Page 232 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Nate sat back, trying to decide if he believed Papa Bear. “That’s unfortunate.”

“It is.” Trace cleared his throat. “Listen, Sheriff, from this point forward, I’m going to feel more comfortable if you direct any further questions toward my attorney. Albert Stein from Berkshire and Thurman can help you with anything else you’ll need.”

Exactly what Nate had been trying to avoid. “Perhaps when Trevor and Conner check in, we can all sit down and talk—maybe a conference call.”

“We can set something up through Albert.”

The official client/attorney block: we’ll pretend we’re willing to cooperate but not really. “That would be great. I appreciate your time, Trace.”

“Not a problem, but I have to say I’m still puzzled as to how Trevor’s and Conner’s names ended up on your list when they weren’t anywhere near Carter Island on the Fourth of July or at any point in 1995. I have some ideas but I’ll keep those to myself.”

It was probably better to end their conversation here. “Thank you again, Trace.”

“Goodbye.”

“Shit,” Nate muttered as he hung up. And there went any and all access to his most promising new angle of the case. Without something more than speculation to go on, he wouldn’t be getting past Albert Stein from Berkshire and Thurman anytime soon. “Damn it,” he muttered as he scrubbed his hands over his face.

“Nathan.”

Nate glanced up and barely stopped himself from swearing again as he looked Thomas in the eye. The air still wasn’t clear between them. “Mayor.”

Thomas stepped inside and closed the door. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

Based on Thomas’s edgy tone, it wasn’t about to get any clearer. “Why’s that?”

“Because all hell is breaking loose out there.” He pointed out the window as he helped himself to the seat in front of Nate’s desk. “Nathan, just what in the hell is going on?”

“We’ve got someone causing problems, and I’m doing everything I can to deal with it.”

“Steve’s car was stolen.”

“And Shawn and Denny are looking for it.”

Temper flashed in Thomas’s eyes. “Right now, I feel like you’re not taking this very seriously.”

“Robbery, auto theft, destruction of property, frightening our elderly residents.” He ticked off each point on his fingers. “I’m taking this plenty seriously.”

“Stuff like this doesn’t happen around here. People are afraid.”

“I’m aware of that. I addressed the community on Teddy’s morning show half an hour ago.”

“But what are you doing to take care of the problem?”

Nate sighed, rubbing at the back of his neck. “We’re stepping up patrols, and I’m going to ask you and the council to approve a mandatory nine o’clock curfew for minors until I can figure out who’s pulling the bullshit.”

“Have you talked to Jack Lancaster?”

He shook his head. “Not formally.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because I don’t have a reason to.”

Thomas pressed his lips firm in disapproval. “Now isn’t the time to be soft-handed, Nathan. Perhaps that approach works for you during the best of times, but I would say we’re currently far from that.”

“It’s never a good time to harass our townspeople. I’m not going to go knocking on community members’ doors when I don’t have any proof that says I should.”

Thomas folded his hands on his lap. “I’m talking to the town council at two. We’ve set up an emergency meeting and we expect to see you there. I know we’re all wondering why this is happening—why nothing like this has ever happened before.”