***

Ace's POV:

I told sheriff Bates about my escape from the ranch and how I survived and was helped by uncle Victor. Most importantly, I gave him the reason why I'd escaped. I just told him about maltreatment. To my surprise, he wasn't surprised.

"I ain't surprised about that Christina side of the story. Sorry Heather, but I'd always told your father that his wife was a snake."

"No need to be sorry sheriff, I've always known."

I decided to take a chance.

"What are you doing here in California, sheriff? Why aren't you at home in Blueville?" I asked him.

"I was on a murder case in Blueville,...