Blinded by Beauty (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 8)

“Too quiet,” Jaris said.

“Yep, but Dragon Week seems to be going off without a hitch. I’ve got at least fifteen officers on duty at any time. Shane and Corey are with Belle wherever she goes. She’s safe. I’m glad you and Chance are keeping an eye on Kaylyn. I’ve assigned two officers to watch her neighborhood. They won’t be more than five minutes away at any time.”

“Are Potter and his buddies still in town?” Jena asked.

“Yes, they are,” the sheriff answered. “So are their two slimeball attorneys.”

An idea occurred to Jaris. “Jena, have you three checked the credentials of the lawyers?”

“No, but that’s something we’ll get right on.”

“You might be on to something, Jaris,” Sean said. “Thanks for the suggestion.”

“That’s all for now,” the sheriff said. “If you three turn up anything, let me know and I’ll get everyone together for another briefing.”

Jaris heard the trio stand.

“We definitely will,” Sean said.

“Jaris, I heard you did some fine detective work yourself the past few days,” Matt said. “Glad to have you on the team.”

“Thanks. Glad to be here.” Jaris meant it. There was no place like Destiny. He might’ve only been here for a short time, but he already felt like it was home. These were his friends. He wanted to keep all of the citizens safe, but especially Kaylyn.

He stood.

“Jaris, do you mind sticking around for a moment,” the sheriff said.

“Not at all.” He sat back down, wondering what Jason wanted to talk to him about.

“We’ll see you guys later,” Jena said. “Jaris, thanks for the suggestion.”

“I hope it helps you.”

“We’ll find the link between these assholes to Lunceford. I know there has to be one.”

After the three left, he leaned forward in the chair. “What’s up, Sheriff?”

“As you know, quite a bit is up. Our town is at war and we need men like you on our side.”

Our town. He liked that the sheriff saw him as a part of Destiny. “I am ready to do whatever you need.”

“That’s good to hear. I deputized you and Chance along with a lot of other people just for Dragon Week. With all the outsiders attending the festival, I needed to bolster the numbers on my team.”

“Like I told you before, I’m happy to serve.”

“And your service has been amazing. I’ve never known anyone with better interrogation skills than you. I need you beyond Dragon Week, Jaris. You and Nicole were once partners. Like you, her law enforcement skills are incredible. Having her as my deputy has been one of the best things to happen during my career. Nicole respects you. I respect you. And the whole town sees you as a hero.”

“I’m hardly a hero.”

“Humble, too. You’re exactly what I need. I’d like to make you a permanent member of my team. What do you say?”

After losing his sight, Jaris had never let himself dream he would be able to return to law enforcement. He’d accepted his fate. But in Destiny, fate sometimes smiled on you in ways you never imagined. “Damn, Sheriff. What a surprise.”

“Surprise or not, I want you. Can I count on you?”

“If I can be of service to you and this town, I would love to be part of your team.”

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