It all sounded good, but Luke couldn’t let go of the fact that Brent never mentioned it. It made it seem like he had something to hide.
“Who worked the case?”
Brent hesitated. “Dan did.”
It could be a coincidence. The sheriff’s office didn’t have many investigators, but he wasn’t taking chances.
“I want to see the file,” Luke said.
“Don’t do this.”
“What?” He crossed his arms over his chest. “My job?”
“Oh, come on, Luke. You may be a ranger and immune to political pressure, but you still have to work with the local law enforcement. Opening another one of Dan’s cases without good cause will make it seem like you’re gunning for the guy. It’s a terrible idea, and it could set you back professionally.”
Luke’s gaze narrowed. “This is the second time you’ve tried to warn me about this case.”
“Because it’s personal for you, and there’s a reason why we don’t work cases that are personal. The decisions you make aren’t always logical when emotions are involved. I’m also your friend and I’m looking out for you.”
“Is that it? Or is there something more? After all, if Dan is elected, he’ll become your boss.”
“That’s incredibly insulting.” Brent stiffened and color rose in his cheeks. “Is that what you think of me?”
Luke didn’t know what to think. Every time he turned around, someone else was hiding something about this case. Then again, maybe he was being a touch paranoid. Brent had never given him a reason to distrust him.
“I’m sorry,” Luke said. “It’s been a frustrating couple of days.”
“I get it.” He took a deep breath and ran a hand over his bald head. “Luke, listen, we all want the same thing. I know Dan can get intense, but there’s no indication he’s done anything wrong.”
He valued Brent’s opinion, but Luke had lost a lot of faith in Dan after finding him in the evidence room threatening Megan. No lawman—even an angry one—should act like that.
“Tread lightly,” Brent continued. “You don’t want to get a reputation as a cop who attacks other cops. That won’t endear you to the local law enforcement. Don’t let your feelings about this case cloud your judgment and ruin the career you’ve worked so hard to build.”
Luke was sorely tempted to throw Brent’s last piece of advice right back at him. They both had personal involvements and ties. The chances of Dan becoming the next sheriff were high, and everyone in the building would be cautious about being seen as disloyal.
It made him wonder if there was anyone in the sheriff’s department he could trust.
Eighteen
Camilla Perdue lived in a two-story farmhouse on the outskirts of Woodville. Weeds poked out of the flowerbeds, and the siding was in desperate need of a new coat of paint. A large dog on the far side of the yard jumped and barked furiously when they got out of the vehicle.
Megan eyed the beast with trepidation. “Do you think the chain will hold him?”
Luke prayed it would. He’d already put himself between her and the dog as they went up the walk, but he couldn’t resist teasing her.
“I thought you liked dogs.”
“I do, but that doesn’t mean I want to be lunch.”
He chuckled and pressed on the doorbell. Nothing happened. Opening the screen door, he gave the inner one a solid rap with his knuckles. Moments later, it was opened by a freckle-faced redhead around three or four wearing a cartoon T-shirt.
“Hi,” he greeted her. “Is your mommy home?”
She narrowed her gaze and put her tiny hands on her hips. “Are you a bad guy or a good guy?”
Beside him, Megan pressed her lips together as if she was holding in a laugh. Luke opened his jacket to reveal the ranger badge pinned to his shirt.
“I’m a police officer. That makes me a good guy.”
“Vivian!” A woman hurried down the stairs. She was barefoot, wearing sweatpants and a stained shirt. A white cloth was slung over one shoulder and she was carrying an infant. “Haven’t I told you not to open the door to strangers?”
“But, Momma, he’s a policeman.”
The girl’s mother looked up, seeming to register their identities for the first time. Her eyes, shadowed with dark circles, widened slightly.
“Sorry to disturb you, ma’am.” Luke flashed his badge again. “Texas Ranger Luke Tatum and this is Megan Hunt. Is this Camilla Perdue’s residence?”
“It is. I’m her granddaughter, Ruby.” She waved them inside, her gaze never leaving Megan’s face. “You look so familiar…”
“My aunt is June Carpenter—”
“Oh, my goodness, yes.” Ruby’s hand fluttered to her forehead, and she swiped her bangs out of her eyes. “I used to be a makeup artist, so faces are a big thing for me. You have June’s mouth and chin. How is your aunt? She hasn’t been by this week and…”
Her gaze skipped to Luke, the joy fleeing from her expression. “Is everything okay?”
Luke glanced at Vivian, still watching them with an eagle-eyed gaze. Ruby caught on right away and said, “Vivian, honey, you can go into the living room and watch TV with Granny until dinner is ready.”
The little girl flew off, her long hair fluttering behind her, and disappeared around a corner. Megan gently explained about June’s accident.
Ruby hugged her infant closer. “That’s horrible. I knew something wasn’t right when she didn’t come by.”
“How do you know June?” Luke asked.
“My grandmother hired her to look into my cousin’s death a few months ago. Granny was convinced Quentin didn’t die of an overdose.”
“Would it be possible for me to speak with Mrs. Perdue?” Luke asked.
“I’m afraid not.” She sighed. “Come with me.”
She led them to the entrance of the living room. An elderly woman with thin white hair and bloodshot eyes slouched in a wheelchair. On the television, a game show played. Vivian bounced on the couch and the elderly woman’s eyes followed the child. Her lips twisted into a grimace.
“That’s Granny. She’s smiling,
