Concealed Hearts (Hometown Jasper #4) - Nicky James Page 0,10

more thing. John called and said he was running late. Something about an early doctor’s appointment with the twins and teething and being up all damn night. He sounded grumpy. Lots of mumbling and swearing and growling. Babies screaming in the background. His wife yelling. It was all kinds of chaotic.”

I chuckled. “He’s got his hands full. Is Julie in yet?”

“Yes. She’s in her office and said she’ll have the vandalism report on your desk in an hour. Harriet went to grab coffee for everyone at the bakery. She said to tell you you’re welcome, and you owe her one.” Matthew seemed confused by Harriet’s message, but once he got a better feel for Belinda’s persistent chase, he’d understand.

The woman was sweet and lonely—and utterly convinced I was her perfect match, no matter that I’d been deflecting her advances for the past two years. It didn’t help that her sister, Nally, and daughter, Kelsey, promoted it. My private life was anything but.

“Send Julie to deal with Boris. Tell her the report can wait. Call John and let him know to stop by the town hall on his way in and do something about that damn Pontiac.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’ll be in my office.”

Once things were in order, I slipped away, anxious to check my personal email to see if Tomi had replied. I’d stared at the computer until late last night, waiting for a response and fearing it all in the same breath. Eventually, I’d given up and headed home around midnight. It had left me with few hours of sleep and wretched heartburn the next morning, which I attributed to stress. Nothing a few antacids couldn’t take care of.

It was a gorgeous late June morning. Summer was in the air, and the spring chill was finally dissipating. Once I hit the power button on my computer, I cracked the window in my office to let in the breeze. The fresh mountain air was something I cherished. There was nothing quite like it. For all the small town shortcomings Jasper had against her, no one could say the atmosphere and view weren’t gorgeous.

I relaxed back in my leather office chair and stared at the screen as it slowly came to life. The little thinking wheel went around and around as one little shortcut icon after another popped up on the homepage, standing out against a backdrop of mountains. It had been a long time since I’d had a day off to escape to the wilderness. My position didn’t make vacationing easy.

“Coffee, Chief?”

Constable Harriet Mercer’s voice at my doorway drew me from my daze. She’d been a Jasper constable for more than eight years and was one of the dependable staff who held our small department together. She and John Bygrove were the foundation I relied on every day. The heart of our little operation. Lucas Donavan was still academy-fresh and finding his feet. Julie Wagner was a recent transfer from Edmonton who was still getting accustomed to our small town, low-key lifestyle and our often redundant calls.

“I’d love one. And thank you.”

She tugged a paper cup from the overflowing tray and set it on my desk with a knowing grin. “Made with love, I’m sure.” She winked. “However, I’m not sure I saved you. I’d brace for a cookie delivery later on. Belinda said something about Kelsey working on a new recipe for school, and Nally gave her the go-ahead to make a few batches for the store. Belinda was champing at the bit to know what kind of cookies you like. Sorry, Chief.”

I groaned. “Cookies, lasagnas, casseroles. That woman will be the death of me.”

“She means well.”

Belinda’s teenaged daughter was employed part-time at the bakery. She enjoyed working the ovens as much as her Aunt Nally who owned and ran the store. New recipes always landed on my desk by the dozens—cakes, squares, tarts, cookies, and everything in between. I wasn’t sure if Belinda was proud of her daughter’s creations as much as she enjoyed the excuse to pop in at the station and chat. “Thanks for the heads up.”

“You know, it wouldn’t hurt to get out there, Chief. Belinda is a sweet woman, and—”

“Not you too. She’s a lovely woman. I have no doubt. It’s not what I’m looking for right now.”

“All work and no play with you. You’re allowed to have a life.”

“This conversation is over.” I smiled to take the bite out of my dismissal. Every now and then, Harriet and John jumped on the bandwagon of people