“Yes, increased tourism means we need a police presence,” Uriah said, “but also means money for our elementary school. People, these are our children, and even homeschooling takes money.”

Gabe remembered the correspondence school’s tests and materials. He doubted the process had gotten less expensive to the town and borough.

A few rows back from Bull, Caz rose. “The projected increase in population means the health clinic received enough grant money to reopen.”

That won a few cheers.

At the council table, Reverend Parrish frowned. His gaze shifted from Caz to the mass of men in the back left.

Gabe followed his gaze and recognized some of the men in that corner. The man who’d followed Parrish into the coffee shop. An older man who’d been at the table with the asshole who’d slapped Julie.

The men of the Patriot Zealots had shown up in force.

When Parrish gave an infinitesimal nod, one of the PZs rose with a belligerent scowl on his face. “What’s with hiring a bunch of cops, anyway? We don’t got any crime here.”

Sarah didn’t…quite…laugh.

Every morning, Gabe would drink coffee and get her rundown of the local gossip. In return, he gave her a verbal police report.

Sarah knew exactly what law enforcement did in this town. “Chief MacNair, would you give us a synopsis of your first week?”

The sarge had taught his boys to be prepared, whether for a fight or a march…or to answer awkward questions.

Nonchalantly, Gabe pulled out the list he’d made and started reading. First, the station’s on-duty hours. The numbers and types of calls he and Baumer had handled—several domestics and assaults, and one attempted sexual assault on a minor, which had pissed him the hell off. They’d covered wildlife problems when the state wildlife troopers couldn’t respond in time—bears and moose to a pack of sled dogs that’d gotten loose.

He elaborated about the various burglaries. Mentioning vandalism even without using their names netted him glares from Knox and Chevy. He went on with traffic violations, motor vehicle accidents, and dealing with medical emergencies until an air ambulance helicopter could arrive.

“Several intoxicated residents were assisted home after a visit to the bar.” Gabe’s frown at Bull made people laugh.

“We’re here to help, people. Even if it makes us late for a town meeting.” He showed the long vivid scratches on the back of his hand and said in a wry voice, “Even if the job is rescuing a kitten from a tree.”

Along with the laughter came a wave of applause.

In truth, returning the kitten to the little girl had topped off a very enjoyable day.

This being sociable wasn’t all that bad, Audrey thought. And sitting in the back row meant no one was looking at her.