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That news didn’t surprise me. I was torn about whether to phone him for a reference. But if I didn’t and something happened, it would come back to bite me.

“How can I help you, sheriff?” Captain Shade asked once I’d introduced myself.

“I’m calling about a former officer of yours—Aldeetha Gravel. She’s applied for a position in my department,” I replied.

Shade’s voice took on a jovial tone, one of those buddy-buddy voices men use when they are being smarmy. My hackles rose, and I guessed I was about to hear some salacious crap.

“Well, I’m sure you’re aware that she left here under a black cloud…!” he began, and I rolled my eyes. Off he went, as expected. Ten minutes later, I hung up the phone, feeling like I needed a shower. I couldn’t understand how Dee had tolerated that. That didn’t bode well for her judgement.

Regarding the incidents I’d questioned him about, he’d been decidedly evasive about the two reprimands on file. I ignored them because they were no doubt trumped-up charges meant to force Dee out of the department. Carefully, I reviewed her information with a fine-tooth comb, searching for anything that stood out. There was nothing until her breakup. She’d been a good cop with a solid record. There was no reason she couldn’t be my deputy. By the end of the day, as I shut down the office, I knew I’d offer Dee the job. Hopefully, she wouldn’t run out like my last deputy. Mind you, with the recent shenanigans, who knew what was around the corner?

Chapter Four.

Inglorious

Law wasn’t wrong. The woman’s footage had gone viral, and the next day, the parking lot was full before ten in the morning. While business owners were overjoyed, I worried about the security implications. Law and Bow had already arrested three people for trespass as they tried to breach the schoolhouse. Hercules was currently on guard there with Riot.

“Back away, sir; I’ll not warn you again,” a woman’s voice cut through my thoughts, and I turned. Dee, the possible new deputy, confronted a man trying to enter the coaching inn.

“Look, I’m a paranormal investigator and—”

“Don’t care. That building is off-limits to the public. If you continue to push, I shall arrest you,” Dee warned. I leaned against the railing and watched how she handled this.

The guy tried to shove past, and I bit back a chuckle as she took him down and had his hands cuffed within seconds.

“You can’t do this to me! Do you know who I am?” he screamed.

“Yes, you’re Tack Zoggins, and I fuckin’ hate your show!” Dee retorted. “Ghost Seekers Inc. is far more genuine. Now, shut up.”

A laugh escaped me before I could stop it. Dee glanced up. “This building is private. Sir, please move along,” she stated calmly.

“It’s fine, Dee. I’m Inglorious,” I said, moving forward so she could see my cut and patches.

“Ah, okay, is there anything you need?” Dee asked.

“Nope, I was just checking on things. Carry on.” I chuckled as Zoggins tried to get up, and she smacked him on the head.

“Behave!” she ordered and radioed for backup to take Zoggins away.

I walked over and crouched down. “This is my town; I own it. You were not invited. When you’re done with the sheriff, take your cameras and get the fuck out.”

Zoggins replied, but I couldn’t hear him as Dee was making him eat dirt. Fair enough. I nodded to Dee and carried on with my checks. I made a mental note to inform Law that I liked the potential new deputy.

“We’ve got a crowd at the theatre where Merritt Mike has been seen. I could do with some support,” Vortex called over the radio. As soon as I heard that the woman’s footage had gone viral, I told all the brothers to stay in town today. Law and Bow would be run off their feet.

“People are in my cemetery!” Gravey yelled, and I winced.

“On my way, Gravey,” I replied instantly. Somebody else would have to help Vortex. Gravey was likely to pull a gun and shoot someone.

I jogged through town. Anger was shooting through me even as I breathed deeply to calm down. The cemetery was off-limits to anyone who wasn’t an Unwanted Bastard. Our dead were buried there, and it was fuckin’ sacred to us.

I noticed a crowd of about fifteen people and sped up.

They surrounded the gate, and Gravey blocked their way.

“Get fuckin’ lost,” Gravey roared.

“We’re picking up signals,” a man cried, waving something around in excitement. I didn’t pause; I came up behind him, knocked it from his hand, and stamped on it.