“Kiera,” he said, standing up.

“Sit down.”

He pointed to a vinyl chair in front of the desk.

I sat, keeping the ledger tightly in my lap.

“Did you call Marcus?” I asked.

“Did you tell him to come here?”

Vance leaned his hands on the desk.

“I spoke to him,” Vance said.

“He’s on his way.”

“Is Thomas okay?” I asked.

“He’s fine, Kiera,” Vance said.

“He’s with Marcus’s people.”

“They’re bringing him.”

Something in his voice made me freeze.

It was too calm.

It was too smooth.

“How do you know he’s fine?” I asked.

“Did you speak to Thomas?”

Vance didn’t answer right away.

He looked down at the yellow towel in my lap.

“Is that the ledger?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said, my grip tightening on it.

“Let me see it,” he said, reaching his hand out.

His hand was broad, with thick fingers and clean nails.

I didn’t move.

“Where are the other deputies, Vance?” I asked.

“I only saw Miller.”

“Usually there are at least three on the night shift.”

“They’re out on patrol,” Vance said.