Cattle Valley 27 - Alone in a Crowd Read Online Free PDF Page A

Ryan sat back down and waited for the council to leave the room. As soon as they were gone, he got the jump on Nate. “He grabbed me. You don’t grab a police officer.”
“And you don’t arrest someone just because you happen to be in a pissy mood,” Nate fired back.
If it were anyone else, Ryan would continue to argue, but Nate was technically his boss, and although Nate had never pulled that particular card on him, Ryan knew he was in a position to do so. “So are you ordering me to release him?”
“All I’m saying is the city can’t afford a lawsuit right now. We’re so close to doing something worthwhile with the extra money we’re bringing in. If you think Dean Grooper honestly belongs in jail, fine, otherwise, cut him loose with apologies.”
Ryan sprang up out of his chair, knocking it backwards onto the floor. “Sonofabitch!” He stormed towards the door. “I’ll cut the little fucker loose, but I’ll be damned if I’ll ever apologise to someone who thinks they can lay their hands on me in anger.”
Ryan left without a backwards glance. He got into his SUV and headed straight for the station. Cattle Valley only had one holding cell and Grooper was the only prisoner currently occupying the space. If Ryan had his way, Grooper would cool his heels for a couple of days in the windowless space, but obviously, Nate was more concerned with losing money than justice.
He entered the station and walked to the back holding area. From the doorway, he stared at Dean Grooper. “You sober yet?”
Grooper looked up. “That’s none of your business. I was in my own house. You’re the one who dragged me down here.”
Ryan pulled out his keys and unlocked the cell door. “I’ll make you a deal. You stop calling about that stupid traffic light, and I won’t stop you for a sobriety test every time I see you out on the streets.”
“Not much of a warning since I haven’t driven a car since the accident,” Grooper mumbled. When he made no move to stand, Ryan entered the cell.
“So if you’re not driving, why is the stoplight so important to you?” Ryan asked in a moment of compassion.
Grooper finally stood. “Just trying to save someone’s life. Don’t worry, I won’t call again.” He walked out of the cell.
“Wait, I’ll get Brian to drive you home.” Ryan relocked the jail door before following Grooper to the front of the office.
“I’d rather walk.”
Ryan watched through the window as Grooper made his way down the sidewalk. There was something about the slump of the man’s shoulders that didn’t sit well with Ryan. He went back to his office to close the file on Grooper. Although he hoped he wouldn’t have further trouble with him, Ryan knew Grooper would be on his mind for a while.
* * * *
    By the time Ryan walked into the family room, Rio had already heard Nate’s side of the story, and although he loved Nate dearly, his partner did tend to exaggerate at times. The puzzled expression on Ryan’s face told Rio without words that his evening of quiet TV time was over. “Hey.”
“Where’s Nate?”
    “Taking a shower.” Rio waited for Ryan to remove his cowboy boots before slapping the sofa beside him. “Join me.”
Ryan stopped long enough to take off his shirt and jeans before joining Rio. “Did you know Grooper hasn’t driven since that little fender bender?”
Rio shook his head. “I’ve seen him riding around on his bike, but I didn’t think anything about it.” He wrapped his arms around Ryan and pulled him close. “Does this have something to do with why you threw the man in jail?”
Ryan glanced towards the door. “I didn’t tell Nate this because he was being a dick about the whole thing, but I’ve done some thinking, and I know I overreacted. Initially, I went over to tell him to stop calling 911, but when he answered the door, I could smell alcohol on him.” He blew out a long breath before shaking his head from side to side. “There was something about that smell