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“Actually, no,” Law stated. “There is only Bow and me, and we are stretched as it is with the crowds we’ve got. Even ten per cent more would be overwhelming. As we are aware, the guy I took on last year lasted weeks before he upped and left. So, I’m still a night deputy down, and I have a day position to fill based on the footfall we are now receiving.”

“Okay, Law, make that your priority. We have to find someone. Whatever resources you need, tell me, and I will throw them your way,” I offered.

“Most applicants hesitate because an MC owns the town. When the sheriff belongs to that club too, it raises their concerns,” Law said, pointing at himself.

“You getting negative feedback?” I demanded.

“No. But the thoughts are there.”

“Reach out to Rapid City and Spearfish. They’re our closest allies within the police force. They might have somebody they can send,” I suggested.

“Already done that, and they’ve nobody, but I’ll try again,” Law replied.

“That’s not about to help Law and Bow handle the situation that’s brewing. If someone gets a picture of these ghosts, and it goes viral, we’ll drown in visitors. I suggest Law deputise a few of us to support him if necessary. It would be logical to deputise the ones who stayed put in town and don’t travel for work,” Widowmaker suggested.

“That makes sense,” Law replied.

“Then I want some volunteers by the end of tonight, please,” I stated.

A scream erupted from somewhere close by, making us all jump. We all leapt to our feet and nearly ran over each other as we headed outside to see what was happening.

Nanci stood in the middle of the rec room, staring at what used to be the hotel’s stage. We had left it intact and restored it to how it was, to have live bands in the clubhouse.

“Babe, what did you see?” I asked carefully, noting how pale she was.

“There were legs doing the cancan,” Nanci replied.

“Wanna repeat that?” Oil demanded, looking amused.

“There was a pair of ghostly legs, performing high kicks, with no body,” Nanci stated. Her eyes were huge, and this was a genuine reaction from her. Which meant Nanci wasn’t behind this.

I settled Nanci, and half an hour later, we headed into church again. But it didn’t matter because none of us had any answers.

Law - four days later

“Hi, I wonder if you might help me? My former captain said you had a couple of vacancies. A day and night deputy position?” a woman inquired, entering the office.

Glancing up, I leaned back in my chair. “I’m Sheriff Drew Lemon; call me sheriff or Law, which is my road name. If you’re looking for a job, I’ve got both positions open. Are you interested?”

“Hi Law, I’m Aldeetha. I go by Dee. My mother was a Blackbeard fan, obviously,” Dee said.

“Dee is a lot easier to say than your full name,” I agreed. “Tell me about your background, Dee.”

“I’m twenty-seven and graduated from the Academy seven years ago. I was based in New York, although not a New Yorker. Unfortunately, I made the common mistake of moving home for a man. My ex-partner is no longer on the scene. I’d no ties, so I stuck a pin in a chart, moved and ended up in Black Hawk. I’ve lived locally for three months and need a permanent position. The department there was kind enough to give me a temporary job covering maternity leave. The officer’s now back, and there’s no full-time role to offer me. My lieutenant suggested Merritt and said that you had a couple of positions.”

“Could you provide your resume and references for me to review?” I asked.

“Yes, I brought everything with me that I thought you might require. The only thing I will say, sheriff, is my former captain was also my ex-partner. It’s something I need to be upfront with you about and make you aware of.”

“Appreciate your honesty, Dee, and now I’ll ask a question. Am I going to find reprimands on your file?”

Dee poked her tongue into the side of her cheek, and I already guessed what was coming. I’d seen this before, where a more senior officer took advantage of a younger female.

“Yes, you are. But each one was filed after we broke up, which is why I moved to Black Hawk. But if you check my recent file, you'll see I received a commendation from my lieutenant.”

“When can you start?” I asked.

“Straight away,” Dee replied honestly.