“Hadley.”

A voice called from behind.

“Who’s there?” Hadley turned. When she saw who it was, her expression brightened.

“Good evening, Mr. Gomez.”

“Good evening.” Ellis gave a small nod and stepped beside her.

“Mind if I join you for a moment?”

“Not at all.” Hadley smiled, then recalled something Theodore had mentioned.

“Did you ever get your shirt back?” Theodore had brought it up to her before.

“I did.” Ellis nodded once. He didn’t seem like the talkative type.

Hadley glanced at him, curious. He didn’t seem to mingle much with the other guests.

“Mr. Gomez,” she asked gently, “are you not interested in tonight’s event? Not fond of the crowd?”

“Something like that.” Ellis offered a faint smile.

“I’m not familiar with most of the guests here tonight; I only know a few.”

That caught her off guard. Her curiosity deepened.

“You must be joking. The people at this gathering are Srixby’s elite—either powerful, influential, or both.”

Invitations weren’t extended lightly. Most guests had long histories and close ties. So how could he be invited when he practically knew no one at the party?

“Strange, isn’t it?” Ellis raised a brow.

“Truth is, I’m not from Srixby. I was transferred here recently for work.”

“Look—” Before she could ask, Ellis gestured toward the uniformed officers patrolling the venue.

“You see them?”

“What? Oh… yes!” Hadley nodded. She’d already noticed them earlier. As she turned back to him, puzzled, Ellis studied her expression with a faintly unreadable look in his eyes.

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“I’m their superior,” he said.

Hadley blinked.

“Wait… what?” Her brows rose and her lips parted in surprise.

“So you’re—”

“Yes.” Ellis nodded, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.

“I’m the new chief of Srixby’s police department. That’s why people treat me with a little more formality.”

“Oh, I see.” Everything clicked into place. No wonder he’d shown up at White Lake Prison that day. He must have been there on official business. And no wonder the officer had complied so quickly—it wasn’t a suggestion; it was an order.

Ellis gave a dry chuckle.

“They all call me ‘Mr. Gomez,’ but I’m nowhere near someone like Mr. Flynn or Mr. Scott.”

“I’m no match for the likes of Mr. Flynn or Mr. Scott.” Ellis lifted his chin slightly, motioning subtly to the crowd around them.

“They’re here to celebrate. I’m here on duty—just an ordinary man doing his job.”

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