With a reporter in the station, I decided this would be a good time to keep my head down and concentrate on paperwork. I grabbed a seat at the corner desk and typed up the notes from yesterday. When the reporter departed fifteen minutes later, I didn’t even look up. As soon as the door had closed behind him, the chief called me into his office.

“Daisy.” Chief Bryant took a seat at his desk, his chair creaking beneath his weight. His face looked old and careworn. He gestured at Cody, whose expression was tense and guarded. “I’ve heard about the results of yesterday’s investigation. Anything new to report?”

I shook my head. “The naiads and the other water sprites say they had nothing to do with the Vanderhei boy’s death, and that I believe. Beyond that, I’m afraid they were uncooperative.”

The chief sighed. “So we can neither confirm nor deny any of the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death with absolute certainty?”

“At this point, no,” Cody said bluntly. “I’m sorry, sir.”

“Not your fault, son.” Chief Bryant gazed into the distance. “I just wish it wouldn’t be so goddamned easy.”

“Easy?” I echoed.

His gaze returned, sharpening. “To rule it an accident. Close the book on it and move on. It’s what it looks like. It’s what the family wants. It’s what the county sheriff’s office wants. Hell, it’s what everyone wants. And if I don’t, it could bring a shitstorm down on Pemkowet. Is it worth it?”

I glanced at Cody.

He looked away.

“What we know doesn’t add up,” I said. “Not yet. As far as the naiads go, there are . . . other avenues I can pursue to get them to talk. Or at least one that I can think of. But it’s up to you, sir.” I paused. “How big a shitstorm?”

The chief grimaced. “Big.”

“With all due respect, sir, fuck ’em,” Cody said softly. “This is our town.”

For that, along with myriad other reasons, I could have kissed him.

“Yes, it is, goddammit!” Chief Bryant slammed his hands down on his desktop. “All right. I’m going to lean on the ME’s office. Brody Jenkins is taking heat, too. I have a feeling he’s stonewalling us on the results of the preliminary. Fairfax, follow up on yesterday’s leads. Track down Ray D and find out what those college boys wanted with him. Johanssen . . .” His gaze slewed my way. “You look nice.”

I flushed. “Thanks.”