“I wasn't going to eat it.”

“Get the rest of the bags.” I pull out my wallet and hand over a couple hundreds for a tip.

“I got other stuff she loves too. She’s a big baker.” I pull out another hundred and hand it over. “Thanks, man.”

“Leave it all and go,” I say before I turn to head back inside. I hear him ask about coffee, but the door closes in time to cut him off. Nice kid but way too chatty.

With the way the snow is already coming down, I know I better go ahead and make my call. What should I complain about tonight?

Bear comes strolling into the room, sniffing at all the boxes. He came with the house. I hadn’t known that when I’d bought the place, but he’s been roaming around since I moved in. I let him in during the last bad storm. I planned to take him to a shelter, but every time I get Marley out here, her face always lights up when she sees him. So that means he stays.

It has nothing to do with me knowing what it's like not to be wanted. I wouldn’t wish that life on anyone.

“You want me to get Marley out here?” His ears perk up, hearing her name. “Get your puppy dog face on. I’m going to need your help.” I scratch the top of the giant mutt's head that I have entirely too much in common with before I pull out my phone.

“Winter Falls Police Department. This is Sally, how may I help you?”

“This is Saint Brooks out on Highway C.”

“We know where you are, Saint.” Of course they do. I call often enough. “I’ll send Deputy Hudson over. Careful, she’s in a mood.” She doesn’t even ask what my problem is. That donation I’ve made to the sheriff’s next election is really paying off in my favor.

“In a mood?” I find myself asking. Mostly her mood is cheerful. Even when I’m being an asshole.

“You’ll see,” she says before she hangs up on me.

I make my way back outside to grab the bags Arthur left. I’m surprised to see how much snow has accumulated within the few minutes I was inside. Worry fills me, thinking about my little deputy driving around in this type of weather.

I do the only rational thing to put myself at ease. I go into my office and pull up her cruiser and track her location. I see she’s at the gas station. I click away, pulling up the connection to her radio and listening to Sally tell her that I’d called in.

“Seriously? I was about to head home.”

“He’s not far from you. Head home after. Everyone in Winter Falls is supposed to be off the streets by nightfall.”