Chapter 8 #2
Her pulse thudded once. She didn’t want to be responsible for messing up the town’s dynamics or making Brock lose his job.
Kyle continued, “If this town just made up a sheriff’s position, maybe it also ignores Alaskan laws. That’s terrifying.”
There probably weren’t enough people in Knife’s Edge to move the election one way or the other when it came to him.
“That’s entirely up to you,” May said evenly.
“But I’m only one person. I imagine the other people in this town could raise quite a ruckus.
Who even knows who’s around.” There was some truth to that statement.
“I’m not very scared.” Kyle’s smooth smile slid back into place. “Now why don’t you sit down and have dinner with me?”
Before May could respond, the tavern door opened.
Ace strolled inside, his shoulders loose and his eyes scanning automatically. The second he spotted her, his stride shifted. His gaze flicked to Kyle, then back to her. He didn’t hesitate as he picked his way across the crowded floor. “Hey, May. We need to talk.”
She completely agreed. “Yes. I know.”
Ace glanced around, his jaw tightening. The tavern pulsed with noise. “It’s too loud here. There are too many people.” He jerked his chin toward the door. “Let’s go to the Green Plate and get dinner.”
“She already has dinner plans,” Kyle said.
Ace’s gaze snapped to him.
May didn’t even look at Kyle. “Actually, I’m free. Let’s go.” She turned and walked toward the door without looking back.
Ace was right behind her.
Cold air hit them the moment they stepped outside.
The wind had picked up again, sliding down from the mountains with a damp edge that hinted at more weather coming.
The streetlights glowed softly against the long Alaskan evening, the sky still holding that strange half-light that never fully faded this time of year.
Did they even need the streetlights? Maybe. It was a bit murky outside.
Ace fell into step beside her, his presence solid and steady. “You okay?”
She turned left onto the main stretch of road. “Yeah. I’m fine.”
Ace moved gracefully around her, placing himself on the street side. A quiet, automatic shift.
May glanced at him. “You think I’m going to get hit by a car in Knife’s Edge?”
He shrugged. “You never know. A lot of these tourists don’t know what the hell they’re doing on the four-wheelers.”
That was, unfortunately, a true statement. She’d already treated three broken arms this month.
They walked in silence for a few beats. Somewhere down the block, a screen door slammed. The scent of wet earth lingered in the air, mixing with wood smoke from a distant cabin.
Ace glanced sideways at her. “Kyle bothering you?”
May’s shoulders stiffened. “Kyle is always bothering someone.”
Ace’s lips flattened. “You want me to handle him?”
She shot him a look. “Absolutely not.”
His brow lifted. “Just offering.”
“I know.” She softened. “But no.”
The Green Plate’s warm lights came into view ahead, glowing like a small beacon against the cooling evening. Inside, she could already picture the quieter atmosphere.
Ace pulled the door open for her. “After you, Doc.”
“Doors and walking on the outside of the sidewalk? Somebody taught you manners.” Yeah, that made her feel all gooey inside.
“It was Hank,” Ace said agreeably. “He beat it into us. Man. I miss him sometimes.”
“Yeah,” May said quietly. “But you have your brothers. That’s something.”
“Yeah. It is.” His tone sharpened. “What did the jackass senator want?”
May exhaled. “He threatened to expose fake medical records about me. He also hinted at putting the sheriff’s position in jeopardy.”
Ace’s head snapped toward her. “You’re kidding.”
“I wish I were.”
His jaw tightened. “We need to warn Brock, although he might be on board with the idea.”
“That’s not true. He enjoys being sheriff, even though he complains about it.”
Ace huffed a laugh. “Fair.”
“We’ll warn him. But honestly? The entire state of Alaska knows that Knife’s Edge has a sheriff. I don’t think there’ll be a problem,” May mused.
Ace didn’t look convinced.
May spotted an empty booth in the back corner of the restaurant. Every other table was full with people enjoying the very excellent food. “I have to admit that I kind of like winter around here.”
Ace smirked. “Less tourists?”
“Exactly.”
They moved past several occupied booths.
“Hey, Ace!” A pretty dark-haired woman waved enthusiastically.
Ace slowed. “Oh. Hi, um…”
“Betty,” she said. She had to be in her mid-twenties and was both vivacious and curvy. “And my partner, Barbie.”
May blinked. Oh yeah. The two newest influencers to hit town.
Barbie’s hazel eyes lit up. She was just as voluptuous but a lovely blonde with brown skin. “We were looking for you last night.”
“Yeah, I heard.” Ace’s tone stayed polite but cautious. “I don’t want to be on a podcast.”
“That’s not why,” Barbie said, winking.
Ace coughed. “Ah, thanks but no. Have a nice night, ladies.”
May walked past the last table and started to slide into the leather booth.
Ace gently caught her arm and tugged her back, guiding her to the other side before taking the seat himself.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“I always face the door.”
May paused. “Former Navy issue?”
“You could say that.”
She shook her head but didn’t argue.
Janet appeared quickly to take their orders, giving them the option of steak, some chicken dish, or Cobb salad. She and her husband owned the place, and the menu always varied. May ordered the salad and Ace the steak. Janet hurried away, pouring water in glasses as she went.
May waited until she was out of earshot. She didn’t have time to worry about Ace with the hot influencers. “I was interviewed by the troopers.”
Ace’s expression didn’t change. “Yeah?”
“They wanted to know how long you were at my house last night.” She held his gaze. “Do you know why?”
Ace’s face looked like it had been carved from stone. “Yeah.”
May’s stomach cramped. “Why?”
“They think I murdered that woman.”