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“I don’t have to wear a uniform,” Jeff had said “It’s a small city, se and be done with it But most days I wear the uniform because we have a lot of tourists here and you already know the psychological impact of the police uniform”

Michael had nodded, dreading the idea of putting on that hot, polyester crap after years of being a plainclothes officer

“I don’t want you to put on the uniform” Jeff had surprised him “It’ll spread fast around here who you are, and I want the fact you’re plainclothes to make so it elevates you You’re not one of et me?”

Michael had nodded, but he wasn’t too clear on why Jeff needed toan experienced city detective in the department

Michael wanted to find out why now “What’s on the agenda?”

The sheriff pointed to the la device in that lamp last year”

Oh fuck Michael tensed “Any leads?”

Jeff nodded and turned to him, his blue eyes hard “I need you to catch a crooked cop”

Surpris

ed, Michael rocked back on his heels

And he thought his job would be the least dramatic part of his transition to Hartwell

“Let’s get this straight” Jessica peered atof hot tea “The new detective in town is an ex-boyfriend of yours The ex-boyfriend you ran away from in this very shop last summer He’s newly divorced, you reconnected in Boston, and now he quit his job, took one in Hartwell, and uprooted his entire life to be with you?”

Seeing the inquisitiveness in her expression, hearing the incredulity in her voice coroaned and turned to Bailey for help “Tell them it’s more complicated than that”

“It’s more complicated than that”

I pulled a face “Helpful”