Клэр Донелли - Hiss And Tell

She killed the sound on the television set, turning to her father. “Do you think there’s any place we can tune in for the election results?”

“Primary results,” Mike corrected her. “And we’ll be lucky to see something in tomorrow’s paper. A sheriff’s race isn’t exactly big news.”

He was wrong, though. When he tuned into the second half of the ten o’clock newscast, they had a brief blurb on how Lenore Nesbit had ridden a tidal wave of sympathy votes onto the ballot, which given Elmet County’s voting habits, meant she had a lock on the election as well.

“I was afraid of this,” Mike growled, glaring at the screen as Lenore waved to her supporters. “Even though Will did his job—and caught a murderer—it wasn’t enough.”

“Yeah, well, we kind of saw it coming,” Sunny reminded him. “As political slogans go, there’s a big difference between ‘Keeping Elmet County Safe’ and ‘Catching Another Murderer.’”

The doorbell rang, and she found Will on the doorstep.

“Figured I’d come over to ask Mike when’s the best time to concede,” he said with a wry smile as he came inside.

Sunny put her arms around him, shutting the door. “And maybe get a little consolation-prize therapy?”

Will looked over her shoulder. “I dunno, it looks as though the chaperone is already in business.”

Sunny turned to find a gray-furred face peering out at them from behind the cover of the archway into the living room. Slowly and mistrustfully, Shadow advanced toward them. But he came straight up, twined his way around Sunny’s legs—and then did the same to Will.

“He’s never done that before,” Will said. Shadow sat back on his haunches as though he were regarding his handiwork.

“He does that on rare occasions with Dad, and I’ve seen him do it with Jane Rigsdale when he visits her at the vet’s office. Looks as though he’s marking you as one of his official people.”

Will laughed. “Well, I guess that’s one election I’ve won.”

He was interrupted as the doorbell rang again.

“Kinda late for guests,” Sunny said, going to answer. She opened the door to reveal Lenore Nesbit.

“Congratulations, Madame Sheriff,” Sunny said.

“Forgive me for interrupting,” Lenore said, “but a little bird told me you’d be here, Will.” She made an abrupt gesture, as if she were erasing what she first intended to say. “I’m not here to crow. In fact, I’m here to make you an offer.” She took a deep breath. “We both know how the election is going to turn out. In fact, the opposition candidate may just withdraw after my showing today. Here’s the deal. After all the hoopla is over, I’d like to name you chief investigator for the sheriff’s department. It would be equivalent to the rank of sergeant, and you’ll get a raise.”

She smiled at the startled expression on Will’s face. “This did not make Dan Ingersoll overjoyed when I discussed it with him, but I think it’s something we need to do. We have serious crimes to deal with, including crime that has affected me personally.” Lenore was silent for a moment. “Times have changed, and we can’t just ignore what’s going on around us. As you said, we’ve got to be aware. I hope you can help us do that.”

“I—I don’t know what to say.” Will stumbled over the words.

“Luckily, I don’t need an answer right away,” Lenore told him. “Think about it. Talk it over with your friends and supporters.” She nodded toward the living-room arch, where Sunny’s dad had appeared. “I hope, though, that you’ll take the job.”

As she spoke, the final member of the Coolidge household came forward, sniffing in fascination.

“Well, hello there.” Lenore showed a familiarity with cats, bending over to offer Shadow a hand with the fingers curled under. Shadow immediately started pushing his head against her fingers, silently demanding a head scratch.

Well, Sunny thought, this could be the beginning of an interesting friendship.

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