Page 9

Chapter Nine

GEORGIA

W hen Neil comes back into the diner, he’s different. He sits down next to me, taking a sip of his coffee. We'd been having a good time until he had to go take a call.

Neil appeared to enjoy talking with different people around town. He’s been smiling and teasing me a little, which was fun. I like the banter I have with him. It’s different from what I have with everyone else.

A lot of people, more so ones not from Cottonwood, aren't my biggest fans.

I know I can be rambunctious and, as many would say, “too much,” but my parents instilled in me that if someone says I'm too much, then they're just not enough to handle me. My parents were great about telling me that if that’s what people think, then it’s on them.

“Everything okay?” I ask, taking a sip of my chocolate shake. It’s way better than coffee, and I won’t make that mistake again.

“Everything is fine.” Neil leans back, putting his arm across the back of my chair.

Something’s changed in his mood, and I wonder what it is. It occurs to me that I’m the sheriff. I should be able to find out if I poke him a bit.

“My dad tells me that when my mom says things are fine, they are not in fact fine.”

“I’ll get it worked out. I always do.” He gives me a smile, but it’s not like his others. Yeah, there’s most certainly something off.

“But we're partners now, right? I might be able to help.” I don’t mention that I'm also nosy. That's what happens when you hang out with the Stitches for too long. You get a thirst for the tea.

“Partners?” This time his smile appears more genuine, making me relax back into my seat.

“I was considering getting a deputy.” I shrug like I’m still thinking about it.

“Are you doing interviews?”

“Why? You want the spot?”

“I think this town might only need one cop.”

“Well, I haven't really been thinking about a human deputy.”

“Wait, what?” His smile slips a little, and I almost laugh.

“I was thinking in the four-legged department.”

“You think you can handle that kind of responsibility?” He's back to teasing me.

“I mean, in the short time you've known me, isn't it clear that I can handle just about anything?”

“Except real blood.”

“Bro, it was gross. Have you seen real blood and, like…” I lean in closer to whisper. “Brain matter?”

“Bro?”

“Don't age yourself, Neil.”

“All right, bro.”

“See, I'm good at training. I can handle a pet.”

A bark of laughter leaves him. “I suppose you’re right.”

A few people stop and talk to us, and I have a feeling they are more curious about Neil because they think we’re dating. It takes half a second for anything new to make it through this whole town.

“Where would you like to go next?” I ask after sucking down the rest of my milkshake.

“I thought you were taking me along for that day.” Oh, right.

“This is kind of it, really. I mean, after Rhodes realized Quinn wasn’t in her shop and Boss was still there?—”

“Boss?”

“Her cat. Did the state police not put that in the report?”

“They did not. I bet if you got a four-legged deputy, they would have put it in there.”

I snap my fingers. “You’re right. You’re totally talking me into this deputy thing.”

“Glad I could help, but keep going. After Rhodes realized Quinn was gone, then what?”

“The town rallied, obviously. All of us were searching for her. It was scary, you know? We don’t get a lot of crime, as you can see.” I motion with my hand around us. “I got one call last week, and it was from Ms. York needing help taking in her groceries and then setting up her new alarm clock.”

“You set up her alarm clock?”

“Can you believe I had to google it? Who still uses a traditional clock on their nightstand to set an alarm?” I say and then huff a laugh. “Well, not you obviously. We know what you’ve got on your nightstand.”

“That wasn’t my fault.” He shrugs.

“How is that not your fault?” What, did someone break into his room and leave a bottle of lube next to the bed?

“I don't know, babe, you tell me.” I scrunch my nose thinking about it, but he chuckles. “I didn't have much of a choice. Not after the state you put me in. I couldn't have let myself stay that way.”

My mouth falls open in silent shock.

“You'll catch flies that way,” Jenny says as she passes by.

I quickly snap it shut, making Neil grin.

“You're trying to seduce me, aren't you?”

“I'm not trying to do anything.”

“Oh.” Well, that's a bit embarrassing since I assumed he was.

“I’m not trying, babe. I'm doing it.” His expression is no longer teasing, and there’s heat behind his eyes.

“Can I get the new lovebirds anything?” Jenny asks.

“You want anything else, babe?” Neil’s attention is still on me.

“Nope, I’m all good, honey.” I do it right back, but it slips off my tongue way too easily.

“I think we’re good,” Neil tells Jenny. She brings the check, and he reaches for it. “Allow me.” He pulls out some cash, dropping it onto the counter. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah.” I hop down from the high-top chair, and Neil's hand goes to my lower back as he guides me outside.

“So the whole town is searching for Quinn?” Neil circles us back around to our conversation. It's probably better to have it out here anyways.

“All of us.” I let out a breath because it was scary and I was freaking out. “He stalked her here. Do you know that?”

“I do.” He gives me an apologetic smile.

“Did you know her mom was murdered? Her mom's boyfriend killed her. Then she had to live through a man stalking her across the country.”

“Shit, I didn't know that.” There’s a sadness in his eyes as he looks at me.

I stop walking to turn and face him. “She's been through enough.”

“I agree.” His words are empathetic, but does that mean that’s it?

“Then your investigation is all done?”

“Georgia, the thing is?—”

“Sheriff,” I correct him, and it's becoming a habit. Plus, what happened to babe? It was nice.

“Sheriff Babe Georgia.” Oh, snaps. Does the FBI teach people to read minds too? “The thing is?—”

Neil is cut off by someone shouting my name.

“Georgia!”

“Sheriff Georgia!” Neil shouts, beating me to it. Now that’s how to seduce someone.

I spot Danny heading toward us, and he appears not to be too happy. “You lied to me,” he accuses.

“Watch it.” Neil takes a step toward Danny, who stops mid-step.

“It’s okay.” I place my hand on Neil’s chest. “I got this.”

“All right,” he agrees, stepping back but shifting closer to my side.

“It’s not a lie, Danny. What I say are small fibs. There’s a difference.” Clearly I’m still lying, but I’m sure there’s some difference. Whatever, it doesn't matter.

“You said he was with the mob, but you’re dating him?”

“The mob?” Neil laughs.

“Danny, please don’t tell everyone he’s in the mob.” I shoot him a look. “That’s a secret.”

“You’re dating him? You agreed to go on a date with me.”

“Hold on, you what?” Neil appears pissed. A+ for his boyfriend skills. He’s really getting into character. I almost believe it.

“What about our date?” Danny snaps.

“Watch it.” Neil goes to step forward again, but I maneuver in front of him. I can’t have him flattening out Danny right in the center of town. That’s not very sheriff of me.

“Danny, I’m dating a mobster. I like bad boys.”

“But you’re the sheriff.” He glances up at Neil but snaps his eyes right back to me.

“I know.” I shake my head like I’m disappointed in myself.

“Then why did you have me help break into his room?”

“I didn’t break anything.” What’s with these accusations? “You know me. I was only checking on him. I mean, he’s a mobster, after all. I have to keep him in line.”

“You think he had a girl in there?” I’d hope not if he needed that lube.

“No, he knows I’d kill him,” I say, and Danny nods.

“I think it’s time you move it along, Danny boy,” Neil tells him. Danny ignores him. Or tries to.

“We should talk about this later,” Danny tries again.

“Not happening.” I elbow Neil to shut up. I don’t need Danny going around asking questions about Neil.

“It’s fine. I’ve got to get back to work anyway,” Danny says. “We’ve got someone new checking into the hotel this afternoon.”

“All right, I’ll see you later,” I say, and Danny nods before heading back toward the hotel. When he’s out of earshot, I spin around to face Neil. “I wonder who’s in town now.” Neil is staring over my head, the way Danny left. “Hey.” I tug on the front of his shirt. “You okay?”

Neil nods, but I’m not buying it. Not one bit.