Page 46 of The Friendship Pact

“Earth to Nick.” Meg smiled knowingly.

“I need coffee.” He stomped his boots on the rug by the door and hung his jacket on the coat rack. “I have paperwork, and I don’t want to be disturbed.” Without a backward glance, he made his way to the break room, pulled a black mug from the shelf, and poured his coffee. Thankfully, the coffeepot was full, and Meg always made it strong.

He closed his office door and set his mug down. Before he could sit, there was a rap on his door. What part of do not disturb did Meg not understand?

He flung the door open with a scowl on his face.

“Hey, grumpy bear.” Chloe pushed past him and sat in the chair across from his desk.

He closed the door and sat. Picked up his coffee and took a few swigs. He had to rein in his attitude. “Why are you up so early? I thought you’d be hungover after last night’s party.”

“Nah, I didn’t drink that much,” Chloe said. “Besides, I’m always up by this time. What’s making you so grouchy this morning? I thought for sure you’d stay at Kate’s last night.”

Nick set his mug down; coffee sloshed over the edge. He pointed at Chloe. “That right there.”

“What?” She smiled and crossed her legs.

“Everyone in this town. For the last time, Kate and I are friends. That’s it.”

Chloe held up her hands in surrender. “Okay, fine. Jeez.”

“What are you doing here, Chloe?”

“We’ve already asked too much of Kate, so can you order Mom and Dad’s fortieth anniversary cake from All About Sweets in Bemidji? You mentioned you were headed that way after the wedding for a training exercise.”

“I agree, and yes, I’ll take care of it.”

He’d forgotten about his parents’ anniversary. They’d gotten married on Christmas Eve, so it shouldn’t be that hard to remember.

“Cool beans.” Chloe stood. “Stay safe,” she called out before closing the door.

An instant message appeared on his computer screen. Nick rolled his shoulders and dialed Meg. “I’m being summoned by the mayor. Call me in an hour if you don’t hear from me.”

“You got it.”

He took off down the hall. The city administrative offices were at the other end of the building through a keypad-secured door. On the police side, the gray carpet had seen better days. He punched in the code and stepped into a decorated and well-lit space. The watercolor prints were done by a local artist, and the carpet and walls were neutral, new, and clean. The mayor’s office door was open, with raised voices coming from inside.

“I don’t care what you have to do. Get it done.”

The town clerk scampered out with her head down. She didn’t notice Nick standing there. He rapped on the door. “You wanted to see me?”

Mayor Benson motioned for him to come in, not bothering to look up. “Sit. Sit.”

When he finally glanced at the sheriff, Benson’s face was beet red. Nick didn’t have time for his angry snits. He waited silently.

“Sheriff, it’s been brought to my attention that a cute brunette is taking up your valuable time.”

Nick sat straighter. Now he was seeing red. “Excuse me?”

The mayor pointed a finger at him. “I want to remind you that you work for me.”

“Technically, I work for the people of this town. And what I do on my personal time is none of anyone’s business. Did someone file a complaint?”

Benson leaned back in his chair. “Not exactly. It seems you took Sawyer’s Taser from him and haven’t given it back.”

Shit. He had forgotten to set up a re-qualification course. “One has nothing to do with the other.”

“Except you’ve failed to do your job and train my nephew.”