“I don’t think there’s anything to discuss. You’ve found a way to turn a profit in Rockton. And in return, the rest of the women have to put up with being treated like we’ll all whore ourselves—it’s just a matter of finding the right price.”

“I think that’s exaggerating—”

“I’ve been here four days and I’ve still managed to be offered money for sex twice. That’s not counting the guy who told me that if I ever need extra credits, he has some ‘night work’ for me. I’ll just presume he wants me to come over after my shift and type his novel.”

“You’re young and attractive. It’s an anomaly.”

“And you know that how? Marketing research? Door-to-door surveys?” I shake my head and sit at the desk. “I can handle it. I’m sure every other woman in this town can, too, because it’s not like most of them have had their self-esteem ground into the dirt by an abusive asshole.” I look at her. “Right?”

Her reply is slow, careful. “I think that while you have a very valid point, if you could let me state my case, you’d see that we’re damned if we do and we’re damned if we don’t. This is one solution to a very serious problem.”

“That guys can’t keep their pants zipped? That if you deprive them of women, they’ll just take them? That’s a hell of an insult to the men in this town.”

She sighs. “I’d like the chance to explain, Casey. That’s why I came by. To invite you to lunch.”

“No, thank you.”

I notice Anders has come in. He’s standing in the doorway. He sees me look up, nods, and backs out with a motion that he’ll be back in five.

“There are a limited number of professional women in this town,” Isabel says. “Most of us work in menial jobs, just like we did down south. Those in higher positions should stick together.”

“I don’t choose my friends by gender. Now, if you’ll excuse me …”

She leaves without another word, and I return to my work.

Anders returns and sets a Tupperware box in front of me. Inside are cookies.

“I know,” he says. “For cops it should be doughnuts, but we don’t get those here.”

“I prefer cookies anyway.” I select one.

“Good, considering I probably need to score a few points after last night.” He takes a cookie and the chair Isabel vacated.

“I’m sorry about Diana,” I say. “I should have walked away sooner. You guys didn’t deserve that.”

He gives a half shrug. “I kinda did. I feel shitty about it. Before you arrived, we were at the Lion, with others, lots of drinking, she seemed fun and she’s new in town and … And that really doesn’t make me sound any better, does it?” He shifts in his seat. “Diana’s having some … I’d say issues, but that sounds condescending. Cutting loose is fine, but with her it seems a little …”

“Frenetic?”

“Yeah. Which I didn’t realize at the time. So inadvertently I took advantage of the situation, and I feel bad.”

“Deputy,” Dalton says as he walks through the door, “did you come in today to talk or to work?”

Before Anders can answer, Dalton heads out the back.

“Good morning to you, too, boss!” Anders calls. Then he says, to me, “Sometimes I wonder why he doesn’t just walk around the building.”

“Not really an inside cat, is he.”

He smiles. “No, Eric’s definitely an outside cat. If he’s not prowling through town, he’s sunning himself on the back porch.”

“Sunning himself? Or watching for prey?”

“Much better analogy. An outside cat scouring the woods for predators and prey alike.”

I finish my cookie and then say, “About Di, I know she was a bitch last night, and I’m not apologizing for her. That was unforgivable. She obviously likes you and wants to see more of you. I’m guessing you’re not interested.”

He exhales. “Shit. That sounds bad, doesn’t it?”

Actually, no. Given how she’s acting, I don’t want to see him mixed up in that.

He continues. “In my defence, I didn’t say anything to suggest I wanted more than one night. But I still feel shitty.”

“Don’t. It was her mistake.”

“Thanks for not thinking I’m a complete asshole.”

“You aren’t.”

I smile, and he opens his mouth like he’s going to say something. Then the door opens. It’s Beth.

Anders gets up. “I’d better go do my rounds before Eric finds me still chatting. Hey, Doc.” He lifts his hand to high-five her as they pass. The doctor makes a valiant, if awkward, effort to return it. Anders chuckles and keeps going.

“Hey, Beth,” I say. “Thanks for coming by.”

I wave to the chair. She stays standing.

“I’m just popping in to see if you’re free for lunch,” she says.

“Oh.” I push my folder aside. “I thought … Sorry, Eric knew I wanted to speak to you, so I thought he asked you to stop in.”

“That’s a no for lunch, then?” She smiles, but there’s a wariness there, like she’s screwed up the courage to make a friendly overture and it’s being rejected.

“No, no. Lunch is good. Great, in fact.” I check my watch. “I’m off in an hour. I’ll come by then.”