The sheriff repeated what he’d already told him about the five doctors.
“My dogs couldn’t have just vanished into thin air.” Kaylyn’s voice trembled slightly with worry and frustration. “None of this makes any sense.”
“I agree, and so does Jaris.” Sheriff Wolfe had one of the toughest jobs in the entire state, and yet he continued to be there for the citizens of Destiny in every way. “My gut tells me that Lunceford has something to do with this whole thing.”
“I know the creep is after Belle, but I don’t know why he would want me shot. And what do my dogs have to do with anything?”
“That’s what I intend to find out, Kaylyn.”
The more time Jaris was around the sheriff the more he liked and respected the man. “Jason, those four dogs have been highly trained. If they weren’t dead or injured, they would’ve returned to the ranch. Someone took them. Chance and I did hear them yelp.”
“I remember you saying that.” Jason tapped his pencil on the surface of his desk. “I think the key is finding Kaylyn’s dogs. Once we do, we might discover some link to the doctors. If those five did take the dogs, they couldn’t have stashed them far. We’ll find them, Kaylyn. I promise.”
“I’d like to interrogate the doctors. Ask Nicole. I was one of the best at getting perps to confess back in Chicago.”
“You know what, I think that’s a good idea. I’ve been meaning to deputize you both. Once you take the oath, it’ll be official and you can interrogate your ass off, Jaris.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Chance was clearly as surprised as he was. “Jaris and I are blind. What kind of deputies would we make?”
“It’s Dragon Week. There are a ton of outsiders in Destiny for the event. I need you. With or without your eyes, you two are massive and intimidating. Add Sugar and Annie to the mix and nobody is going to mess with you. Plus, both of you see more than most with your other senses.”
“Sheriff, are you sure?” Jaris reached in his jacket pocket and touched the handle of his ever-present gun. It had been ages since he fired it.
“More than sure. You’ll be given radios. If there’s anything you need backup on, Nicole and I will be right there.”
“We’ll I’m not convinced,” Chance said.
“Maybe these will help both of you.” The sheriff opened one of his desk drawers. “These are your badges.”
Jaris wrapped his fingers around the shield and smiled.
“Seriously, Jason. I’m willing to help you in any way I can, but I can’t carry a badge, even a deputy sheriff’s badge.”
“Really, Chance? You and Jaris saved Kaylyn. You acted quickly and responsibly. You gave us the clues, which resulted in us bringing in Potter and his gang. Sounds like good police work to me. Does it to you?”
“It feels good to have a badge in my hand, Sheriff.” Jaris turned to Chance. “Buddy, you are capable of so much. Besides, being deputies will allow us a leg up on keeping Kaylyn safe.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Chance, I know you and Jaris would make wonderful additions to Destiny’s law enforcement team.” Kaylyn’s voice was full of pride and admiration.
Jaris imagined she was looking at Chance and smiling. When he felt her grab his hand, warmth spread through him.
Keep your head. She belongs with Chance, not you.
“If Kaylyn and Jaris both think we can do the job, who am I to stand in the way?” Chance laughed. “When do we start?”
“Right away. Raise your right hands, gentlemen, and repeat after me.”
Taking the oath of office, Jaris’s life had come full circle. He was going to be a cop again. That miracle should’ve been enough to satisfy him, but it wasn’t. He inhaled Kaylyn’s scent and knew nothing would be enough for him ever again. Didn’t matter. Even if he didn’t get his heart’s desire, she and Chance would be happy together. That had to suffice.
Chapter Seven
In the wheelchair next to Chance, Kaylyn stared through the one-way glass into the interrogation room. The man sitting in the metal chair at the table seemed cocky. He had a receding hairline. He looked to be in his midforties. Slim stature. Dark eyes.
This is my shooter.
She trembled, wondering if he was somehow connected to Lunceford. Maybe Potter’s and his friends’ stories were true. Maybe everything that happened had been just an accident of poor timing and judgment.