Chapter 27

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The precinct buzzed with its usual chaos, but Beau sat at his desk, drowning out the noise with sheer willpower. A cold cup of coffee sat untouched by his side, his focus ostensibly on the case file in front of him. A series of break-ins across the city had been assigned to his team, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the nagging thoughts of Abbie Carter.

He hadn’t seen or heard from her since she left Jessup Peak, and yet, she was everywhere—in the back of his mind during meetings, in the snippets of conversation he half-listened to at the precinct, even in his dreams. He told himself it was ridiculous, that he needed to move on. But logic had no place where Abbie was concerned.

"Detective Elliott," a junior officer interrupted, handing him a new report.

"Thanks," Beau muttered, barely looking up. He flipped through the report, scanning the information mechanically. He didn’t realize he was tapping his pen against the desk until a nearby colleague shot him a glare. He set the pen down with a sigh and leaned back in his chair, staring at the clutter of his desk.

The ringing of his phone broke through his reverie. He glanced at the caller ID and saw the familiar number of Sheriff McMasters. His brow furrowed as he picked up. "McMasters, what’s going on?"

"Beau," the sheriff greeted, his voice steady and warm, "got a minute?"

"Yeah, sure," Beau said, leaning forward. "What’s up?"

There was a pause on the other end, long enough to make Beau sit up straighter. Finally, McMasters spoke. "I thought I’d give you a heads-up. I’m planning on retiring in the next few months."

Beau blinked, the announcement catching him off guard. "Retiring? I didn’t think you’d ever hang up your gun, Sheriff. Or that hat."

McMasters chuckled. "Nobody said anything about my hat, but well, even stubborn old men like me know when it’s time to call it a day. Thought you might want to know because I’ve been giving some thought to who might replace me."

Beau’s heart skipped a beat and started shaking his head. “I’m listening, but?—”

"Now, before you start shaking your head?—"

“Too late.”

McMasters continued, "Just hear me out. You did good work while you were here, Beau. Damn good work. You’ve got what it takes to lead, and Jessup Peak could use someone like you to keep things on track. Everyone here likes and respects you. All the surrounding law enforcement agencies I’ve spoken to about this agree you are the man for the job."

"McMasters," Beau began, shaking his head as if the sheriff could see him, "as much as I appreciate the vote of confidence, there’s nothing in Jessup Peak for me. You know that."

There was silence on the other end for a moment before McMasters chuckled. "Not even if I tell you Abbie Carter is back in town?"

“Back in town? Why? Is Mr. Carter ill? Is there a problem?” The sheriff’s words hit Beau like a freight train.

“No, everything is just fine. She’s decided to come back to Jessup Peak for good.”

His breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, he couldn’t speak. "What?" he finally managed.

"You heard me," McMasters said, amusement coloring his voice. "She’s back. Decided to come home to her roots and open a law practice. Wants to make a difference in the community. Thought you might want to know that. Maybe think about doin’ the same."

Beau felt like his brain had short-circuited. Abbie was back. And not just for a visit—she was staying. The idea sent a surge of hope through him so strong, it almost hurt. He scrambled for words, his voice a little hoarse. "Why didn’t you lead with that, Sheriff?"

McMasters laughed outright. "Didn’t want to make it too easy for you, son. Besides, figured you needed a nudge in the right direction."

"She’s really back?" Beau pressed, needing confirmation.

"She is," McMasters said. "And from what I can tell, she’s already making waves. She’s been all over the city council about some issues. She’s got that fire in her, you know? Same as always, but if you’re really not interested?—"

"I’m not saying that…exactly." Beau interrupted, already mentally packing his bags. "I just need some time to think. Give me a day or two to sort things out. I’ll call you back."

McMasters chuckled again. "I figured you’d say that. Welcome back, Beau."

“I didn’t say that I?—”

The line went dead, but Beau barely noticed. He sat there for a moment, the sheriff’s words echoing in his mind. Abbie was back. For good. And she was building something new, something that mattered. Just like she’d always wanted.

He grinned. Without hesitation, Beau picked up the phone and dialed another number. "Hey, Bucky," he said when his former commander answered. "We need to talk."

"Beau? Sure, I’ll be back in the office in a?—"

"I’m leaving, Bucky," Beau said, not waiting for the man to finish. "For good this time. Got some unfinished business in Jessup Peak."

There was a pause on the other end before Bucky sighed. "I had a feeling about this. You’re sure?"

"More sure than I’ve ever been about anything," Beau replied.

"Well," Bucky said, his voice softening, "then go get her, son. And don’t screw it up."

“How did you know it was about a woman?” he asked.

Bucky laughed. “That kind of moping? It’s always about a woman.”

Beau hung up the phone, a grin spreading across his face. For the first time in weeks, the future didn’t feel so uncertain. It felt like it was waiting for him, back in Jessup Peak. And this time, he wasn’t going to let anything—or anyone—hold him back.