Page 51 of Roll With The Punches

“Actually,” Jeff said, “she climbed out her bedroom window.Shebrokeout. I didn’t break in. I only helped her climb out so she didn’t break her neck or a leg in the process.”

“Pat,please, let hergo!” Tracey begged.

“No! I told my mom and dad she’d be here tonight for dinner! Let me up!”

“Sir,” the second deputy said, “either you calm downrightnow, or we’re going to arrest you. Final warning.”

Tracey was being held back by the third deputy. “Pat, juststopit. Let her go. She doesn’t want to be here. We can’t afford a lawyer or bail money.Pleasecalm down!”

Whether it was the real threat of jail, or a reminder of their financial situation, Pat finally did stop struggling against the officers.

The third deputy finally released Tracey. She waved her hand toward the cars. “Just go. Just take her and go. This is not how this weekend was supposed to happen, and I’m sorry.”

Brandon, who after hugging Emma had refused to take his arm from around her shoulders, sent a death glare toward Tracey. “I’ll be calling my attorney immediately and asking for an injunction against you. This shit’s inexcusable. She came here in good faith. You promised her Corey wouldn’t be here, and youliedto her and tried to hold her hostage.”

Tracey hugged herself. “I’m sorry. Em, I love you, and I’m so, so sorry. I—”

“Don’t you dare fucking apologize to her!” Pat screamed.

“I love you. Please, go.”

The third deputy seemed to be taking in the situation. “Did you want to press charges, sir?” he asked Brandon.

Brandon deferred to Emma. “It’s your call, sweetheart.”

She glared at Pat. “No, but only because if he loses his job, it means Mom can’t pay her bills. And I don’t want Mom to suffer because he’s an idiot. She’s suffering enough being married to him. I hate you, you jerk. I wish my mother had never met you.”

Then, in a move that made Jeff prouder than he could have ever told her, Emma walked over to her mom and hugged her before she rejoined Brandon.

Brandon led Emma to her car, holding the passenger door open for her before walking around to the driver’s side, where Jeff handed him her overnight bag. Then Jeff joined Stuart, who drove Brandon’s car, and they pulled out.