Page 8

Chapter Eight

NEIL

M y phone buzzes again, and I can’t ignore it this time. “Excuse me a second.”

Georgia looks at me funny but doesn’t stop me as I get up from the counter at the diner and go outside.

“Anders,” I say in greeting before I hear my boss sigh heavily on the other end.

“We’ve got a problem,” he says. I knew that the moment I saw his name pop up, because if he’s calling me, it’s not good news.

“Which is?” I’m bracing for the blow that I’m being pulled from the case or there’s an emergency that I need to come back to Washington to deal with.

“The Gregorys are sending their own private investigator to make sure you’re doing your job.”

“What?” I snap, then remember that I’m on the sidewalk and I need to keep my cool. “Why the fuck are they sending in someone else? I’ve got this under control.”

What I don’t say is that I’ve got this handled the way I want it to be handled. Sending in someone else to look this over might expose some things that Georgia doesn’t want me to know.

She took me to Sofa King Cozy, and I talked to the twins.

Their stories matched well enough, but there’s something off.

There’s no police report in the file, and I have a feeling Georgia is keeping something from me.

The next guy that comes along may not be so nice.

The thought of anyone not being nice to Georgia pisses me off.

“Robert Greogry said he wants to make sure that you’re not missing anything. I tried to assure him you’re the best agent I’ve got, but it was no use.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” My tone is sarcastic, but I doubt my boss cares.

“I only found out about this an hour ago, and from what it sounds like, the guy might already be there. He’s someone with power that called in a favor with the feds. We can’t exactly stop a grieving father from hiring a private detective to look into his son's death.”

“So what the fuck is my job now? Does he want me to look into it or does he want this other guy to do it?” I pinch the bridge of my nose and try not to grind my teeth.

“Look, Anders. Between you and me, I think he’s asked us to look into it so it can be on paper. If you know what I’m saying.”

“Hmm” is all I respond because that could be the case. If he’s made a somewhat public inquiry into the investigation, then he’s free to hire someone in a backdoor deal which can be covered up with my legitimate investigation.

“I don’t trust him or whatever he’s got planned. But your services are no longer needed in Cottonwood.”

I press the phone to my ear while I turn around and glance back into the diner.

Georgia is at the bar and laughing at something the ladies behind the counter said.

This is her home, and as chaotic as she acts, I know that she just wants to keep the people here safe.

I trust my instincts, and I know if she’s covering something up, it’s to protect someone.

She wouldn’t do anything to the people here without a damn good reason.

“Did you hear me? I’m pulling you and the case. Let this guy deal with his own mess.”

“I’m taking a few weeks off,” I find myself saying.

“What?”

“I’ve got the time, don’t I?” It’s a rhetorical question because of course I do. I never take time off work, which is probably why my boss sounds so stunned.

“Anders, I can’t have you getting stuck in this. It’s best you get out while you can.”

Georgia turns around on her stool, and we lock eyes through the glass. She cocks her head to the side and then makes a funny face before turning back to the ladies at the counter.

“It’s a great little town.” I look up and down Main Street at the people talking and going into the shops. “Nice spot for a much-needed vacation.”

My boss sighs like he’s so done with my shit. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Looking at Georgia, I know I can’t leave. Not until this is over and she’s safe. Maybe not until a while after that. I’ve only just met her, and the thought of packing up and heading out makes my chest tight.

“You and me both,” I say and end the call.

I take a moment before I go back inside the diner and think about my next steps.

I have to convince Georgia that I’m on her side and that I’m willing to bend the rules with her if she’ll trust me.

I’ve also got to make sure that the person coming here to look into this isn’t going to hurt her to get what they want.

I can’t let her unknowingly walk into danger, and if I tell her what may come, I don’t trust that she can protect herself.

She’s got a bubble blower for a gun, for Christ's sake.

Protecting her just became my new mission, and I’ve never failed one yet.