Free Ripple of Secrets: Rose Gardner Mystery Novella #6.5 (Rose Gardner series Book 3) by Denise Grover Swank Page B

neighborhood when my phone rang. I wasn’t surprised to see it was the sheriff’s department.
    “I’m on my way in now,” I said as I answered.
    “That’s good, sir,” the front desk receptionist said. “Because there’s a woman who insists that she see you.”
    “Who is it?”
    “She won’t say, but she says she’s not leaving until she’s said her piece.”
    I wasn’t in the mood to deal with disgruntled county citizens. “Isn’t the sheriff in yet? Hand her off to him.”
    “She insists on you .”
    “Great,” I grumbled, wondering whom I’d pissed off this time and why. “I should be there in fifteen minutes. But since I have you, can you patch me through to Deputy Miller”
    “Sure.”
    Moments later, Deputy Miller answered.
    “Miller, I have a special job for you, but I want you to keep it between us.”
    “Of course, sir.”
    “I think Mason Deveraux is still in danger, but I’d prefer not to make it widespread knowledge in the department. I’d like for you to keep tabs on him periodically throughout the day. If you discover anything suspicious, you answer directly to me.”
    “Do you have any idea who has it out for him?”
    “No. I’m hoping you’ll be able find something for me.”
    “I’ll do my best, sir.”
    I knew he would. He was probably one of the most dependable men on the force. I still needed to tell Mason, so I pulled into a parking lot and sent him a quick text.
    I’m not certain the threat to your safety is eliminated. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, let me know. I’ve got Miller monitoring you so don’t be surprised if you see him in the background.
    I wondered if I should tell him more, but other than knowing my father was involved, there wasn’t anything else to tell. Mason knowing about my father wouldn’t keep him any safer.
    The streets of Henryetta were emptier than usual, most likely because the citizens were worried about icy roads, so I made it to the sheriff’s office quickly. When I entered the lobby, I wasn’t prepared to see the woman sitting across the room from me, grinning at me like she was up to nothing but trouble.
    My sister Kate.
     
     
     
     

Chapter Eight

    Joe
     
     
     
    “Hello, big brother,” she said, getting to her feet and adjusting her purse strap on her shoulder. She wore jeans covered with holes, a flannel shirt and a tan jacket.
    “I’m surprised to see you here.” It was an understatement.
    “After your meeting with dear old Dad, you ran out of the house like a man on fire. We didn’t get a chance to have our little chat.”
    I shifted my weight. “You never thought to pick up your phone and call me? You could have easily gotten the number from Mom.”
    “Nah, I prefer a face-to-face meeting.”
    I glanced toward the door leading to the back offices. I knew I didn’t have anything pressing waiting on me and I was still a bit early for my shift. I could take Kate back to my office, but I preferred to keep the Simmons family chaos as far from my work life as possible. “Judy,” I said to the receptionist behind the glass partition. “I’m going out for a bit. Call me if you need me.”
    She barely glanced up. “Will do.”
    “Have you had breakfast?” I asked my sister, gesturing to the door.
    Kate followed me out to the parking lot. “No. Are you going to take me to some quaint Podunk restaurant?”
    I stopped and turned to face her, my back muscles tight. “I live in this town and county. If you are bringing our parents’ small-minded attitude with you, just get back in your car and drive back to wherever it is you came from. Because I’m not putting up with it.”
    She held up her hands in defense, a sly grin spreading across her face. “Down, boy. I didn’t mean it like it sounded. Sometimes the snark slips out unchecked.”
    I gave her a brisk nod. “Okay.”
    “But I really do want to eat at a small-town restaurant with down-home cooking. Like Roberta used to make.”
    I watched her