Page 50 of The Deputy's Secret Double

Marty had agreed to the terms and JJ had lightly suggested he keep what happened quiet. Since he had been the one to wander off with a stranger and, in his mind, nearly get robbed, it was a concession he was more than willing to make.

After that, Price had simply turned to JJ and said four words that zipped her mouth shut tight.

“We’re going home now.”

The drive back took place in stony silence.

JJ didn’t know how she should break it. Or, really, what she should break it with. Price not enlisting the authorities for Lawson had been a surprise. Him not driving her directly to the department once they were back in Seven Roads? Also a surprise.

One she was glad to meet as they parked in the driveway.

Price’s driveway.

“Winnie is staying the night at a friend’s house,” he announced. “Let’s go.”

His tone was sharp but not particularly loud. JJ didn’t like the change from the happy-go-lucky man she had grown used to seeing. Then again, she had been the reason for the change.

She watched him exit the truck and walk around the hood.

He didn’t even look back at her as he went and started to unlock the front door.

I could run right now,JJ thought.There’s only two more names and now I know Lawson’s here. I don’t have to keep playing pretend. I can just hide.

JJ opened her door and then closed it softly behind her.

He may know who I am but if I wanted to, I could disappear from his life forever.

She walked up the sidewalk and paused as he opened the door.

I can do all of this alone.I don’t need him.

JJ followed Price into his home.

She didn’t have the mental bandwidth at the moment to think about why, for the first time ever, she was deciding to trust someone.

Instead, she let her instincts take over.

And, for whatever reason, they were at ease around Price Collins.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

Price’s voice broke through her thoughts with a start.

JJ shook her head.

“Nothing but bruising.” She tapped her side. “He only landed one hit and, thankfully, it was this side.” JJ stopped herself from adding that it was a lucky hit, considering she had just recovered from Price’s rib shot during their fight at Josiah’s. She cleared her throat and motioned to his chest.

“What about you? He slugged you pretty good from what I saw.”

Price’s face was impassive. She couldn’t read a thing on it.

“I’m fine,” he answered. “Want some water?”

“I’m good,” she said.

“Good.”

He walked off like the conversation was over. JJ couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow as she followed him into the living room to the right. Its decor was rustic and warm, covered in knickknacks and walls with framed pictures of Winnie and him through the years. If she had been there under different circumstances, JJ would have liked to have taken a closer look at everything.