Finding it hard to believe Walters had thrust her into a situation without a second thought—or backup—Jenna bit back a snort of incredulity and hurried for the church. Poor old Deputy Walters was breathing so hard she couldn’t imagine how he’d coped since the sheriff died. She stepped inside the large carved wooden doors and the smell of burning candles hit her in a wave of memories. Her parents’ funeral still lingered in the dark recesses of her mind, and the fresh wound of losing Steve came back in a rush. Coming from bright sunlight into the muted light inside the church, she blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted and she scanned the interior. “Father Derry?”
A moan came from one end of the pews. She walked past the confessional boxes and she found a middle-aged man crumpled on the floor. Blood trickled from a cut on his head and dripped from his chin to a crimson patch on his pristine white collar. She dropped to her knees and examined him closely. “Father Derry. Open your eyes.”
“Who are you?” Father Derry blinked a few times and then pushed into a sitting position, with his back against the wall. “Where’s Carol?”
“I’m Deputy Jenna Alton and Carol is outside waiting for the paramedics with Deputy Walters.” She pulled a pack of tissues from her pocket and handed him a few. “What happened here?”
“Carol is one of my parishioners. She came here for sanctuary. I provide a safe place for people in need.” He waved to his face. “Unfortunately, her husband arrived before I was able to get her to safety. I was knocked over and hit my head.”
Jenna frowned. “Carol mentioned they’d recently divorced.”
“Not in the eyes of the church.” Father Derry sighed. “Although I did offer them counselling, I can’t unfortunately work miracles.”
“So it would seem.” Jenna heard a siren in the distance. “Stay where you are. I’ll go and meet the paramedics.” She patted his shoulder and stood.
Outside, an ambulance pulled up and two paramedics jumped out. She waved one toward the church. “Father Derry has a head injury and facial bruising. He was unconscious when I found him, but he seems lucid now.”
“Okay, lead the way.” The paramedic followed her inside, carrying his bag.
After examining the priest, the paramedic insisted he went to the ER. Jenna waited with Father Derry while the paramedic went to fetch a gurney and then loaded up the priest. She squeezed the poor man’s arm. “Is there anyone I can call?”
“Would you go and tell my housekeeper what’s happened? In the rectory round back.” Father Derry gripped her arm. “She’ll know what to do.”
Jenna nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll go and see her as soon as I’ve checked on Carol.”
On her return to the cruiser, Deputy Walters surprised her by waving a statement book in front of her face. She shook her head. “Not yet. Father Derry has a head injury. I’ll speak to him later about making a statement.”
“Not the good father. Carol Dean has given a statement. She doesn’t want Errol getting away with hurting Father Derry or her this time.” Walters indicated to the ambulance. “She’s going to the ER as well. I figure they’ll both be kept there overnight for tests and observation. I’ve contacted Carol’s folks and they’ll meet her there.”
“Okay.” Jenna glanced behind her. “Where’s the rectory?”
“Rowley here will show you.” Walters smiled at her. “He’s a local boy. I figure we need a rookie for someone of your experience to supervise. What do you say, Jenna? I can swear him in today and he can start tomorrow.”
“I’m standing right here.” Jake Rowley looked from one to the other. “Maybe you two should discuss it some?”
Jenna cleared her throat. He had a point, and she didn’t like him putting her on the spot in front of a potential rookie candidate. “Good idea.” She raised her eyebrows at Walters and walked some distance away. “First up, is there room in the budget for another deputy?”
“Another two, and if you become sheriff, I’ll go into semi-retirement. I’ll just come in when you need me.” Walters rested his hand on his weapon. “The town isn’t poor by any means, Jenna. It’s prosperous and the town council runs all the festivals and tourist events. They make a good deal of money and it’s only going to get better. The mayor and local business owners are making plans to increase the tourist attractions. I hear tell of plans for a ski resort and a whitewater-rapid attraction, plus tour guides for those people who want to hike. And of course, we have those people who come here to hunt and fish.”
Trying to take it all in at once, Jenna nodded slowly. “Ah… getting back to Jake Rowley. I assume you ran a background check on me before you offered me a badge. How come you’re offering to deputize this guy, who just walked up to you on the street?”
“Jake Rowley?” Walters laughed. “I’ve known him since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. He’s smart and holds a black belt in martial arts, took out the last competition on rifle marksmanship, and played college football. Townsfolk like him and he’s wanted to be in law enforcement since he could speak.”
Jenna stared at her boots, and then lifted her gaze to look at the old man. “So why isn’t he going for sheriff?”
“He has no experience, but he learns real fast. But he has one tiny chink in his armor.” Walters chuckled. “He’s not so good when it comes to the sight of blood—as in a messy crime scene, but as we don’t have mass murder in Black Rock Falls, he should fit in just fine.” He opened his hands. “You know, after seeing how you handled Dean, I’ll be speaking to Mayor Rockford. I figure you should take over from me as acting sheriff. With Rowley to back you up, you’ll handle things just fine. I’m happy to be a desk jockey. My days of handling men like Errol Dean are over.”
“Okay. That’s fine by me.” Jenna nodded. Her first few hours on the job and she’d taken over already. “With Jake to show me around, I’ll be just fine.” She walked back toward Rowley.
“Good, I’ll go speak to the mayor when we get back to the office.” Walters grinned at Rowley. “Welcome to the team. If the mayor agrees, and I can be darn right persuasive, Jenna here will take over as acting sheriff until the elections. I’ll expect you to show her around, and let the townsfolk know we have an experienced law enforcement officer on our team.”
“Thanks, I’ll get the word out.” Rowley turned to Jenna. “I know me just showing up here looks kind of suspicious.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “My folks just live down the road a ways.” He pointed to a pathway heading round the back of the church. “The rectory is through there.”
Jenna liked his honest face and walked beside him. “What was your major at college?”
“Social sciences.” Rowley followed her along the pathway. “Do you mind me asking what you did before you arrived here?”
Jenna gl