Page 44 of In Cold Blood

“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 ofrespect 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.”