Chapter 27

Daniel crouched behind the pharmacy counter, sorting through prescriptions. The door’s jingle caught his attention and he pushed up to his feet, unfolding his knees with a grimace.

Samuel Brown strode into the store like he owned the place, Sheriff Martinson and four deputies on his heels.

Daniel ignored the cold sweat breaking out across his skin as he stepped out from behind the counter. “Can I help you gentlemen?”

Brown came to a stop two paces away from him and crossed his arms over his chest, a pleased smile gracing his face. “Daniel Shepherd.”

A weight settled in Daniel’s stomach. “What can I do for you, Brown?”

Sheriff Martinson stepped forward. “Mr. Shepherd, I’m afraid I have a warrant for your arrest. I’d like you to come in for questioning and I hope”—he cast a quick glance at Brown—“we can clear this up, quickly.”

Granddad appeared from the back room, the color draining from his face. “Daniel, what’s going on?”

“I’d like to know that, myself.”

The sheriff stepped forward. “Miles, we have to take your grandson in for questioning. He’s been implicated as a suspect in a rumrunning case.” He turned to Daniel. “You are being arrested for activities in violation of the Volstead Act.”

Daniel squeezed his fingers into a fist. “What kind of activities?”

“The import, transport, and sale of intoxicating liquor.” Sheriff Martinson’s gaze flickered between Brown and Shepherd.

“Marty, this is ridiculous.” Granddad yanked off his spectacles. “My grandson is as dry as they come.”

Brown snorted. “Doesn’t matter. We have an eyewitness who fingered Shepherd as a member of the ring. Now, Sheriff”—he gestured with his head—“you said the county would cooperate on this matter. Would you like to have the honor of arresting him, or shall I do it myself?”

Martinson stepped forward and grasped Daniel’s arm. “Come on, son. We’re going to take you down to the station and ask you a few questions.”

Brown slipped a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. “Restrain him. We don’t want him running.”

Daniel’s anger bubbled over. “You are so far out of line, here, Brown. I’m no more a rumrunner than you are an honest lawman.”

Brown’s eyes darkened. He fastened onto Daniel’s coat and rammed him against the counter. “You’re going to regret that comment.” He turned him around and snapped the cuffs on one wrist.

Daniel gritted his teeth. “Who’s this eyewitness, anyway?”

Brown twisted his arm. “How I would love to tell you that. But it’s not allowed.”

Daniel felt the cuffs click into place behind his back. “Don’t I have the right to face my accuser?”

“Soon enough. Now, Sheriff, you can take him. I have a second warrant here giving me the right to search this store from attic to basement and I plan on doing just that.”

Daniel’s grandfather frowned. “We’ve got nothing to hide.”

“I’ll make sure of that. You might want to close up while we do this.”

Sheriff Martinson sighed. “I’m sorry about this, Miles. But Revenue has jurisdiction in these cases.”

Granddad nodded, face grim. “I understand.”

A small crowd gathered around the entrance to the store as the sheriff escorted Daniel to the street. Sheriff Martinson gestured with his arm. “Go on about your day, folks.”

Daniel gazed at the sidewalk, oblivious to the stares of the crowd.

Laurie stomach curdled as she watched Daniel being led out to a police car by two tommy gun–toting deputies. She pushed away her swirling emotions. She’d only done what was necessary to protect Johnny. Besides, Daniel was guilty, after all. It’s not like she had lied to Samuel.

“Laurie, what’s going on?”

The sight of her best friend brought hot tears stinging her eyes. “Amelia, Daniel’s been arrested.”

“What? Why?”

The police car pulled away down the street while the crowd gaped and pointed.

Laurie let the tears fall. “Because of me.”