Rafael sat tense, unease tightening his shoulders as Sheriff Alex spoke.

“Rafael, trust her,” the sheriff said firmly. “She’s handled worse. She knows what she’s doing.”

Rafael opened his mouth to object, but Alex raised a hand.

“I get it. You’re worried. But she’s smart, capable, and experienced. You need to let her do her job.”

Rafael took a long breath. The decision had already been made, and now, all he could do was wait.

“Boy,” Alex said, resting a reassuring ...