Page 31

Jack

“ I ’m not trying to tell you how to do your job. It’s about my son’s chance of getting a scholarship.” George Powell is in my office, and to his credit, he’s keeping his cool. “Levi’s not getting the same amount of time on the field.”

It’s true, and I can’t argue with him.

I’ve been playing Austin more, because when Austin’s in the game, Allie is so happy. When Allie’s happy, I’m happy, and I like seeing Austin play. It’s the definition of favoritism, and I don’t have a leg to stand on.

My jaw is tight, and I nod, looking down at my desk. “You’re right. I’ll start him in tonight’s game against Crystal Shores.”

They’re our longstanding rival team. They’re big and tough, and we have the added disadvantage of playing them on the road. Still, it’ll get Powell off my back and free up Austin to play in next week’s homecoming game.

Homecoming coincides with the Halloween fundraiser and the return of Hendrix and his crew. They’ll be wanting to see him play, and I’m looking forward to having the family all together again .

We give Dylan a hard time about wanting us all in Newhope again, but I wouldn't mind that scenario either. It’s been a difficult journey, but our family is strong in love and support.

George stands, holding out his hand to shake. “I heard you were an easy man to work with. I see those rumors were correct.”

I stand slowly, taking his hand and shaking it. “I want all the boys to succeed.”

He nods and turns to leave my office. I’m thinking about going to the library to see what Allie’s doing. After last night’s brief text exchange and my last visit, my blood heats thinking about her. I also have a little something in mind…

Then I see her sitting on the edge of a chair in the lobby.

She’s so pretty in a maroon dress with little white flowers on it that hugs her shape in a way that should be sinful. Her dark hair is twisted up on the back of her head, and her lips are a beautiful wine color.

But she’s not wearing her glasses, and when our eyes meet, hers are wide with fear.

It’s a punch to the chest, and I don’t care if George is standing at the receptionist’s desk. I go straight to her.

“Are you okay?” My voice is urgent.

She stands quickly, walking straight past George Powell and into my office without a word. I follow her inside and close the door before going to put my arm around her.

“What’s wrong?”

“This appeared on my phone last night.” She hands me the device, and my brow lowers.

A text from a blocked number is on the screen.

I see you.

Anger burns in my throat, and my eyes snap to hers. “Is it him?”

“I don’t know.” Her arms wrap around her waist, and she steps out of my embrace. “I messaged a few friends in New Orleans, and they haven’t seen him lately. They can’t remember how long it’s been. I mean, it could be an accident. It could’ve been meant for someone else…”

“But the number is hidden.” I shake my head. “We’re not taking a chance.”

Her eyes lift to mine, and she’s so frightened standing in front of me, protection surges in my veins.

“Come here.” I pull her to me again, and she melts into my arms with a little huff.

Her head is against my chest, and a shiver moves through her body.

Leaning down, I kiss her temple, sliding my hand up and down her back.

“You’re not alone in this.” Holding my lips against her head, I inhale deeply her apple scent. “I’ll take care of you.”

She nods against my chest, but when she lifts her chin, her brow is lined. “How?”

Gazing into her pretty face fills me with calm assurance. “You’ll move in with me until we’ve located him.”

“I can’t do that.” She exhales a scoff. “What about Austin?”

“I’ll stay at your place, then.”

“And Kimmie?”

“Dylan will help me with her.” Reaching up, I slide a lock of hair behind her ear. “I won’t leave your side.”

“I have a house alarm. We should be good with that.”

“I don’t like should .” She has no idea the lengths I’m willing to go to guarantee her safety. “Have you shown this to Garrett?”

“No, I came straight to you.”

I like that she came to me. I want her to come to me always. “We’ll loop him in on this, and he can have his guys watching. He can find out the last time Rip checked in with his parole officer, and that will give us an idea of what we’re working with.”

“I hate this so much.” Allie’s jaw tightens, and she starts to pace again. “I hate that he has this power over us. I hate being afraid. It makes me so angry.”

“He doesn’t have power over us.” My tone is final. “If he’s stupid enough to come here, he’ll find out just how big of a mistake he’s making. We take care of our own, and nobody is going to touch you or Austin.”

Her brow is still furrowed, and I touch her cheek. “Look at me.” Her face lifts, and I hold her gaze. “Do you trust me?”

“You know I do.”

“Then don’t be afraid.”

She blinks a few times, and the mist in her blue eyes twists my chest painfully.

“Allie,” I whisper, taking her hand. “We’ve got you.”

At last she relents, looking down, but managing a smile. “Okay.”

“Let’s talk to Garrett.”

“He last checked in two days ago.” Garrett types on his desktop computer as we sit across from him in his sheriff’s office. “He hasn’t been granted permission to leave the state, but he requested it.”

“Can he do that?” The panic in Allie’s tone has me reaching for her hand.

All thoughts of keeping our feelings a secret are gone. I’m not letting a dangerous criminal threaten her or her son, and everyone can deal with it.

Garrett doesn’t even seem to notice. “He can request it. Doesn’t mean he’s going to get it. In fact, I expect he’ll be denied. He hasn’t been out long enough, and he’s got some heavy charges on his record. Law enforcement doesn’t want to lose track of him.”

“What can we do?” My tone is sharp, and my brother stands, adjusting the holster on his waist.

When Garrett told me he wanted to be sheriff, I only thought how it would affect my plans for him to join my coaching staff. Now that I see him at six-four in his official uniform, I feel a lot better about his decision to keep the town safe.

“I didn’t find any record that he’d bought a vehicle.”

“You don’t really need a car in New Orleans.” Allie’s voice is quiet.

“That’ll slow him down some. I’ll ask highway patrol to keep a lookout for any out of state plates headed this way, and I’ll have Sam add your street to his rounds at night.”

“Sam Allen?” I frown up at him. “I thought he was in Animal Control.”

“Hey, don’t knock Animal Control. Some of our best officers got their start there.” My brother grins, and I know he’s talking about himself. “He moved over a few months back. He got tired of getting alligators out of the road, but he’s a good officer.”

My brother’s upbeat nature goes a long way towards easing the tension in the small room.

He puts a hand on Allie’s shoulder. “I know it doesn’t seem like it, but one of the best things he could do is show up here. We’ll nail his ass, and he’ll be back in Angola.”

Allie scrubs her fingers across her forehead. “I’m sure you’re right. I just don’t know what to expect.”

“It’s tough, but I’ll talk to the guys now. Best thing you can do is try to go about your business. Don’t let him win.”

She looks up at me. “We have the game tonight. I’ll be with all the girls, then when we get back…”

“I’ll see if Dylan can keep Kimmie, and I’ll spend the night at your place.”

“What do I tell Austin?”

My lips tighten, and I think about it. “We don’t know anything for sure yet. It still could be an accidental text.”

Garrett makes a low noise, and I agree. I’m not counting on it.

“He knows to be careful,” Allie concedes. “But he’ll wonder why you’re at our house. ”

“He won’t be the only one.” Garrett leans back in his chair grinning.

“I’ll be discreet.” As if I care about town gossip right now. “I can come over after hours and leave before sunrise.”

“I should give you both my alarm code just in case.” Allie quickly jots down the number.

It takes me two seconds to memorize. “I’ll talk to Austin, but we’d better head back to school.”

Lunchtime is almost over, and the specter of Rip has overshadowed our big rivalry game in my mind.

Still, we have the pep rallies and all the school spirit events to attend this afternoon. At least Allie is right about it being game day—she’ll never be out of my sight.

Sitting on the bus for the short drive to the Crystal Shores stadium, I send a quick text.

Levi’s starting QB tonight. I meant to tell you earlier.

DLS

It’s been a day.

Austin will be back next week.

DLS

It’s homecoming. Everyone will be here.

More eyes on both of you.

DLS

That gave me a shiver.

More eyes that love you.

DLS

Thank you

I think about what I sent. I think about how she’s become so much a part of my family these last few years. My siblings do love her—and Austin, too.

I love her and Austin .

Staring at the phone in my hands, I acknowledge the truth right in front of me like a brand, an undeniable fact.

I love Allie.

I love her, and this is where everything changes.

Levi plays a strong game, but the Dolphins have done their homework. They’re ready for both of our quarterbacks, and he’s sacked more than once.

Going into the fourth quarter, they’re up by seven. The score has gone back and forth each quarter with us scoring out the gate and them hot on our heels.

Garrett joined us for practice in the days leading up to tonight, and our defensive line turned in the best game of the season. Still, it isn’t enough to hold back this team.

As strong as we play, we miss our chance at scoring a touchdown. In the final seconds, Rome Allen kicks a field goal, but it’s not enough to close the gap in the score.

It’s our first loss of the season—and against our biggest rival. Our fans are deflated, and the mood on the bus heading back to Newhope is somber.

My mind and my eyes have been on Allie all night, but I stand, facing the boys as we drive.

“You played a good game tonight. I want you all to be proud of yourselves.” I look at where Austin and Levi share a seat in the back.

Austin’s in the middle, his eyes fixed on me as I speak. Levi’s looking out the window at the passing lights, and as a former quarterback, I’m sure I can guess how he’s feeling.

“It never feels good to lose, but we’ve had a strong season. We’ve got four games to go, and we’re still in the running for the playoffs.” I look from face to face. “Defense, that was your best game of the year. Let’s keep it up, and Levi? ”

He doesn’t look up from the window.

“Levi?” He finally turns his gaze to me, and I give him a nod. “You played a good game. You’ll have another chance to show us what you can do.”

He doesn’t smile, and I make the decision to let him split the homecoming game with Austin. We’re playing the Bears, another tough team, but it’ll be on our home turf.

It’ll be a high-spirit time with all the festivities and the positive energy. I expect we’ll pull out a win.

When we arrive at the school, the boys file off the bus. Austin walks with Levi, Tyreek, and Lucas to the parking lot, and I consider stopping him to let him know I’ll be sleeping on his couch tonight.

At the last minute, I decide to wait and talk to him later. In the meantime, I’ll get Kimmie settled with her aunt, and I’ll check in with Garrett to see if he’s heard anything.