The Edens, #1
Indigo Ridge
by Devney Perry
Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
Winn, newly arrived in Quincy as the incoming police chief, meets a magnetic stranger, Griffin, at a dive bar and has a one-night stand. The next morning she starts her job, meets key staff, and lunches with her grandfather, the mayor, at The Eloise. There, she learns Griffin is Griffin Eden—son of influential Harrison Eden—complicating her professional debut.
Summary
New to Quincy, Winslow “Winn” Covington goes to Willie’s bar to mark moving into town. The aloof bartenders ignore her until rugged stranger Griffin arrives. Drawn to each other, Winn and Griffin talk, play shuffleboard, and escalate their flirtation. Outside in the lot, Winn chooses to embrace a no-strings night.
Winn wakes late, sore and exhilarated, and rushes through a cold-then-hot shower to make her first day as Quincy’s police chief. At the station, Officer Smith is curt, but Mayor Walter “Pops” Covington offers support. Winn meets Janice, the seasoned assistant, tours the department, and learns team dynamics, including Smith’s grudge after losing the chief role.
Planning to meet more officers at shift change, Winn hears she’ll meet the county sheriff tomorrow. For lunch, Pops takes her to The Eloise to connect with the powerful Eden family. In the lobby and restaurant, Winn notes the Edens’ prominence and renovations led by Harrison Eden.
Over menus, Pops mentions that Griffin’s opinion also carries weight. Winn panics as Harrison and Griffin approach. Seated together, it’s revealed the man from last night is Griffin Eden. Griffin seems tense; Winn maintains professionalism as introductions confirm their connection, turning a carefree fling into a politically sensitive complication on day one.
Who Appears
- Winslow “Winn” CovingtonNewly arrived in Quincy; has a one-night stand with Griffin, then starts as the town’s new police chief.
- Griffin EdenCharismatic stranger from the bar; spends the night with Winn and is revealed as a member of the influential Eden family.
- Walter “Pops” CovingtonWinn’s grandfather and Quincy’s mayor; supports her first day and introduces her to Eden connections.
- JaniceSeasoned assistant to the chief; orients Winn to station operations and schedules.
- Officer SmithFront desk officer; curt toward Winn after losing the chief position, signaling internal resistance.
- Harrison EdenPatriarch of the Eden family; welcomes Winn and inadvertently reveals Griffin’s identity.
- Eloise EdenHotel manager at The Eloise; briefly seen acknowledging the mayor.
- Willie SeniorGrumpy bartender at Willie’s; serves Winn and Griffin with minimal words.
- Willie JuniorYounger bartender at Willie’s; works alongside his father, equally unfriendly.