vehicle was just out of view of the cameras.

She’d seen him exit the hotel and then disappear.

There was no way to tell whether it was one or multiple people who jumped him.

While the hotel was supposed to keep a record of every vehicle's license plate to avoid people using the lot for parking overnight, they had become lax in doing so. And so that made it virtually impossible to determine what vehicles shouldn’t have been there.

Multiple vehicles had gone in and out over the following hours.

Of course, that was assuming his attackers had used a vehicle at all. She was fairly certain they hadn’t. There were many ways to get into the parking area without being spotted. The entire property was hedged in by dense forest.

To complicate matters, she’d found Noah’s phone number as the last outcall on Parish’s phone. While she didn’t think he had anything to do with it, Parish and Noah hadn’t exactly been cautious in conveying how they felt about one another. There was a mutual disdain.

But was that enough reason to jump him?

And how could he, if his truck was trashed?

Still, protocol was protocol. They had to ask the hard questions.

With so much on her plate, Callie was unsure if she’d make it for dinner at Noah’s that evening, or even if she wanted to, now that this had happened.

Instead of going herself, Hendrix had offered to collect the boxes.

It was easier that way. No awkward exchange when asking where he was.

No need to answer whether she would show up later.

And the investigation into his brother’s death? Well, that was anyone’s guess. It all boiled down to Sheriff Roberts and State .

Later that day, Callie knocked on Roberts’ door.

“Come in,” he replied.

“You wanted to see me, sir?”

“Yes. Close the door. Take a seat.”

Roberts had a stack of paperwork in front of him. He closed a folder, removed his round glasses, and set them down before leaning back. “Any luck with video footage from the hotel?”

“None. He was out of range. It also doesn’t help that the hotel has a revolving door of locals and tourists. The place is one big circus of vehicles coming and going.”

Robert sighed and shook his head.

“I gather you informed State?” she asked.

“Yes, this morning.”

“So, they will be sending someone else from BCI?”

“Possibly.”

“Possibly?

“They want to be kept informed of Parish’s progress.”

Her brow furrowed. “Sir. Even if the hospital released him next week, which isn’t going to happen, there is no way he would be in the right mind let alone condition to continue this investigation. Waiting around will only stall the investigation.”

“Well, that’s why we have you.”

“Okay.” She paused, raising an eyebrow. “But Parish was looking at all of us too. That’s why they are sent. To keep things impartial.”

“Thorne, I know. I’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been a cop.” He got up and poured himself a cup of coffee. He offered her one. She was tempted. There was nothing better than overloading on caffeine but after three her nerves were fried.

“Sir, if I may.”

“Please.”

“I know it goes against what is advised or done in these circumstances but exceptions are made at times and I would consider this a moment where if there is a way, we might consider…”

He turned, extending a hand. “Before you go any further. It’s not happening.”

“But he works for State.”

“Not in this region and not in this case.”

“What’s the point of them wasting more resources sending someone else who now has to be brought up to speed when one of their own is here and is already familiar with the town, the people, and the history? Sir, he has an exceptional track record with cases.”

Roberts turned back. “Not according to the last one he worked.”

“To be fair, boss. We don’t know the full details of what happened there. The media will always spin a negative story and if he was spearheading that investigation, he would be by default the scapegoat even if he wasn’t involved in every decision.”

Roberts stirred his coffee. “Having him help could backfire on us. I don’t want to make the same mistake or mar the name of this office.”

“Officers make mistakes. We’re only human, right, sheriff?”

Roberts smiled. “Yes, we are. Except we are held to a higher standard, Thorne. The public’s demand and tax dollars don’t cover – just good enough.” He tapped his pen and observed her. “People want answers. People know his family. Luke is at the center of this. It would be a conflict of interest.”

“I understand, sir, but I need additional support now that Parish is in hospital. The unfolding situation with Erikson has only increased the workload. I’m only one person.

And you said yourself we have limited resources and only twelve patrol officers and they need to serve the rest of the community.

It would be advantageous for us to utilize Noah even if it’s in a restricted capacity. ”

“I’m sorry. It could taint the whole case.”

“It’s been done before.”

“Maybe so but the State Attorney’s Office would need to be apprised and render a decision and...”

She cocked her head.

He sighed. “You know, Thorne…” He wagged his finger at her.

“I know, a thorn in your side.”

Roberts exhaled. “Leave it with me. No guarantees but I’ll see what I can do.

It will only happen if BCI agrees, and the Attorney’s Office is on board.

Even then I don’t think it’s a good idea or know if it will be green-lit.

And even if we get the go-ahead, you will have to be the face of the investigation.

Not him. I’m not overstepping boundaries here.

I’m already doing that entertaining this absurd idea.

” He blew out his cheeks. “Now go. I need to make some phone calls. I will let you know the decision later.”

Something was amiss. Sheriff Roberts had gotten back to Callie faster than she expected to say that even though the State Attorney’s Office was on board, BCI wasn’t and that she would be going it alone until BCI could arrange to send someone else.

Two hours later, Roberts called her back to say that the original decision had been overturned, and even though it wasn’t the norm they were willing to allow Noah to oversee until they could make arrangements for a senior investigator to replace him.

Roberts sounded as confused as she was.

Still, Callie didn’t hesitate to contact Noah.

The way she saw it, they were burning daylight on the investigation.

She was curious to hear his thoughts on what they’d gathered so far.

As soon as she got off the phone with Roberts, she called him.

“Noah. Are you still interested in helping with the case?”

“Why?”

“It seems BCI has decided to let you assist in the interim until they can send someone else to replace Parish. It could be a week before they have someone here.”

“What made them change their mind?”

“I would like to say it was Roberts but initially they didn’t want to do it. Something or someone else changed their mind.”

“Huh.”

His thoughts flipped to his father. With their family’s long history of policing, they’d made connections with local PD, the Sheriff’s Office, and BCI. Hugh had certainly seemed adamant that Noah needed to work the case. Had he pulled a few strings?

“That is if you want to be involved. Of course, you would need to follow my lead. Roberts doesn’t want you at the helm if you get my drift.”

“Suits me fine.”

“Good. Well. If the offer of dinner is still available, we could discuss the material your brother had at the cabin and I can share the information Parish gained from interviews so far.”

“I’m currently out at the moment.”

“Where are you?”

She heard the hum of vehicles in the background. The wind was also howling.

“You think you can meet me out on State Route 73?”

“At the site?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

Just after 4 p.m. Callie got in a cruiser and made the short journey out. When she arrived, she found Noah crouching near the tree that had been chosen as a memorial site for Luke. He was wearing a black leather jacket, khaki pants, and a jean shirt.

She parked at the side of the remote winding road.

The sun was low in a hazy sky, dipping behind the tips of trees. It wouldn’t be long before it would be pitch dark and they wouldn’t see a damn thing out here unless they had flashlights.

“Already biting at the bit?” she asked.

“No. Until you called, I was all but ready to head back on Monday.”

Callie stood beside him, admiring the immense outpouring of love shown through cards, flowers, and messages.

“The community admired your brother. He did a lot for the county. Was always at charity events. Helped raise money and awareness for cancer.” She dipped her chin. “Won’t be the same without him.”