Another call about a peeping tom. Ginny’s stomach knotted in anger as she and Grant knocked on the door.

“Ma’am, I’m Officer Spencer and this is Officer Wilder.”

Ginny and Grant entered the rental home as Jerelle Simpkins stepped back to let them in. Having answered the 9-1-1 call, Sam and Mitch were still outside gathering evidence after their initial conversation with her.

Jerelle jerked her head in a nod as she led them to the sofa in the living room. Ginny noticed two little girls standing, wide-eyed, on the stairs, peering at them. She offered a smile but Jerelle said, “Girls. Back to bed. Everything’s fine. Please, girls, just obey Mama.”

The two little ones obediently turned and hurried back up the stairs and Jerelle stood still until she heard their door close. Turning back to the officers, she said, “I don’t want them to hear anything and get nightmares. I just told them that I thought someone outside might need help and had called the police to take care of them.”

Nodding, Ginny assured, “I think that’s very wise, Ms. Simpkins. Can we sit and get your statement once more? I know it was given to Chief Evans, but I’d like you to tell it again. Sometimes things come back to you when you talk to someone different.”

The three sat down as Ginny’s gaze swept the room. It was a typical rental house in Baytown—an old structure, updated with brightly painted walls, beach-themed decorations, and furniture that was built to withstand multiple family visits each week during the season. Turning back to Jerelle, Ginny said, “Please, just start at the beginning and we’ll take notes.”

Swallowing, Jerelle began, “We’ve been here for about four nights. We’ve got another couple of nights on our rental, but I don’t know if I can stay here again. I’m so spooked.” Twisting her hands in front of her, she continued, “I’m recently divorced…it was ugly…and expensive.” Shaking her head as though to restart her thoughts, she explained, “This is our first vacation in almost two years. The girls wanted to come to the beach and I knew we couldn’t afford anything in Virginia Beach, so we came here. It’s been great. They’ve had fun and we’ve had some good seafood. They love the town pier and the Seafood Shack. Love watching the boats and the sunsets.” Shaking her head again, she cried, “Why did this have to happen when we were having such a lovely time?”

“Ms. Simpkins, I know this is so hard for you. But can you tell us about tonight?”

“Yes, yes, sorry. My mind just seems shaken.”

Ginny’s gentle smile was encouraging and Jerelle took a deep breath and let it out slowly before speaking again.

“We walked back from the beach after watching the sunset and I sent the girls up to take a bath. They’re six and eight years old, so it’s still easy for them to take a bubble bath together and I don’t have to be right there with them. I spent some time shaking out the beach towels on the back deck and then hung them over the rail to dry overnight—”

“Can you tell us about what time that was?” Grant asked.

Jerelle scrunched her forehead in thought. “Well, the sunset was at 8:17. We looked it up on my phone and we had a good time as we watched it and, honest to goodness, it did set at exactly 8:17. So by the time we walked home and I got them upstairs, it was probably about 8:45.”

Ginny nodded, “Go on, please.”

“I shut and locked the back door. I’m real careful about that…it’s just habit from my divorce days. Bill would occasionally try to come over when he wasn’t supposed to, so I always lock the doors. Anyway, I heard the girls getting out of the tub and yelled up for them to get in their pajamas and make sure they wiped down any water that might have gotten on the floor. It was just a little after nine when I walked into the living room. And I know this because I looked at my watch to see if there was enough time for us to watch a Disney movie before they went to bed.” She took a deep breath before plunging on, “And that’s when I saw him. He was at the side window peeking in.”

Jerelle stopped, her breath coming in faster pants.

“Ma’am, breathe slowly. Breathe with me.” Ginny inhaled deeply, holding Jerelle’s gaze until both women were breathing in unison. As Ginny observed the other woman’s color returning to normal, she smiled. “Good, you’re doing good.”

Clutching her hands together again, Jerelle said, “Lordy, I feel so crazy. Nothin’ like this has ever happened to me.”

“Please describe the man for us,” Grant encouraged.

“He was peeking in that bottom pane over there,” she pointed. “He had a dark cap on, so I have no idea what color his hair was and his hands were cupping his face as he looked in.”

“Did you see his hand? Did you see flesh color or was he wearing gloves?”

Licking her lips as she pondered, she suddenly looked up in surprise. “Gloves. The only flesh color I saw was his face pressed against the glass. And he was white.” Sighing, she said, “But I have no idea if he was old or young. As soon as I saw him I let out a scream and he moved away. It was so dark outside, I had no idea if he was gone or just in the shadows.”

Ginny stood and walked over to the window, her heart now pounding. Some man in this town is terrorizing women…and that fact pissed her off.

* * *

“He’s taunting us,” Ginny said, staring at the investigation board.

“Taunting us?” Sam asked, reaching his hand over to snag some carrots off the vegetable tray Mildred had brought in. She used to always provide pastries from Jillian’s Coffee Shop, but Sam’s wife had started bringing in healthy snacks and Mildred approved of the change. She still occasionally brought pastries, but now Sam had to contend with both his wife and Mildred watching out for his weight and blood pressure. Glancing at Mable standing in the doorway, smiling contentedly, Ginny figured Sam now had one more woman to watch over him as well.

“Why would he look into the living room window? For these older, two-story houses, the bedrooms are always on the second floor. There is only the kitchen, living rooms, and dining rooms on the first floor. It’s as though he knows someone will see him…I mean, Ms. Simpkins’ lights were still on! He had to know with his stupid face smashed against the window someone would see him!” Letting her breath out in a rush, she shook her head. “Sorry…I’m getting emotional and that doesn’t help us.”

“You’re fine,” Mitch assured. “We get pissed at criminal activity but we’re also human and we feel the crimes very personally. We just don’t want the personal involvement to cloud our investigation.” He looked back up at the board as well, all the voyeuristic activity listed. “But, you’re also right. What is he up to? How does Al Barton fit into this? Was he just looking into his neighbor’s house because of the teenager there? If so, he’s still a threat and I’m hoping we, or someone, can catch him in the act.”

“And not just the little sister,” Burt groused. “I believe her, but with no proof, the DA will never go for it based on the word of a child.”

Grumbles came from all around the table before they heard a commotion from the reception area. Corwin Banks and Silas Mills’ loud voices could be heard arguing with Mildred before the two pompous men stormed into the police workroom.

“What the hell are you doing about these peeping toms?” the mayor yelled, his fist shaking in the air, his jowls shaking as well. “I told Celia to keep her mouth shut, but someone told the Baytown Herald and I got a call this morning from the editor that she wants an official statement about the possibility of a sexual predator in our town—”

“We’re gonna start losing visitors,” Silas interrupted, his eyes narrowing, “and the last thing this town needs is a bad reputation.”

Mitch looked up and said, “You wanna tell me something I don’t know?”

Silas sneered but before he had a chance to speak, Corwin jumped in. “I know you’re working on it, but we gotta catch this bastard before he blackens the name of our little haven.”

“We are trying to catch him!” Ginny shouted, standing while staring the two men down. “But maybe you should be more concerned about the women he’s scaring and not just the town’s reputation.”

“Officer Spencer,” Silas responded, his oily voice oozing sarcasm, “you manage to get your panties in a twist when something affects women. But if this town loses revenue, then maybe your job will be in jeopardy—”

Ginny, red faced and ready to throw down, opened her mouth, but Mitch got there first. Standing, he faced the two interlopers and said with force, “That’s it! Outta my workroom so we can actually get on with the investigation.” Leaning toward Silas, he added, “And if you insult one of my officers again, we’re gonna have a problem. You got that?”

His Adam’s Apple bobbing, Silas glared at the group, adding over his shoulder as he left, “Just do your jobs.”

“Always have,” Mitch countered, his discontent now penetrating Corwin, who had the good grace to blush before leaving.

The room was silent for a moment before Burt looked at Ginny. “We’ve never had a sexual crime here…at least not since I’ve been with the force. And even though I’m married with a daughter, this is hitting home in a way that I’ve never faced before.” Seeing the others’ eyes on him, he continued, “I’m realizing how much more difficult this job can be on you, Ginny.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but he held up his hand. “No, let me finish. You take a certain amount of backlash, just for being a woman in charge. For being a woman in a uniform. Hell, for being a woman. You’re every bit the officer that any of us are, but it’s harder for you…at least, sometimes. Goddamnit, Silas would have never made a comment about us men getting our underwear in a twist.”

At that, a light giggle slipped from her lips then bubbled out loud, her shoulders shaking. The others joined in, the lighthearted banter lifting the heavy weight of the discussion. As their mirth dissipated, she nodded. “You’re right. And, I let him get to me, which I shouldn’t have. But, yeah, the nature of the crime strikes home to me in a personal way.” Seeing her fellow officers’ eyes pinned on her in concern, she shook her head. “It’s over and done. It was years ago in the military. I’m working on it and working through it. But yeah, when someone like Silas comes around, the desire to punch him in the face gets to me.”

“I’d let you,” Sam offered, to the grins of the others.

Mable popped her head around the corner, her bluish curls bouncing as she grinned. “I’m going to like working here!” Before the officers had a chance to comment, she disappeared around the corner.

“Okay, back to work,” Mitch ordered, shaking his head before turning his attention back to the board. Hearing another voice from the front lobby, he rolled his eyes before smiling as Gareth and Katelyn walked in.

Gareth greeted the group and then stated proudly, “Katelyn came across something that she thought might help.”

“I was doing a check on some of the new residents in the area for a case that we’re working on, and I found a person who moved to Baytown recently. Torrin Shadwell. He’s registered as a sex offender in another state, but when he moved here, he didn’t register. As you know, Virginia has a lifetime registration.”

“Good job, Katelyn,” the others said, and Ginny quickly took the information Katelyn offered. “And, I’ve arranged for lunch to be delivered from the Pub, on the house.”

Nodding his thanks to Katelyn, Mitch then turned to Ginny, “Ginny, go with me to visit Torrin.” Seeing Grant about to protest, he held up his hand. “We’ve got this. You check with the lab to see if we’re getting anything back from our evidence sent in.”

Nodding, Ginny inwardly wondered if she was ready for the interview, but knew Mitch was right. As mad as she still was at Silas, she needed to pull herself together so she would be professional to Mr. Shadwell. Closing her eyes, she knew she was not likely to be very pleasant to anyone.

Katelyn walked over and patted her arm, saying, “Why don’t you come over to Tori’s place this evening? We’re having another Jillian wedding planning get together.” Laughing, she said, “Just bring yourself and, if you want, a bottle of wine. See you about eight.” Without waiting for a response, she flitted out of the room, leaving Ginny standing wide-eyed in her wake.

Sighing at the prospect of an evening with the girls, she hustled to follow Mitch to the SUV. Once inside, his lips twitched and she turned to face him full on. “What’s so funny?”

“I know hanging with people isn’t your thing, but honestly, I think you’ll have a good time with Tori, Katelyn, and Jillian.”

Leaning back, she looked out the window, staring but not seeing what was passing by. “I know I will…I’m sure I will.”

“Tell you what,” Mitch added. “If you’re not laughing and dancing and half-drunk when I get there tonight, I’ll take one of your evening shifts.”

Grinning, she agreed, “You’re on. Easiest bet I’ll ever win.”

Minutes later, they pulled up to one of the small homes on the east side of town, viewing a neat, well-kept yard with a few toys scattered about. Walking up, Ginny saw two girls swinging on the porch slurping popcicles. She greeted them with a smile when they looked over, wide-eyed, with orange popcicle-stained mouths.

A woman came to the screen door and, wiping her hands on a dishtowel, opened the door, saying, “Can I help you?”

“We’re looking for Torrin Shadwell.”

The woman paused for a second and then said, “That’s my husband. I’m Glenda. Um, he’s working in the back yard.” Forcing a smile, she added, “He’s been mowing but is now trying to see if we have enough room for a garage or shed in the back. You want to come through?”

Ginny allowed Mitch to take the lead, wondering if he would go around the house or follow Glenda into and through it. He chose the latter and they entered a nicely furnished home, decorated simply with a few more toys scattered in the living room. Passing through the kitchen, the scent of baking filled the air and Ginny’s mouth watered at the sight of homemade cookies cooling on a rack on the counter.

Glenda opened the sliding glass door leading to the back yard and called for Torrin. A tall, thin man looked over and waved at his wife. “Honey, these officers wanted to talk to you.”

She stepped back, letting Ginny and Mitch pass her on their way outside, closing the door behind them.

Torrin, wearing a polo and shorts, dressed like a man who had just played a round of golf, walked over, his face curious, and a little guarded, as he said, “What can I do for you?”

Mitch introduced himself and Ginny before saying, “I’ll cut right to the chase, Mr. Shadwell. We’ve come across your name as being registered as a sexual offender, but you did not register when you moved to Virginia.”

Torrin’s eyes widened, his mouth going slack, before his shoulder slumped. It was as though all the air was sucked from him. Ginny blinked at the unexpected response.

Torrin pointed to a group of lawn chairs on the patio and said, “Can we sit?”

Nodding, the three settled in the chairs but, before they had a chance to talk, Glenda came out with a tray containing lemonade and cookies. Placing it on the table, she served them and then sat in the chair closest to Torrin, placing her hand on his arm, offering him a little smile.

“Officers, you’ll find my wife is very supportive and we can speak freely in front of her.”

“Considering I had as much to do with your judgement as you did, I should be here.”

Her curiosity peaked, Ginny said, “We’re not here to judge you, Mr. Shadwell, but to let you know that Virginia has a lifetime sexual offender registration. When you moved here a few months ago, you should have registered.”

Nodding slowly, Torrin said, “I understand—”

“Well, I don’t!” Glenda bit out, her friendly face torn by anger and, Ginny noticed, sadness.

“Honey, it is what it is,” Torrin said, but his face was full of the same emotions as his wife. Looking up, he said, “Chief Evans, you’re right. I really just did not think about it because in the state we came from, the time statute was shorter than life and I made the poor assumption that Virginia was the same.”

“My father, the sanctimonious asshole,” Glenda said, her body shaking with emotion.

Mitch and Ginny shared a quick glance, but it was noticed by Torrin, who said, “Let me explain. Glenda and I were high school sweethearts.” He reached over and linked fingers with her.

“I fell in love with her when I was only fifteen and she was fourteen. I was a sophomore and she was a freshman. We hung out, then dated when she was allowed to go on dates—”

“My father was a conservative minister,” Glenda interjected. “He preached hell fire and damnation from the pulpit on Sunday mornings, but managed to slap my mother around when dinner wasn’t prepared the way he wanted.”

Torrin continued, “I took care of Glenda as much as I could, always made sure I had her home on time, helped her mom and dad around the house, but,” sighing heavily, “we had sex before we got married. I was eighteen and she was only seventeen…and her father pressed charges when he found out.”

Glenda explained further, “I got pregnant. My father was furious because of his position in our little community. I cried, pleaded, begged…but he was insistent that Torrin pay for his sins. Torrin was arrested and then convicted of a sexual offense with a minor.” With a rueful snort, she added, “By then I was eighteen. Torrin was given a light sentence and we got married, left home and never went back.”

Ginny was stunned, the story not being at all what she expected. “You…you were convicted?”

Torrin shrugged. “I was eighteen, she was seventeen, still a minor. She was pregnant. As far as the judge was concerned, there was no way to not find me guilty. He gave me community service as my sentence, which I did. The day it was over, we got married and left town. Been together thirteen years now.”

The four sat silently as Ginny struggled with their story. Cutting her eyes toward Mitch, she saw his face full of consternation as well.

Finally, clearing his throat, he said, “Mr. Shadwell, I appreciate your candor and, as you know, your story can be easily investigated for its accuracy, which we will do as a matter of record. Once I have corroborated your story, I’ll find out what the next step is. If you do not have to register here since you have completed your registration period in the state of conviction, then I’ll let you know.”

Relief filled Glenda and Torrin’s faces and Ginny hoped they would not have to be further tainted by their adolescent decision. Standing, they shook hands and walked around the house toward the front. Waving goodbye to the two girls still swinging on the porch, Ginny followed Mitch to the SUV.

Silent for most of the way back to the station, Mitch finally said, “Not what I was expecting.”

Shaking her head, Ginny whispered to the window, “Me either. Not at all.”