“Maybe it had nothing to do with you.”
She catches on to what I’m thinking. “You think he’s responsible for the other break-ins that occurred, don’t you?”
In the last three months there have been several thefts in the area, mostly fertilizer from surrounding farms. The thieves use the anhydrous ammonia to manufacture meth. Something that was once only common in the big cities but now is beginning to trickle into small towns all across the country. Only recently have things escalated. The fires started a few weeks back, after we arrested one of the perpetrators. He’d dropped his wallet at the scene, leaving us with his student ID card, but unfortunately, he isn’t talking.
Thankfully, the fire that had been set to Cliff’s crop was quickly contained before the flames reached any remaining fertilizer. If it hadn’t been caught in time, the place would have been blown sky fucking high, and had deadly consequences.
We have a few suspects in mind but no solid evidence against any of them. However, now that Jamal Jenkins seems to be involved, his cousin Reggie West has now been bumped to the top of our list of suspects. Reggie has a record for drug trafficking and even spent some time behind bars. But since moving here, a couple of years ago, he’s been clean and making an honest living working construction for Security Builders.
Or so we thought.
“We’re still investigating the other incidents. But if I had to take a guess then yeah, I would assume so. Especially considering they were trying to steal fertilizer. Did either of you get a good look at the one who ran off?”
Liv shakes her head and looks to her grandfather for the answer. “Like I said before, it all happened so fast. I figure he was about five seven, maybe a little shorter.” He scrubs a hand wearily down his face. “I don’t know. They were both wearing all black and my vision ain’t so good at night no more.”
Liv lays her hand on his forearm. “It’s okay, Pap.”
There’s a courtesy knock at the front door, and I twist in my seat as Willie Dixon, the Sheriff of Harmony Falls, walks in. “Sorry I’m late. The press conference took longer than expected.”
His voice sounds as tired as he looks, I’m assuming my earlier assumption was correct and the press conference didn’t go well.
He stops next to Olivia and removes his hat. “How ya doin’, Miss Olivia?”
“It’s been tough but we’re dealing with it the best we can. Thank you for asking.” She gives him a weak smile. “Would you like a cup of coffee, Sheriff?”
“That’d be nice,” he answers as he takes the seat next to me.
“What about you, Grayson?” she asks softly. “Sorry, I should have asked you earlier.”
I wave away her guilt. “I’m good. Thanks though.”
With a small nod she turns and leaves the room.
“How ya doin’, Walt?” Leaning forward, Dixon clasps Walter’s hand in a firm shake.
“I’m all right. Still in shock, I reckon. This whole damn thing is playing hell on my conscience.”
Liv walks back in and hands the sheriff a steaming mug before returning to her seat next to her grandfather.
“Well, don’t let it eat at ya, it’s unfortunate, but what’s been done is done. It wouldn’t have happened if the kid hadn’t been breakin’ the law.”
I watch Liv tense at how casually he talks about it. Walter, however, nods in agreement. “That’s true, but I still hate it had to come to that.”
“It’s definitely going to fire things up even more around here, that’s for sure,” he replies.
“What do you mean fire things up?” Liv asks curiously.
She may not know where he’s going with this, but I do. The kid that Deputy Prichard brought in for the prior break-ins had a broken rib and a major head contusion. He claims the deputy abused him. Until just recently, the department was under scrutiny for use of excessive force. There are some who are not happy about it though, and I have a feeling this case will only spark even more fury among the residents of Harmony Falls.
“Well, considerin’ tension is already runnin’ high over that Baker kid who was arrested a few weeks ago, and supposedly mistreated by one of my deputies, this is only going to fuel that fire. It was even brought up in the press conference today.”
“How is that even the same thing as this?”
“Because they’re both black.”
She rears back and Walter’s face twists with anger. “Now let’s get one thing straight. I shot him because he reached into his pocket after he told me he had a goddamn gun. I was protecting my Livy. That was my only concern. I don’t care if he was black, blue, green, or white. Those bastards doused my barn in gasoline. They would have killed Rosie, and that shit would have spread like wildfire and destroyed my crops. I have the right to defend my property. I have the right to protect my family.”
“I agree. The case is open and shut, Walt. The DA won’t be chargin’ you with nothin’, so don’t worry about it. We just need to follow up to make sure we have all of our ducks in a row, that’s all,” Dixon says.
“Well, just as long as we’re clear this ain’t about color.”
Liv lays a gentle hand on his forearm. “Of course, Pap. Anyone who knows you knows you would never callously take someone’s life. Especially not for the color of their skin.”
Dixon grunts. “Most people do know that, it’s them that don’t.”
“And who is them, exactly?” Liv asks, her brown eyes sharp and narrow.
For the first time in my life I watch Willie Dixon shift uncomfortably. I have to admit his comment didn’t come out right, but I know him. I’ve known him my whole life, he was best friends with my father, and the man doesn’t have a racist bone in his body.
He clears his throat. “All I meant was tension is running high right now. My deputy did nothing wrong, but people are trying to blame him instead of placing the blame where it belongs. I meant no disrespect.”
She relaxes. “I’m sorry, I took it the wrong way.”
He nods at her apology.
“When is the funeral?” she asks.
“Thursday,” Dixon replies.
“I’m thinking about going.”
She can’t be fucking serious.
“I’m gonna have to advise against that, Miss Olivia,” Dixon says.
“He was my student. I would like to pay my respects.”
His eyes meet hers over his cup of coffee as he takes a leisurely sip.
I take the opportunity to cut in. “We understand that, but I doubt his family will want you there.” She flinches, and it makes me feel like an asshole. “I’m just saying it may be too soon for everyone involved.”
Her gaze falls to her small hands with a sigh of defeat. “I’ll wait and go after everyone is gone.”
“Again, I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he urges with caution. “I don’t want you gettin’ hurt.”
“He’s right, Livy,” Walter agrees.
“You can’t expect me not to go at all. I…I can’t not say goodbye to him.”
Dixon grumbles, tugging at the back of his neck. “Fine, but make sure you wait until after the services are over, and at least let me send one of my men with you.”
“Do you really think that’s necessary?”
He shrugs. “Better to be on the safe side.”
She concedes with the lift of her chin. I debate offering myself for the job but decide to leave it up to Dixon.
“Got everything we need, Taylor?” he asks, standing up.
“Yeah, I think so.” I stand and give both Walter and Liv a handshake, holding Liv’s a little longer than necessary before following Dixon out the door.
It’s a scorcher today. Not unusual for central Texas in mid-May. I’m used to it, but it’s the humidity that’s so fucking stifling. Pulling my aviators from my shirt, I cover my eyes against the blazing sun.
“That damn woman is out of her mind. Why the hell would she want to go to that funeral? She’s just askin’ for trouble,” he bites out, pulling a pack of Marlboros from the pocket of his shirt and lighting one up.