I was surprised to run into Janet Taylor heading up the steps and into the sheriff's office, almost running her over in my distraction. She caught herself before I could bump her, scowling at me while I blinked into the sunshine.

"Sorry," I said. "Didn't see you there." Not sorry, though. Wished she'd fallen. Because I was a terrible person with Mommy protection issues.

Her pinched expression didn't lighten up. "I'm sure you did," she snapped. "Excuse me." ...