Page 25 of Death of a Grill Master

She gaped. “What are you even talking about?”

“You like to dig. Gossip. Harass officers for inside info. It stops. Now. Like, right now.”

“I’m trying to help!” she said.

“You’re not police. You’re not press. You’re a civilian. And you’re in my way.”

Hayley took a step forward. “Do you have any idea what this town has been through? What I’ve helped solve over the years?”

He met her gaze, unmoved. “This isn’t your case.”

“I found Hank Desmond’s body.”

“You’re not on the report.”

“That’s because I—never mind. Look, I have thoughts—real theories about what happened.”

“I’m not interested in your theories.”

Hayley’s hands balled into fists. “This isn’t Boston, Chief. You don’t just bark orders here and expect everyone to salute.”

“No,” he said smoothly. “But I do expect people to respect boundaries.”

“And if I don’t?”

His eyes darkened. “Then we’ll have a problem.”

The air between them vibrated with tension.

Hayley opened her mouth, ready to unleash a scathing rebuttal, when a knock sounded. The door opened, and Earl stepped in, looking hesitant.

“You needed me?”

“Yes. Please escort Ms. Powell out,” Maddox said without looking away from her.

Earl blinked. “Seriously?”

“As you know, Earl, I’ve been streamlining, making the department more efficient, which means I’ve had to let a few people go …”

Like Donnie, for instance, Hayley thought.

“But I’ve decided to retain your position,” Maddox added. “Just don’t forget who you report to now.”

Hayley stared at Earl, stunned.

Earl gently gestured to the hallway. “C’mon, Hayley. You should go.”

Hayley turned on her heel and stalked out, fire burning under her skin.

The second they were outside, she rounded on Earl.

“He’s a menace.”

“I didn’t vote for him,” Earl said.

“He’s smug, arrogant, dismissive—”

“He’s also in charge. My new boss. In case that wasn’t clear.”