Tangled Lies by Connie Mann

computer. We’re still in the process of digitally scanning all our archives. This far back, they are probably still in the storage building, awaiting their turn.” A form spit out of the printer, and he handed it over the counter along with a pen. “If you ladies don’t mind showing me some identification, you can fill out the form and I’ll get the process started.”
    “We have a bit of time. What if we grab lunch and come back?” Sasha asked.
    He shook his head. “I don’t think I made myself clear. I can put the request in right now, but getting the actual file will take a few days, at least.”
    Eve’s eyebrows shot to her hairline, and Sasha bit back a smile. Eve worked in a high-tech office with lots of clout and instant access.
    “I don’t have days. I have to catch a plane tomorrow.”
    “I’m sorry. I’m guessing it will take until the middle of the week, minimum.”
    Chief Monroe sauntered through the front door, and Sasha sighed inwardly. He removed his hat and extended a hand, his grin as fake as his teeth.
    “Eve, Sasha, good to see you girls again. Heard you were in town for your mama’s big birthday bash. I would have been honored to offer my congratulations in person, but someone had to keep the citizens of our little corner of paradise safe.”
    Sasha nearly rolled her eyes. He’d always been pompous and treated her like something he’d scraped off the bottom of his shoe, especially after what he termed her “crime spree” ten years ago. Still, they needed his help.
    “We’ll be sure to pass your good wishes on to Mama,” Eve said.
    The chief’s grin faded. “How is she, bless her heart?”
    “She’s holding her own,” Sasha said. “She had a wonderful time at the party.”
    “Good, good. Glad to hear it. So what brings you ladies downtown?”
    “They want to see the file from their brother’s disappearance,” Officer Nick supplied.
    The chief scratched his head. “Well, now, I remember my daddy talking about that case, God rest his soul. That was a long time ago. I’m sure those files are in the archives somewhere. Why would you want to see them now, after all this time?”
    Eve and Sasha exchanged a quick glance.
    “Call it family curiosity,” Sasha said, smiling. “That happened before our time, so we want to get a sense of the whole thing.”
    “Well, the file won’t tell you much, I know that. It was a tragedy, pure and simple. Your mama went in the house, quick-like to get more wash, got distracted by a phone call, and when she came back out, the poor boy had drowned.”
    “But they never found his body,” Sasha said.
    “No, they sure didn’t. But it was the only thing that made sense. There were no strangers hanging around, never a trace of the boy found. He probably fell into the water and got washed out with the tide.”
    “We appreciate the insight, Chief,” Eve said, “but we’d like to see the file just the same.”
    “Sure, sure. Just fill out the—”
    “Already done, Chief,” Officer Nick said.
    “You told them it’ll take a while to get the file?”
    “I did.”
    The chief turned back to them. “So how long you girls staying in town?”
    “Eve flies out tomorrow, but I’ll be here a while, helping out with the marina.”
    The chief frowned. “I heard you’re a boat captain these days. Seems an odd job for a pretty gal like you.”
    Sasha smiled through her teeth. “I enjoy it.”
    “Well, good luck to both of you. Now if you’ll excuse me.” He didn’t wait for a response, just turned and headed down the hall.
    “Miss Petrov, if you’ll give me a phone number where I can reach you, I’ll let you know when I get those files.”
    Sasha ignored Eve as she said, “My cell phone died, so as soon as I get a new one, I’ll call you with the number. Until then, let me give you the number at my folks’ house.”
    Then she mentally counted down as they walked out of the building and back to the car. Eve wouldn’t be able to