As dinner wound down, Evan said, “Sam, Nathan, would y’all join me in the office?” He kissed Ginger. “I’ll help clean up in a few. Do you need anything before I go?”

“You handle what you need to. We’ll get this, then you can rub my feet later,” she said with a wink.

“You got it, darlin’.” He squeezed her shoulders before he led Nathan and Sam down the hall to the office.

Evan closed the door after the other two men entered. “First, I’ll tell you the information I learned today, and then discuss the real reason I asked y’all to come out.” Nathan and Sam sat in the leather wingback chairs in front of the desk, so Evan went to the opposite side.

“Marcus called when Ben and I left the swamp. He said the person who took the picture from ATF was from Ft. Gordon. Do you know anyone stationed there?”

“Not that I can recall. Should I?” Nathan responded.

“I don’t either,” Evan added.

“Do you think it’s someone we busted? Could they get clearance for that?”

“If we busted them, it was felony, and I don’t think the military or NSA or Central Intelligence would give a felon that kind of clearance,” Evan said as he drummed his fingers on the desk. “All I know is if he was or is stationed there, then it explains how he was so good at getting in and out so easily.”

“Are you sure it’s a he?” Sam asked.

“If it’s the same guy Ginger saw in the mountains, then yeah. Besides, who else would warn me about keeping her safe? Who else would threaten to get to her anytime they wanted?” Evan scowled.

“A jealous lover of yours?” Sam suggested.

“I never had one long enough to be jealous.”

“Can Marcus track down anything else?” Nathan asked.

“He didn’t say, so I don’t know, but I have an idea.” Evan looked from Nathan to Sam and took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. “There’s an opening at the Riverton Crossing, and at the Cloverville County Police Departments. Both of you made mention that you liked it here and suggested if I were serious about cleaning this place up, to let you know.” He took a minute to let that sink in. “I’m letting you know.” Evan leaned back in his chair and folded his hands over his chest.

“Who would work where?” Nathan asked.

“I don’t want to pressure either of you, so I was gonna let y’all tell me what you’d like to do.” Evan leaned forward and placed his arms on the desk. “I’ve got a man leaving to go to Charleston. He got a taste of investigation from the MI fire at the Gregory’s place, and Charleston has an opening, so he wants to take it. I want someone whom I can trust to come in as my Assistant Police Chief and help train these officers. Plus, with Ginger pregnant and us getting married, I’ll need some time off and want to be able to leave the department with someone I trust.

“Since Frank Smith was arrested this morning, Sheriff Cahill has an opening as well. He was training Frank to take his position when he retired. I don’t know when that’ll be, and it’s an elected office, not an appointed one, so you wouldn’t have to run if you didn’t want to.” Evan shrugged, knowing the county job would be a harder sell. “And, um, the salaries are good for this area, but way below what you’re probably making now. The cost of living is cheap here to make up for some of that, but we can get salary packages together for you to look at before you make a decision if you want. What do y’all think?”

“I told you when you took your job that I’d stay and help you,” Nathan said, “so I’m glad something opened up to make it possible. I knew there’d be a salary adjustment before I offered. You let me worry about that. When do you want to do this?”

“And I told you the same thing as Nathan, but I’m not good at training, and I never thought about working for the Sheriff. Are you sure he’d be okay with me?” Sam asked.

“Believe it or not, Sam, he’d like to have you. He was more worried that you’d want to work with me and he’d get Nathan.” Evan grinned. “Where do you stand on being able to leave your current positions?”

“Two weeks’ notice,” Sam said.

“Me too. Then just the move out here,” Nathan agreed.

Evan nodded. “I’ll talk with the Sheriff tonight and the Mayor on Monday. I’d like you back here as soon as possible. Nathan, since you’re coming with me, I want you to look into the security tapes at the Riverton Crossing Public Library as soon as you’re on board. This guy has to be on their tapes.”

“I can make arrangements to fly out and call the Captain in the morning. What about when MI goes to court?”

Evan nodded. “I’ve thought of that. We’ll make sure both of you have the time off you need.”

“I’m on my bike. I’ll call my Captain in the morning and leave right away. Do I need to speak with the Sheriff?” Sam asked.

“Call him when you can. Do you have his number?”

“I’ve got it.”

Evan took a deep breath and calmed down. They were staying. He smiled and shook their hands. “Thank you.”

“I’m not promising once we get the assholes out that I’m staying. You know that, right?” Nathan said as he shook Evan’s hand.

A devilish grin spread across Evan’s face. “Uh huh. I said that a few months ago myself.” As they walked back to the main area of the house, Evan added, “I’ll have all your documents ready when you get back.” He slapped Nathan on the back. “Sam, I’ll make sure the Sheriff has yours ready, too. I’ll call him tonight and tell him to look for your call in the morning.”

Ginger walked up and hugged Nathan and Sam. “You’re both staying. I’m so happy.”

“Sugar, you know I need to stick around to see how Evan handles a baby.” Nathan chuckled.

Sam shook his head. “I’ve heard the rumors, now I get to see these two in action,” Sam said with a big smile on his face.

“So, when will this all be official?” Mitchell asked.

“As soon as they’re released from their jobs and can get back here,” Evan said.

“Look forward to having y’all around more,” Mitchell said as he shook their hands.

“Hmmm, I guess we’ll have to find y’all a couple nice ladies around here,” Kayla stated.

“Give us some time to get used to the place,” Nathan replied on his way out the door.