It was Rowan who told the mayor’s secretary that they needed to see the man.
“He’s in a meeting,” she said. “And you don’t have an appointment.” Her eyes were on Nate and her distaste was evident.
Rowan held out his credentials. “We do need to see him. If you haven’t heard, there’s been a murder.”
“With that woman who ran away with some man? She—”
Nate stepped forward, but Rowan put himself in front. His face was serious.
“Go on then,” she said, and nodded toward the closed door.
Lew Hartman was sitting behind a mahogany desk the size of a dance platform. He nodded at Rowan, but sneered at Nate. “What is it?”
“The town ordinance says you have to swear a sheriff in,” Rowan said. “Frank Connor turned the office over to Nate, so we need to make it official.”
“I’m not sure this man is right for the job,” the mayor said. “I think I should appoint—”
The door burst open and Stacy came in, her blond prettiness filling the room. She had half a dozen shopping bags in her hands. “I am exhausted!” She sounded happy. “I bought four new outfits, including shoes, and I found the perfect gift for you to give Mom for your anniversary. It’s a necklace with a single pearl and—” She became aware of the silence in the room, then turned to see Rowan. “Hello. I haven’t seen you in a long time.”
“I feel like I’m seeing you for the first time.” Rowan’s voice was not that of an FBI agent on official business. “You grew up quite well.”
“That’s not what you thought in DC.”
“Touché.” Rowan’s eyes were sparkling.
If she noticed, she didn’t show it. “I guess you’re here because of...”
“The car.” Rowan stepped aside so she saw Nate.
“Oh,” Stacy said. “You.”
All Nate could do was nod.
Lew Hartman stepped forward. “I don’t think I should do this. This man is not what we want for our town.”
Rowan’s face lost its flirty look and grew hard. “Sir! Do you realize that there is a murder investigation going on? Nathaniel Taggert is more than qualified to be the sheriff. He—”
“Like hell he is!” Lew yelled. “He broke my daughter’s heart.”
“Oh for heaven’s sake,” Stacy said. “My heart is not broken. I’m much more upset over losing the Stanton house than I am about my fiancé. No offense, Nate.”
“None taken.” His eyebrows were raised.
“You know what’s come out of all this?” Stacy said. “Nate opened my eyes to some awful things going on in this town. Things I never thought about. Dad, do you remember years ago when Terri attacked those boys in high school and she was suspended?”
“Yes. Hector’s back has never been the same, but what does that have to do with anything?”
“Everything,” Stacy said. “When I was a teenager I was like everyone else and took the side of those boys. I saw them as victims. As an adult, I see it all differently.” She looked at Nate. “They went after Terri, didn’t they? And she defended herself.”
“Yes,” Nate said.
“And we all blamed her. I think it was because of what we believed Terri’s mother had done. But now we know her mother was innocent. That poor woman. It has all come down onto Terri. What she’s been through because of us, I can’t imagine. Father! You are going to help Nate with whatever he needs.”
“I—” Lew looked at his daughter. “All right.” He turned to Nate and Rowan. “What do you need? My time and whatever I can do to help is yours.”
After Nate had been sworn in, he and Rowan were walking back to the sheriff’s office.
“I like her,” Rowan said.