Page 82 of In Cold Blood

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 thesecircumstances 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?”