Page 61 of Something’s Brewing

“You observe,” Nick continued, pointing at him. “And you report back to me. Everything.”

Sawyer nodded. “Every step.”

“And the second this feels bigger than you can handle, you walk away.”

A flicker of something like respect passed between them.

“Yes, sir.”

Nick studied him one more time, then sat back down. “I’m not officially approving this.”

Sawyer’s mouth tipped slightly. “Wouldn’t expect you to.”

“But if you happen to find yourself needing a place to stay,” Nick said dryly, “and your uncle happens to have a place to stay . . .”

“I’ll be a very observant tenant.”

Nick shook his head once. “You’re going to make my life difficult.”

Sawyer stood. “Or easier.”

Nick didn’t answer that.

As Sawyer reached for the door, Nick added, “And Sawyer?”

He paused, glancing back.

“Be careful.” Nick’s gaze held his. “If you’re right about him, this won’t be simple.”

Sawyer nodded once. “Yeah. I know.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Madison woke with a crick in her neck. She lifted her head off the papers scattered over the kitchen table. She had pored over the documents from Frankie once again, hoping to find some small lead to help with the investigation. There were two businesses she wanted to interview.

She stood and stretched and checked her phone for the time, and noticed a text from Frankie:

My apartment was ransacked last night. I’m okay. Deputy Sawyer filed a police report and watched over my apartment last night. I’m heading into work now. I just wanted you to know. Sawyer will keep an eye out for me. I’m acting like I have no idea why someone would do this.

Madison sent a quick reply.

I’m so sorry. Garrett doesn’t need me until later so I’m going to run down a couple of leads. I hope this gets wrapped up soon. Let me know if you need me.

I’m good but thank you. Just do your best to nail Morty.

Will do.

After a quick shower, Madison grabbed her keys and headed to Rosie’s Diner to meet with Andrew Nielsen, the builder Alexis mentioned who had pulled out of the housing development just outside of town.

“Good morning, Madison.” An older gentleman held the door to the diner open for her.

“Good morning. Thank you.” She had no idea who he was, but she’d learned quickly that people knew her name.

Lily greeted her at the door. “Follow me, Andrew is here. Would you like coffee or something else to drink?”

“Coffee with cream would be great, thanks, Lily.”

Andrew stood and shook Madison’s hand.