Christmas with the Sheriff (The Fiore Family 3)

“Mia had nothing to do with it. She wasn’t even there to start a fire.” I won’t have anyone diminishing her character for even just a moment. The thought of the presumption of her as evil or a criminal pisses me off.

“I wasn’t really thinking about her…” My brows shoot up as I think about what he’s implying.

“Are you thinking Nicki?”

“Yes.”

“What are you thinking? Why?”

“Well, when they mentioned that the Miller’s place was burned down and nearly reached Stone Hill, she paled and said she had to leave, according to Doreen at the bank. You know that woman pays attention to everything.” Yes, Doreen is one of the nosiest residents in all of Snowfall. If you didn’t want her to know your business, you’d keep your distance, bank out of town or online.

“That she does. So you came to break it to me first that she tried to burn down my property, or that you’re going to charge her?”

“I wanted your opinion. Would she do it?” He’s asking me that? Like I’d have anything nice to say about that worthless cunt.

“Yes. Although, I’m not sure I’m able to investigate the matter because of our strained relationship, and any lawyer would play into that right away.” She abandoned her only child to pursue a modeling career because she realized how great she looked in front of a camera from a couple of pictures I took of her as a small boy. I was four with a good camera. I thought it was my fault for so long.

“I know. I’ve turned it over to the state police. I hate to do it, but I wanted to give you the heads up before they come to speak with you.”

“No. It’s the right thing to do. Thanks for stopping by.”

A knock on my door frame draws my attention. “Sheriff Stone. There’s a Detective Larson here to see you.”

“Okay. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you.” I look over to my dispatcher and say, “Send the detective in.”

In walks a woman close to my age in a long coat, gloves off and in her hand. “Hello, Sheriff Stone? I’m Bobbi Larson.” She extends her hand, and I shake it. “This is my partner, Detective Steve Andrews. May we have a moment of your time?”

“Absolutely. Please, have a seat,” I answer, shaking his hand as well. When they sit, I take my seat again and ask, “So I’m assuming this has to do with the fire up at the Millers’ place.”

“Yes. We don’t know how much the fire chief has informed you of, but we need to discuss your relationship with Ms. Blakely.”

“She’s nothing more than a birth giver. I was shocked to see her yesterday, and I’m ready to file a restraining order on both her and Susie Miller, who invited her to Snowfall.”

“Susie Miller?”

“Yes. She’s one of the nieces in the Miller family and a real piece of work.”

“Interesting. Does she have any stake in the insurance on the home that you would be aware of?”

“Not likely. The two sets of Millers don’t get along at all. Susie’s been extremely spiteful and petty the past few days. I’d look into her and her relationship with Nicki because they were arm in arm at the festival.”

“Thank you, Sheriff Stone. Oh, and one more question before we go.”

“Yes?”

“About Ms. Mia Fiore?”

“What about her?” I snarl, standing up and ready to fight someone.

“It was mentioned that she was in town and now gone after the fire.”

“Yes. As it so happens, she was passing through, taking shelter from the storm. Why is everyone bringing her up? Who told you about her in the first place?”

“Small towns talk and when asked about anything new, some mentioned her.”

“Well, she was with my family when the fire started, and she was at the store before that because that’s where she and I met.”

“Okay. No one suggested anything nefarious, but those are the questions we need to ask. You understand that, right?”

“Yes. Well, if you have any questions for me, please contact my office.” It doesn’t matter to me. Her name coming up in an investigation ticks me off. My phone rings with a text message from Mia. Hey, call me when you want. I’m hanging with Soren, but he understands that I miss you.

“Fuck,” I groan. Knowing that she misses me does my heart a world of good. I call her right away. “Hey, babe. How are you?”

“I’m great. We just had brunch and now we’re going to play some cards. I’m going to my apartment tonight to start packing.”

“You shouldn’t be doing it alone.”

“Soren’s going to stay with me and help.”

“That’s fucking good to hear. When are you going to be coming back home? I’ll be able to head to Rochester in two days.”

“I’ll be in Snowfall by the thirtieth. Is that going to work?”