Page 31 of A Little Taste
Aiden says one word. “No.”
Seconds tick past with the two men locked in a staring contest, until Raif steps forward, catching his brother’s arm. “If you’re not here to arrest us, what do you want?”
Bull allows his brother to pull him away, but he’s still seething.
Aiden’s glare doesn’t break, and his voice is commanding. “We discovered evidence pointing to someone with a prosthesis on his right leg.”
“What’s that mean?Prosthesis?”
“It means he’s got a fake leg,” Raif answers his brother quietly.
The exchange seems to make Bull angrier. “You can keep on looking, Sheriff. We’ve got all our body parts around here. Two good legs to walk on, and one to give you the ride of your life, little lady.”
My brows shoot up, and a low growl comes from Aiden’s throat. “You’ll treat my officers with respect.”
“Oh, don’t listen to him.” Raif steps between the two men, giving me a smile that’s faint but sweet. “He’s got a twisted sense of humor.”
I kind of feel sorry for Raif trapped in this place, but I follow Aiden’s request and keep my mouth shut.
“Our suspect was also driving a three-wheel ATV.”
Raif turns his back to Bull, looking up at Aiden. “Those have been illegal as long as I’ve been alive.”
“Doesn’t mean they’re not still around.” Aiden glances between the brothers. “Do you know anybody who fits that description?”
“Nope,” Bull answers fast, and I figure he wouldn’t tell us even if he did.
“I’ve come across a lot of folks with a lot of challenges, but nothing like that.” Raif shrugs, and I’m more inclined to believe him.
“If you do come across anyone like that, give us a call.” Aiden hands Raif a card.
“Will do, Sheriff.” He takes it, and Aiden hesitates a moment, looking around the area.
Edward is finished sniffing, and he’s back to standing beside me. My hand is on his head, and even though I’m dying to look under that tarp, I wait to follow Aiden’s lead. We don’t have a search warrant, and at least two of the men here are on the defense.
“All right, then.” Aiden takes a step towards the truck. “I appreciate your help.”
“You said your name was Britt Bailey?” Bull’s black eyes are on me, and I immediately look to Aiden.
“She’s Edna’s granddaughter.” Aiden answers his question.
“She can’t speak for herself?”
“If you’ve got something to say, you can say it to me.”
“I’ve got something to say.” Bull crosses his arms, his voice a taunt. “You’ve stepped in a big pile of shit bringing another Bailey on the force, Sheriff. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next thing you know, you’re out on your ass. Those people are not your friends.”
Aiden’s jaw tightens. “And you are?”
“I’ll tell you what you should be asking,” Bull continues. “Why does Edna Brewer want only her family in charge in Eureka? What secrets are they hiding?”
A knot is in my throat, and my fingers start to tremble. The muscle in Aiden’s jaw moves, and I can tell he’s pissed. What I don’t know is if he’s pissed at Bull or if he’s pissed at me and my family. Would he believe what this guy is saying? I have no interest in taking Aiden’s job, and I definitely don’t want him out on his ass.
Aiden’s tone is calm. “Anything else you need to get off your chest?”
“Nope.”
“Then we’re headed back to the courthouse.”