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Chapter One
Danny
The Silver Creek Police Station buzzed with the usual morning chaos, phones ringing off the hook and officers moving briskly about their business. I sat at my desk, my eyes glued to a stack of reports as I drummed my fingers on the hard wood, frustration building inside me.
Jake Barrows, tall and broad-shouldered, sauntered over, a coffee cup in hand. "Anything new on that drug ring case, Danny?" he asked, nodding towards the papers.
I shook my head, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "Nothing solid. Just bits and pieces that don't add up."
"Man, this thing's like chasing a ghost," Jake said, taking a sip of his coffee.
"It's more like chasing a damn shadow," I muttered, leaning back in my chair.
Kayla Green, Jake's partner, joined us, her expression serious. "You still think the Horseshoe Lake Ranch is involved?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I do. There's something off about that place, and I'm sure Dina Kent is mixed up in it."
Jake raised an eyebrow. "Dina Kent? She's been in Silver Creek forever. Hard to believe she'd be involved in something like this."
"I know, but I can't shake this gut feeling," I said, tapping the report. "There've been too many odd shipments going in and out of that ranch."
Kayla leaned against my desk, her arms crossed. "But you don't have enough for a warrant, do you?"
"No," I admitted, feeling the walls closing in. "Just some shipments taking place at night and usually timed with other events related to the case. But without hard evidence, I'm just grasping at straws."
The radio crackled to life, breaking our conversation. Dispatch was reporting a disturbance near Main Street. Kayla and Jake exchanged looks.
"We'd better check that out," Kayla said, heading towards the door.
Jake followed but paused, glancing back at me. "Don't let this thing eat you up, Danny. You'll crack it."
Once they were gone, I turned my attention back to the reports. The Horseshoe Lake Ranch kept coming up, a constant thorn in my side. I leaned forward, poring over the shipment logs, trying to find a pattern, anything that could give me a lead.
Chief Miller's voice cut through my concentration. "Lopes, my office. Now."
I stood up, straightening my shirt, and walked to the chief's office. He was a stern man, his gaze sharp as he looked me over.
"Danny, you've been on this case for months. Where are we with it?"
I sighed, my frustration seeping through. "I'm close, Chief. I just need more time."
He leaned back in his chair, eyeing me skeptically. "Time is a luxury we don't have. The town's getting restless, and I'm getting pressure from the mayor."
I felt a surge of anger. "I know, Chief, but I'm telling you, there's something happening at the Horseshoe Lake Ranch. I just need to prove it."
He rubbed his temples, looking tired. "You need evidence, Danny. You can't go around making accusations without proof."
I clenched my fists. "I understand, Chief. I'll get the evidence."
He nodded, a hint of empathy in his eyes. "Good. Just be careful, Danny. We can't afford any slip-ups. Like last time."
My stomach churned at his words. The reminder of how I’d nearly let this whole case fall apart once before was brutal, and I knew I couldn't let it happen again. I had to get to the bottom of this—and soon.
I left his office, my mind racing. I needed to act. I grabbed my jacket, my decision made. I'd go to the Horseshoe Lake Ranch and confront Dina Kent directly. It was a long shot, but I was out of options.
I walked to the exit, my steps determined. The officers around me were busy with their tasks, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me.
As I reached the door, I turned to the desk sergeant. "I'm heading to the Horseshoe Lake Ranch. If the Chief asks, that's where I'll be."
