Page 36 of The Deputy's Secret Double

Plus, Winnie wasn’t like other people in Seven Roads. Her gossip meter seemed to be turned off. That included the power of prying. The teenager didn’t ask any questions unless JJ led her to them. Even then, she didn’t drill into a topic too long.

It let JJ do something she hadn’t done in a while.

She had let down her guard a little.

Now, she remembered that she wasn’t dealing with the youngest Collins anymore.

She was back with the big one.

JJ mentally buttoned herself up. She returned his smile.

“I’m also thankful she isn’t a snorer,” JJ added. “Though she definitely seems to be a deep sleeper. When the nurses did their rounds earlier, she didn’t budge.”

Price snorted.

“You should see her in the car. If the trip lasts more than ten minutes, she’s already been asleep for five.”

They quieted as they went into the room, but Winnie was already awake. She had changed out of her pajamas and was making the hospital bed.

“Did you sleep there?” her father asked her.

Winnie immediately pointed to JJ.

“She made me! I told her I’d take the couch, but she was all weird about not liking the bed!”

It was JJ’s turn to put her hands up in self-defense.

“I told you I didn’t like hospital beds.”

Price actually rolled his eyes. The effect was such a drastic softening from the stare she’d just been given. It made JJ wonder if she was being overly paranoid.

It was true that she had been around both break-ins and attacks, but hardly anyone could accuse her of being involved. Only two groups seemed to know the possible connection between Josiah and Jamie.

And it seemed that they had already ruled both men out.

Which meant Marty Goldman might be next.

That’s why, instead of staying beneath the Seven Roads radar, JJ had accepted the favor asked of her by Corrie. Marty Goldman would be at the small business networking event that night.

Another reason why JJ was more than ready to leave the hospital, and its beds, behind. Winnie, having already talked about the event the night before, waved her cell phone at JJ and tapped its screen. She was already on the same page.

“I’ll text you the hair tutorial link that I talked about when I find it again,” she said. “I’m pretty sure it’s deep in my Pinterest board but I’ll find it before you have to leave tonight. And, again, if Janie from third period can do it by herself and look like she did at last year’s homecoming dance, I’m sure you’ll really nail it.”

JJ smiled at that.

“Much appreciated.” She touched her hair. It still smelled softly of smoke. “I’m sure my hair could use the confidence boost.”

“Before you leave tonight? You’re still going?”

They turned to Price. His carefree attitude was gone again. She had a feeling he was about to give her a speech about taking it easy or more resting, but Winnie stepped in with the assist.

“We already talked about it and decided that JJ could use a little fun after the last week or so,” she said. “Plus, it’s also for work kind of and if she doesn’t go then you’ll have to take me and I don’t want to be my dad’s plus-one. So don’t try to talk her out of it.”

“The doctor also cleared me during the last round,” JJ added in. “He said I’ll probably be sore but nothing some Icy Hot or some ibuprofen can’t help.”

JJ and Winnie were standing almost shoulder to shoulder across from Price now. His gaze moved between them, slow. JJ was momentarily reminded of her own father. She oddly felt like she was also waiting for his approval.

Then, she remembered it wasn’t all about her.