Before they went to sleep, Ginger had asked Evan what he needed from her to know he came first in her life. No woman had ever asked that. He had told her what he needed in their sex life, but had never thought about what he needed outside of that. As he lay there, he tried to figure out if there was any one thing. He told her he’d let her know in the morning, but the thing was he didn’t know because she didn’t have to do anything specific.

She rolled and placed her head on his chest. “Those wheels seem to already be turning mighty fast this morning,” she said with a scratchy morning voice.

He wrapped his arm around her. “Just thinking about our discussion from last night.”

“And?”

“You do show me I’m your priority. Don’t think I haven’t noticed I have clean clothes every day and I haven’t done laundry in a month. Or that you’ve cooked our meals. Or any time I need to touch you, you’re always available to me. You give of yourself so much. How could anyone have ever taken that for granted or hurt you? Keep being yourself and we’ll be just fine.” He kissed her forehead.

“What time is your friend coming over?”

“Around ten.”

“I need to get a shower and breakfast started then,” she said as she turned to leave the bed.

They moved to start their day, but found it was after nine before they walked into the kitchen. Kayla was making breakfast, but Evan didn’t see Mitchell anywhere. “Good morning, Kayla. Where’s Mitchell?”

“He’s outside. The Sheriff knocked on the door a couple of minutes ago, but as usual he didn’t want to come in because he had tobacco in his mouth. That stuff is gross anytime, but first thing in the morning is enough to make even me sick.”

Evan grabbed a cup of coffee and kissed Ginger. “Maybe I should see what’s going on since Ben will be here soon.” He moved toward the door and walked out to the Sheriff’s truck. “Good morning, Sheriff. What brings you out so early?” Evan took a sip of his coffee as he stretched out his hand to the Sheriff. He noticed Deputy Smith was nowhere in sight.

“Mornin’, Evan. I just came out to tell y’all that Harley Youngener was found dead Friday night. We initially ruled it a suicide, but the autopsy showed differently. Since he was arrested here, I thought I’d ask where you boys were Friday night.”

“At the Gregory’s with Mak, showing them her engagement ring and talking wedding plans,” Mitchell said. His beaming smile was full of pride.

“Well, so you finally proposed?”

“Yessir.”

“Congratulations, it’s about time,” Sheriff Cahill said with all seriousness. When he turned to Evan, his demeanor didn’t change. “And you?”

“I was here, Sheriff. I spent the day with my girl,” Evan said in a tone that let the Sheriff know he better not ask for details.

“Will she back up that story?”

“Yessir, I’ll get her.” Evan opened the door and yelled for Ginger. When she walked outside and saw the Sheriff, her eyes bounced back to Evan’s. As he guided her toward the men he said loud enough for everyone to hear, “The Sheriff needs to ask you something. You need to answer him honestly, but do not give him any details.” Evan smiled trying to relax her.

“Good mornin’ Miss. What’s your name?”

“Ginger Monroe.”

“Were you with Evan on Friday night?”

“Oh, yes, sir.” The twinkle in her eyes told more than her words. “We were very much together all day Friday and Saturday.” By the time she got out Saturday, she was blushing and biting her bottom lip to keep her smile somewhat contained. Evan listened with his head bowed and his eyes fixed on the dirt between his boots while his thumb held in his smile. When Evan rolled his eyes to the Sheriff, he seemed to be wishing he hadn’t asked that question.

“Thank you. That’ll be all, Miss…Monroe.”

“Do you want any more coffee?” The laughter dancing in Ginger’s eyes was contagious.

“No, darlin’, I’m good for now.” Evan couldn’t help kissing her. He watched her walk off and adjusted himself when he turned around, knowing the Sheriff saw but Evan didn’t care.

“You datin’ that girl, Evan?”

“More than dating, Sheriff.” Evan cocked his head. “Who called it in?”

“Deputy Smith was in the area and saw the body. He called it in and stayed until an ambulance arrived. You know how gators are this time of year. He didn’t want one comin’ up and the body never be found.”

“Makes sense.” Mentally noting the Sheriff confirmed what the Judge suspected, Evan asked, “Have you requested help from the state boys?”

“Once Dr. Crosby told me it wasn’t suicide, I called for the lab. As long as it’s been, I don’t know if there’ll be any evidence left.”

Evan took a sip of his coffee. “What about a murder investigative team?”

“If there’s no evidence…”

“Sheriff, I had a visitor yesterday who asked me to intervene. I don’t wanna impede your investigation in any way, but this person didn’t know who he could trust locally. He thinks he can trust you. Can he?” Evan interrupted.

“What are you sayin’, Evan?”

“I’m saying there’s some dirt in your department. We know of some, but don’t know how deep it runs. Now, I have a friend from state gonna be here shortly and another agent about an hour later. How much do you wanna know, Sheriff?”

“You were gonna look into this behind my back?”

“For a little while, yessir.”

“Evan Riverton, who the hell do you think you are?”

“I’m ATF and part owner of this ranch.”

“When did you become a federal?”

“When I left town.”

“Well, hell, that’s been the best kept secret around here.”

“That’s because Mitchell was the only one who knew until my little stay here.”

The Sheriff turned his head when they heard a car pull down the driveway. “You really think there’s dirt in my department?”

“Pretty sure, sir.”

“I’m not goin’ to like this, am I?”

“I doubt it. If you’re clean, you need to get on this side of the ball before someone tries to put you on the other side of it.”

“What do you mean, if? Boy, you startin’ to piss me off.”

“Good. Why don’t you spit out that chaw and meet with us? Is Deputy Smith with the crime scene?”

“Naw. Today’s his day off.”

“So he could still go out there and we wouldn’t know it.”

“He said somethin’ about doin’ one of those day trips deep sea fishin’ with his cousin.”

When the car came to a stop, Evan looked at the Sheriff. “You in?”

“Dammit. I don’t like this, but if somethin’ needs cleanin’, I may as well not be caught with my pants down around my ankles.” He walked to his truck and spat the tobacco in a cup while Evan walked to the black sedan.

Evan watched as Ben Stevens stepped out of his car. Ben stood a little over six feet with dark hair, goatee, and green eyes. Since it was a Sunday morning, he wasn’t in his normal business suit, but a fitting T-shirt, jeans, and boots. He could fit in at the ranch easily.

“Ben. How are you, man?” Evan shook his hand as he continued, “I didn’t know the Sheriff was coming by this morning, but I think it’s good that he did.”

“I thought you said we’ve got some unethical cops running around.”

“No, I said we’ve got some dirty cops. But, he isn’t one of them.”

“You sure?”

“About ninety-five percent, but I’ve known him my whole life. He’s always been a straight shooter.”

“I’ve found if a cop is dirty it usually has to do with money, and money makes some people do some pretty stupid shit.”

“I know. Look, he knew I was in town weeks ago and never told anyone. He kept that secret even though he didn’t know why or that it was even a secret. If he’s dirty, it’ll shock the shit out of me.”

“You willing to show all your cards to him?”

“The man that came to me doesn’t think he’s dirty either. I don’t want him rolled up in this if he isn’t. He’s a good man.”

Ben nodded. “Who all is invited to your little party?”

“The Sheriff, now that he’s here and a DEA agent. His alias is Sam Booker, but Sam Baxter is official. He was in on the bust that took down Masterson Investments. I think our issue is that some of their drugs didn’t get caught in the net. He’ll be here around eleven.”

“You got the other stuff for me to look at?”

“Yeah, but let’s wait until everyone has left. I don’t want this on the local level.”

Evan introduced Ben to Sheriff Cahill and Mitchell before they moved to the office. Once the door shut, Evan thanked Ben for coming and informed both of them that he’d be leaving town on Tuesday. Finally he said, “I’ve got to report back to work, and somebody needs to know what’s happening here. Once all the information is on the table, we’ll abide with how you wanna proceed.”

“What do you have for me?” Ben asked.

Evan pulled out everything from the conversation with Judge Bishop and Thomas. “This man’s father is Judge Harland Bishop. This picture was taken in your jail, Sheriff. By one of your deputies.” Evan watched Ben pass the picture to Sheriff Cahill. “The deputy that took the picture delivered it to Judge Bishop last Friday afternoon with a warning.”

The Sheriff was looking at the picture of Harley. “What the hell, Evan? Why didn’t Harland tell me this Friday night?”

“Who took the picture?” Ben asked.

Evan looked directly into the Sheriff’s eyes. “Deputy Frank Smith. That’s why he wouldn’t talk with Deputy Smith in the room at the hospital.” The look of shock on the Sheriff’s face was a relief. Either the man should’ve been on Broadway or he was truly blind-sided.

“Evan, that’s a pretty definitive statement. Are you sure?” Ben asked.

“I sat in this very room yesterday afternoon for hours listening to the Judge’s complete story. He’s willing to come back out today if we need him. He’s got names and dates. He knows things that only someone on the inside could’ve told him. ATF and DEA both had men inside that bust, and I can guaran-damn-tee you they didn’t tell him.”

“How big of a net are we talking here?” Ben asked.

“Town and county law enforcement, another town official, and possibly a bank officer. I don’t know who else.”

“Son-of-a-bitch,” Sheriff Cahill said softly.

“How long would it take the Judge to get here? I’d like to hear it directly from him if at all possible,” Ben said.

As Evan made the call, there was a knock on the door. When he opened it, Sam walked in. Even though he was speaking with Judge Bishop, he watched the Sheriff. He looked from Sam to Evan back to Sam. “What the…”

Evan disconnected the call. “Sam, I’d like you to meet Ben Stevens. Ben’s one of our state boys. I think you’ve met Sheriff Cory Cahill.”

“Ben. Sheriff.”

“What the hell is he doin’ here? He was workin’ with the Masterson people.”

“No, Sheriff. Sam is DEA. I asked him to join us because I believe that some of the Masterson drugs weren’t in the garage at the time of the bust.”

“Does Harland know that?”

“No, sir. I guess he’s gonna find out when he gets here.”

“I can’t wait to see those fireworks,” Sheriff Cahill said through a chuckle.

As they waited for the Judge to arrive, they caught Ben up on the bust with Masterson Investments. Evan was in the kitchen getting drinks when Mitchell let the Judge into the house. “Hi Judge. I have a few men in the office. Wanna join us?”

“Can you trust these people, Evan?”

“Yessir, but before we walk in there, you need to know Sheriff Cahill is one of them.”

“I sure hope you know what you’re doing.”

Evan ushered Judge Bishop into the room, and he stopped cold when he saw Sam. If the Sheriff’s reaction was disbelief, then the Judge’s was outrage.

“What’s going on, Evan? I don’t like sneak attacks.”

“Judge, I couldn’t tell you because I needed your initial reaction. Sam is DEA. He’ll be able to fill in some of the blanks Harley couldn’t or didn’t. You’ve gotta trust me, and I trust everyone in this room.”

“I don’t understand what Harley has to do with this. I haven’t seen him since the day the Judge put him in jail,” Sam said pointing at Judge Bishop.

“Harley was found dead, Sam. The Judge knows by telling his story to the Sheriff and me that he’s put himself in a bad position. Some of the things he’s done were out of desperation and blackmail. Having said that, he knows he could face some ethics violations.” Evan turned his attention to Ben. “Between the Judge and Sam you should have a pretty clear picture of what’s going on, and hopefully we can move on these people,” Evan said.

“Let’s get the information on the table.” Ben rubbed his hands together.

Sam moved to take a seat by Evan as he asked, “How long you staying in town?”

“I was going to the beach with Nathan for a few days, but I can hang here a little longer if needed,” Sam responded.

“I’ll be around tomorrow, but I’m leaving Tuesday. I hope y’all can work together while I’m gone. I’m sure Mitchell will let you meet here if you need to.”

They spent several hours working through everything the Judge and Sam knew, as well as what had transpired over the last five weeks. Even though Evan thought his brain was about to explode, the pieces were falling into place. While Evan escorted the Judge and Sheriff out, Ben and Sam stayed in the office. When he returned, he thanked them for staying.

“Show us what you got,” Ben said.

The men gathered around the desk as Evan brought up the email and picture of Ginger. “This was the first one. ATF said the email came from The Riverton Crossing Public Library. Sam has already seen it.”

“You said there was another one?” Ben asked.

“Yeah, ATF is all over this one.” Evan looked at Sam as he opened Ginger’s laptop. “This one was sent to her. It was never public. According to my guy, the person has high security clearance and knows his way around a computer. The only reason we know that much is because ATF has special security on agents’ pictures.”

“Sam, you know about this one, too?” Ben asked.

Sam nodded. “Evan brought Nathan and me out last Saturday after he spoke with ATF.”

While Ben looked at the emails, Evan brought out the note. “This was handed to me last Saturday by a valet here in town. Maybe they’re all connected, maybe they aren’t, but this one feels different to me.”

“Why’s that?”

“The wording. He calls her a whore.”

“So?”

“The others were warnings, not name calling. Plus, the words are referring to someone else.”

“Who?”

Evan explained his relationship with Ruby Mae as Ben took notes. When Evan finished, Ben looked up from his notebook. “Any idea who?”

“Chief Curtis Taylor was two years behind me. He’s my brother’s age,” Evan said. “Deputy Frank Smith is two years older, but I didn’t really know him. I don’t know if he knew Ruby Mae. Hell, Ben. The whole damn town went to the same high school!”

“Is that it?”

“No. This is the one I received Monday when I called you,” Evan said while holding the envelope it had come in. Evan hesitated and knew Ben would notice.

“I need to see it, Evan. Tell me about her,” Ben said as Evan handed him the picture.

“Her name’s Ginger Monroe. We’ve been seeing each other for about six weeks. That picture was taken the week before Harley died.” Evan didn’t like anyone seeing that picture, but knew he’d have to answer the question. “That’s me with her. She was working out back when I received the first email I showed you. I didn’t see anyone, but remember hearing something that hasn’t come to me yet…” He trailed off, thinking. A…a motorcycle. I heard a motorcycle start up. Finally,” he said with a sigh of relief. “The men weren’t at the barn, but the picture was taken from that direction.”

“You sure it’s not one of your men?”

“That afternoon we went for a ride. One of my men had just arrived when I asked him to get some horses ready. He told me the other guys had just got back right before we walked in. The foreman confirmed that with Mitchell yesterday. None of them rides a motorcycle. But the one who worked that Saturday saw someone hanging around the ranch on one.”

“Has she received any threats?”

Evan rubbed his forehead before he told Ben about the incident at the café a few days ago. “Part of me just thinks it was Curtis being Curtis, but when you put the puzzle pieces together it seems like more.”

“Can I see the other picture?” Ben handed it to Sam.

“Ben, that picture is a private moment. I don’t want a lot of eyes on it, got me? That look was meant for me, not the world.”

“I’ll do what I can to limit the exposure.”

“I want the source destroyed,” Evan said.

“Both pictures of her were of intimate moments. Moments someone wouldn’t want exposed. The first was before you ever met her. They’re telling you they know who she is. She was away from you and they have her picture. The other is in your own back yard. She was close and they still got to her. What does ATF say?” Ben asked.

“I haven’t shown them this one.”

“I need to take all of this to the lab. See if the picture of your girl and the one of Harley match. How many people have touched these?”

“Just Mitchell and I touched the picture of Ginger. No one but me touched the note. I don’t know about the picture of Harley.”

“Forward the emails to my office. I want your and your brother’s fingerprints before I leave here.”

“From what I could tell, the handwritings on the picture and note don’t match,” Evan said.

“I’ll have the lab analyze them. I’ve got this, Evan. You wouldn’t have called me if you thought otherwise.”

Evan nodded. “We can do the fingerprints in the kitchen.”

As the three men walked down the hall Sam said, “You want me to tell Nathan or are you calling him?”

“Tell him, but let him know I’ll call him later. Thanks, man.”

Sam bid everyone goodnight on his way out the door while Evan explained to Mitchell why they were giving Ben their fingerprints.