We go downstairs and dine on the back deck. I’m telling Dalton a story about the chase of a seventy-year-old wannabe graffiti artist when Isabel walks around my house.

“Ah,” she says. “That’s what that sound was. Eric laughing. I do believe I’ve never heard it before.”

Dalton shoots her the finger.

She walks over and eyes us, sitting hip to hip, Dalton’s hand on my knee.

“Well, well,” she says. “The rumours are true, then. Interesting.”

“You want something?” he says.

“Good afternoon to you, too, sheriff. No, I don’t want anything from you. I came to speak to Casey about her investigation.”

I tense, and Dalton gets to his feet.

“Down, boy,” she says. “I’m not here to harass your detective.” She lifts a folder she’s carrying. “I found this in Mick’s things, and I thought it might be important.”

I check my watch.

“Yes, you have time for me, Casey,” she says.

“I’m checking Eric’s time.” I turn to him. “It’s almost one. You’d better go take that council call. I’ll handle this.”

He gives Isabel a look.

“I’ll behave myself,” she says.

“You better. Casey’s been stabbed three times. Doesn’t need your shit.” He turns to me. “She gives you a hard time? Radio Will and have her locked in the cell.”

“On what charges?” she asks.

“Pissing me off.”

“Ah, the usual, then.”

When he’s gone, she says, “Well, he’s in a very good mood. I’m glad to see it. I know Will was flitting around, but Eric’s the one for you.”

She steps onto the deck, and I expect her to take one of the chairs, but she gracefully lowers herself to sit beside me on the edge. “Does Beth know about you two?”

“Mmm, yeah. Eric isn’t exactly making a secret of it.”

“Hell, no. He landed the town’s prize catch, and everyone’s going to know it.”

I give her a look.

She smiles. “All right, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say that’s not the entire reason. So how did Beth take it?”

I shrug.

“Not well, but you don’t know me enough—or like me enough—to confide. I’m sure you saw that one coming, though, given how she feels about Eric.”

“She’s very protective of him,” I say.

“You noticed, huh?”

“Kind of hard to miss. He seems to bring out her maternal instincts.”

Isabel chokes on a laugh. “Yes, Beth might be older than Eric, but that’s not maternal instincts she’s feeling.”

I look at her. Then, “Shit. I had no idea. Are you sure?”

“Well, let’s see. About eighteen months ago, she came and asked my ‘professional’ advice on seduction. She didn’t tell me who she intended to seduce, but there was really only one option, so I told her I’d strongly advise against it. She ignored me and made her move. He shot her down. I believe she tries again every few months, to see if he’s changed his mind. He hasn’t. He wouldn’t have even before you came along. She’s been subtle enough about it that they can remain friends, but …”

“She’s still interested.”

“Interested implies she’d like a few hours of his time. Beth wants more. Much more.”

“Damn him,” I mutter. “Why the hell was he so insensitive this morning?”

“He is letting her know he’s off the shelf. Bluntly, as he does everything, and yes, I feel bad for her. Beth and I don’t always see eye to eye, but she deserves something good in her life. Unfortunately, that’s not Eric, and it never was, so you can stop feeling guilty.”

“I’m not—”

“Sure you are. I would, too, however much I’d know it wasn’t my fault. You consider her a friend, hence you will feel bad. But she obviously didn’t tell you she was interested. You did nothing wrong. Let it go. She’s better off this way.”

I shake my head.

Isabel looks at me. “You think she’d be happier chasing a guy who doesn’t want her?”

She has a point, and I shrug.

“I know Beth and I aren’t the only ones who don’t see eye to eye, Casey, but I’m still hoping we can get past it. For now, how about you forget what I do for a living, and I’ll forget you don’t like what I do for a living. Yes, that’s very generous of me, I know.”

“I can’t run interference for you with Eric.”

Her eyes widen. “Are you suggesting I would attempt to ingratiate myself with you to gain an ally in the sheriff’s fight to shut down my establishment? I’m impressed. Yes, that’s exactly what I hoped when I met you. But you treated me well with Mick, despite your personal feelings. You got stabbed by some madman in the woods, and you’re already back on the case, conducting interviews from your bed. Everyone’s impressed. So my overtures have gone from blatant self-interest to genuine interest. I would like to get to know you better.”

“You can start by handing over that file.”

She smiles. “Business first. I approve.” She starts to pass it to me and then stops, her hand still on it. “The fact I’m bringing this to you is a sign of my trust in your abilities, Casey.”