Damn brothers. Gabe scowled and entered the building. He was a fool, stepping back into a war zone…because that’s what being a law enforcement officer meant.

At least he’d just be a lowly officer and not responsible for anyone but himself…and the town. The entire damn town.

The tiny police station was empty. Somewhat dusty.

One long room obviously served as the bullpen with scattered desks for the officers. He’d have to pick a desk and settle in.

The front had a window to Main Street. The left side of the room had a door that opened into the building’s main reception area.

He kept exploring. On the right wall was the door to the staff area with a few lockers, a shower, and toilet area. Another room functioned as the lockup for evidence and contained the gun vault—open and empty.

The final door near the front opened to the police chief’s office. Gabe studied the dust and the desk piled with junk mail and notices. Didn’t look as if anyone was filling that position.

To his surprise, he spotted a paper with his name on top of one pile.

- - - -

Gabe.

The town council appointed you Chief of Police. Here’s your badge, stars, and the contract. Welcome to Rescue.

Caz

- - - -

Chief of Police? What the hell?

Gabe closed his eyes. Talk about being railroaded. Welcome to Rescue, dumbass. You’re now the person in charge of enforcing the law.

Growling, he glanced through the paperwork—all in order. Of course it was.

Was he going to let himself get pushed into this shit? He considered the papers, the badge, the stars. Considered saying no. But did it matter what title he carried—officer or chief? In a one-horse town, there wasn’t much difference.

With a sigh, he signed the contract. All right, he’d play. For now. He’d find whoever was sabotaging his brothers’ construction, beat the shit out of him…no, wrong. Arrest the bastard. After that, he’d help Rescue hire on an officer or two.

Then, he could return to Mako’s old cabin with a clear conscience.

After tossing the badge up in the air a few times, feeling it grow heavier each time, he pinned it onto his jacket. He attached the stars to his jacket collar tabs.

He’d need to give the State Troopers’ dispatch a heads-up that he was in Rescue. Later.

What kind of idiotic council did Rescue have anyway to appoint a police chief sight unseen?

They might well change their minds once they met him. Gabe snorted. At one time, he’d been friendlier. Not like Caz, who could charm the hair off a poodle, but more approachable than Hawk, who’d rather be skinned than dole out an entire sentence.