Sutter's Bay Box Set

Leo’s stomach clenched like he’d been kicked. “Why?”

But Nolan shook his head frantically, pitching himself up, trying to shake Leo off.

Swallowing bile, Leo released Nolan’s arms and sat back on his haunches, giving Nolan the chance to get away. Nolan, breathing in short, heavy gasps, scrambled to his feet and took off running down the street.

For several minutes, Leo stayed where he was, squatting in the street, staring off in the direction Nolan had just run. His heart hammered rapidly and he was afraid he might vomit right there. But he didn’t. He got control and stood, wrapping his arms around himself. He felt kind of numb, like he was watching a scene from a movie rather than having just experienced it.

After a long time, he turned back and walked slowly to where he’d left his bike. His gaze scanned Nolan’s handiwork. He’d have to paint over it. He wanted to do it now before anyone saw it. But it wouldn’t make it go away. Wouldn’t make the shock and betrayal lessen.

“Nolan, why?” he whispered in the darkness.

Leo didn’t know why he bothered to show up at Stone Beach the next day near sunset. Some part of him, all right, a large part, had hoped Nolan would show up and maybe explain about spray painting the wall.

But he sat there in the sand, near where he’d met Nolan, waiting. Nolan was a no show. Leo sighed and leaned his head against his bent knees, looking out to the water.

He seriously didn’t want to hunt down Nolan to find out why he’d done it. He should probably drop it. In all likelihood Nolan wouldn’t do it again now that he knew Leo knew.

The problem was, he liked Nolan. A lot. He didn’t want to just give up.

Shaking his head, Leo got to his feet. He turned his head and noticed Jason Sweet coming toward him from the path. He had a limp from a leg injury so his gait was a little labored.

“Hey, Leo.”

“Mr. Sweet. It’s good to see you.”

Jason Sweet had been born and raised in Sutter’s Bay, but had left to go to Los Angeles years before. He’d been a police officer there, but had returned to Sutter’s Bay a few years ago when his mother had been dying.

“Jason. Please.” He shoved his hands into the pocket of his windbreaker. The wind often came up strong in the early evening. Get faster updates on novelceо.com.

Leo smiled. “Okay, Jason. I didn’t know you came around here.”

Jason nodded. “House I grew up in is just up the street, half a block. Used to come here all the time as a teen.”

“That’s right. You’re renting that place now, right? And living with Mr. Yarrow?”

“Yeah. Vacation rental. Sutter’s Bay is becoming popular with tourists. Still kind of strange to see other people in my house, though.” He shook his head. “What are you doing out here alone? It’s going to be dark soon.”

“I was supposed to meet someone. Only he didn’t show.” Leo grimaced.

“He?”

“Nolan Young. You know him?”

“Mayor’s son.” Jason smiled. “I know everyone here. Place isn’t that big, plus I can’t quite get out of the cop mentality. You can take me out of the cop but you can’t take the cop out of me.” He laughed. “Something like that anyway. Anyway, I make it my business to know what’s going on around here.”

“You’d be a way better cop for Sutter’s Bay than the bunch of doofuses they have now.”

“Well, I can’t be on active duty now with this leg. But there is talk of the chief retiring. I might apply for that job if it becomes vacant.”

“That would be cool,” Leo said. “So you know Nolan?”

Jason shrugged. “I know of him. I don’t know a lot about him specifically.”

“His dad’s a wanker.” Read this novel at novelceo(.)com for the best experience.

Jason laughed. “Now you sound like Jude. But yeah, he’s pretty much an asshole. He’s up for reelection next year though and I doubt he’ll win. Most folks don’t like him. He’s not a native to Sutter’s Bay.”

“He’s not?”

“Nope. He’s from Santa Monica. He didn’t come to Sutter’s Bay with Nolan until Nolan was two. Right or wrong, lots of folks think of him as an outsider. Plus he has some unpopular views.”

“Yeah, my brother said.” Leo sighed. “I guess I should get going.”

“Come on, I’ll walk back with you,” Jason said. As they headed back up the beach, Jason slid him a sideways glance. “I’ve seen you at Dr. Carew’s.”

“You go there?” Leo asked, surprised.

Jason nodded. “Yeah, since I moved in with Danny. Shortly after my mother died. I talk mostly about some of the stuff that went on back when I was with the LAPD. But sometimes about family stuff, too.”

“Family stuff?”