Page 19 of Race to Save Her

He chuckled. “You think this is a reprimand?”

“I’ve had a few.”

“Yes, you have, but that doesn’t take away from what a great officer and detective you are.”

“But…”

The sheriff leaned back in his chair, studying her for a moment. “I know I originally had you assigned to the cases of these body parts, but I’ve changed my mind. It will go to Hamilton and Alvarez.”

“You’re taking me off the case?” She tried not to show her true feelings on the matter.

“Yes.”

“Why? Is it because the original severed finger was found in my car? I’m too close?”

“Partly.”

Katie sighed. “There are some great leads with a napkin with blood on it and a shoe impression. I’ve contacted Negotiator Devlin regarding the body parts found at the SWAT standoff in Rockview. There is some evidence waiting to be processed, and we’re going to find an ID of the victim soon and⁠—”

He held up his hand. “Wait right there. I’m not taking you off the cases because you aren’t working them properly, and I have no doubt you and McGaven will solve them. I’m taking you off this case because I think you’re being targeted. I’m not going to put you in harm’s way again.”

“It’s all part of the job. We’re in harm’s way every single day. You can’t give me special privileges just because I’m your niece.” Katie tried to plead her case.

“Yes, but you’ve had more than your fair share of it.”

“Who said anything about fairness in law enforcement? With all due respect, you wouldn’t be taking anyone else off this case.”

Sheriff Scott took a moment to contemplate the situation. “I wouldn’t expect anything different from you than anyone else, but I need to make sure all my officers are safe. And it doesn’t change that it seems you are being targeted. When is McGaven back?”

“This afternoon.”

“I see.”

“I want to stay on this case. McGaven is my partner and I’ve had Deputy Anderson helping in his absence. Not to mention John always has our backs.”

“McGaven is needed in the detective division. We’re short-staffed.”

Katie leaned back, feeling defeated. “What does that mean for the cold case unit?”

“Nothing has been decided yet. If it changes, you’ll be the first to know.”

“We could have capable deputies help out from time to time,” she said. “If McGaven couldn’t always be there.”

“Good point.”

“Sheriff, I’m requesting I be kept on these cases.”

“Noted.”

Katie waited to hear his answer. He usually kept his first decision and rarely changed his mind.

“I will keep you and McGaven on these cases. For now…”

Katie was relieved.

“But I want reports every day. We can see if Deputy Anderson can be taken off patrol when he’s needed to assist you. And I want to keep an officer at your house until we know better what we’re dealing with. Understand?”

“Yes. Understood,” she said, standing up. “Thank you.”