Page 132 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Nate shrugged. “Somebody’s gotta do it.”

“Here we go.” Ms. Battleman came in with a tray. “The cookies still need another minute, but this will get you started.” She lifted the first mug and handed it to Callie. “This one’s for you. With honey.”

Callie smiled. “Perfect. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Ms. Battleman picked up the next cup. “And this one’s for you, Sheriff.”

Nate took the steaming mug. “I appreciate it.”

“Max, you don’t have to stick around. I think we’re all set.”

Max crossed his arms and rested them on his big belly as he sat back. “I’ll stay.”

Ms. Battleman shrugged as a timer dinged in the next room. “Suit yourself. I’ll go get the cookies.” She wandered off again.

Callie watched the steam rising as she settled the mug between her icy hands and listened to the wall clock ticking off the silent seconds. She glanced up when she felt Max staring at her. Clearing her throat, she sent him a polite smile, wishing he’d taken his mother up on her offer for him to leave. There was something about his hostile hazel eyes that put her on guard.

“All right.” Ms. Battleman said as she sat down with the plate of cookies. “These couldn’t be any fresher—gingerbread. They go so well with a nice cup of coffee or tea.”

Nate picked one up. “We appreciate all the trouble.”

“Nate’s never one to turn down a cookie,” Callie added, hoping to dispel some of the tension in the room.

“Or a donut,” Max added.

“Chocolate-glazed,” Nate supplied with a nod as he patted his well-toned abs accentuated in his navy-blue full-sleeve Henley.

Callie cleared her throat again, touching Nate’s leg. He had to know Max was trying to rattle his cage, yet he let Max’s poor manners slide in his typical easygoing Nate Carter way.

“Sheriff, let me apologize for giving you the third degree,” Ms. Battleman said. “I imagine your badge should have been enough, but Max and I thought a picture ID was probably a good follow-up.”

“I’m not offended at all. I can imagine you’ve had your hands full with the press over the years.”

She nodded. “And they’re not above being sneaky.”

“No, they’re not.” Nate bit into the cookie. “Delicious.”

Ms. Battleman smiled. “I’m so glad you think so.” She crossed her legs. “Now, Sheriff, you said you had some new leads about the Little Girl Lost case. What can I do to help you?”

Nate set his cookie on the napkin, then his mug. “I’m hoping you might be able to tell me more about the night you found Little Girl—the way you remember it.”

Ms. Battleman sat back. “Well, it’s certainly something I’ve never forgotten, that’s for sure. It still haunts me, wondering whatever became of that poor child.”

Callie took a deep sip of her tea and fought not to squirm.

Nate sent Ms. Battleman a sympathetic smile. “In the newspaper articles I read, you mentioned that you found the little girl right inside the doorway at Phil’s Diner.”

Ms. Battleman nodded. “I sure did. Came out of the kitchen and the poor thing was just standing there, holding a doll—scared to death is what she was.”

“What makes you think so?”

Ms. Battleman frowned. “Of course she was afraid.”

“That makes sense, certainly, but if you take the logic out of it, what continues to make you say so? Was she shaking? Had she had an accident?”

“She was sucking her thumb and clutching her baby doll.”

Nate nodded. “What was she wearing?”