“About?”
“The town, you, how you might be of assistance.”
“I hear you have enough assistance.”
“Militia are handling other matters.”
“I see.”
“I had something else in mind for you.”
Colby sucked in air. “Kind of bad timing, Dan.”
Dan looked at the grave. “Seems strange to think that it’s been ten years. Well, look, I will just nip it in the bud then, okay? I could use your help keeping things on your family’s side in check.”
“And by that you mean?”
His eyes darted to Alicia. She got the message and went to walk away with Kane when Colby took her wrist. “No, it’s okay. Whatever he needs to say, he can say in front of you.”
“I imagine Martha has brought you up to speed on the events that have transpired since Ryland’s death. With a county this size to deal with, I can’t be spending all our time and resources on mitigating disputes between the Stricklands and your family.”
“My mother has spoken with Hank.”
“I heard, and I can appreciate that, however, that didn’t prevent Ryland from being killed after ten years of peace. So forgive me if I don’t trust whatever agreement your mother makes.”
“Listen, Dan, if you came down here to throw around accusations, then you are going about it the wrong way, asking for my help.”
Dan looked off toward the gates as if he was expecting someone or hoping someone didn’t show up. Colby had given some thought to whether or not Hank or his kin would see him, but after all this time he had to pay his respects to Skye.
“I’m sorry. Maybe I’m wording this wrong. Look. I was informed you were a police officer in L.A. Is that right?”
“Who told you?”
Colby still hadn’t told his family. There was no need. He wasn’t looking for a pat on the back and he surely wouldn’t get one if they knew.
“I’d rather not say. Is it true?”
Colby smiled and tossed his words back. “I’d rather not say.”
Dan smirked. “Come, walk with me. Just a few minutes of your time.” He turned and Colby glanced at Alicia and then he followed him, leaving Alicia with the officer. “When I told my family that I planned on a career in law enforcement, you can imagine their surprise.” They breathed in the fresh air. A flock of starlings broke away from a tree, bursting into the air above them. “So I understand your hesitation in telling family. I also understand your reluctance to trust me but I would like to think I got involved in law enforcement for the same reason you did,” he said, stopping by the stream.
“And what would that be?”
“To bring something good into this world. Am I right?”
Colby shrugged. “You’re not far off.”
“Right now I’m walking a fine line between chaos and order. Hank hates me, your mother doesn’t trust me, and yet as hard as it may be to believe, I’m trying to do some good here, Colby. I’m trying to hold this county together. It’s a tall order under the circumstances, especially when we’ve seen an influx of refugees, people showing up because there have been reports of attacks in other counties. Now I can’t control what happens out there, but it’s only a matter of time before it happens here. So far, we’ve been lucky. We have roadblocks set up in five key areas of the county — Highway 101 to the north and south, 35 and 299 to the east. Of course, we have the bay to the west. We have locals volunteering, county police officers, local police, hunters gathering meat, while militia deals with the collection of other supplies. They also handle evening patrols.” He drew a breath. “What I’m trying to say is that to oversee it all and what is to come, I need to focus on what is important. A generational feud is the last thing this county needs, wouldn’t you agree?”
He studied his face, trying to gauge if he was telling the truth or using his authority to position himself in a way that benefited him. Colby nodded.
“As such, I need someone who can see beyond trivial family issues. Someone who can intervene, turn the tide if pressed, someone who can give me a heads-up if and when something could upset the balance of this community. I would like that to be you.”
“Balance? You want me to spy on my family?”
“I wouldn’t call it spying. More like caring for their well-being. You don’t have to care about this town, Colby, or me or anyone else, but keeping your family in check would go a long way.”
“That’s all well and good, but it takes two to tango. Who keeps the Stricklands in check — you?”
“I have someone on the inside.”
“Really? And who would that be?”
“I can’t say, just as I wouldn’t say anything about you if you agree.”
Colby chewed it over. “Listen, Dan. My police career is far behind me. I’m not here to hold a badge or be an extension of some kind of law and order. That’s your job. I’m also not here to mediate. I came home to pay my respects to my father and Skye, and be with my family for a short time before I leave.”
“I understand and I appreciate that. However, everyone has a role to play here, Colby. We are faced with unprecedented times, and as such, we need everyone on board, that includes the Rikers. Now they won’t listen to me or anyone in law enforcement but they might listen to you.” He raised his eyebrows.
Colby looked back at Alicia. She was looking over.
“I can’t promise you anything.”
“I understand.”
Dan followed his gaze. “Hank seen her yet?”
“No.”
“Probably best it stays that way. She’s a dead ringer. How did you meet her?”
“She jumped bond.” Colby glanced at him. “I was meant to bring her in.”
“But instead you brought her home.” He smiled. “Worth more
