Page 98 of Traces Of You

“I’m coming to get you,” Clay said.

“There is no need,” she said. “I swear. Ford will call you next.”

There was silence on the other end. “You didn’t tell me you were leaving and we’ll deal with that when you get back.”

Clay hung up before she could say another word. “Ford.”

“I’m here. What did you tell Clay?”

“That’d you’d call him next.”

“I will. Give the phone to Deputy Dugen, please.”

She sniffled some and handed it back to the deputy, who said a few more words, then gave her the phone back and stood there with her information in hand. “It’s me, Ford. Can I leave?”

“Yes. I’ll deal with everything. Go home to Clay. I’m leaving within the hour and will take care of this, then come to you. You’ll be fine. I promise.”

She nodded. “Okay.” She hung the phone up and put it on the seat.

“Here is your information,” Deputy Dugen said. He had the ticket in his hand and didn’t hand it over. She didn’t care about that. It was the least of her worries. “I’m going to escort you back to the orchard so you don’t get stopped again with the light out.”

The last thing she wanted was a police escort, but at this point, the damage was done.

She pulled away from the road and turned toward the orchard, the officer tailing her the whole time, then drove past when she pulled in.

Clay was standing right at the gate when she drove in as if he was an angry father waiting for a teenage daughter who broke curfew.

She didn’t even care.

The experience had rattled her more than she expected, and she couldn’t believe the wave of relief that washed over her when she finally reached the grounds.

Her car came to a stop, the window went down, Clay stalking toward her. “My mother knows what is going on. Just go home. I’ll be over to check in soon.”

She did as she was told, driving to the little cabin that was her temporary home and parking in the back.

The minute she was inside, she locked the door behind her, grabbed a change of clothing and took a shower, breaking down in tears alone.

Just like she’d felt her entire life.

Did she have to leave now? Would it be safer if she did?

She couldn’t bear to think of not being with Ford. Around him. Talking to him.

Having him by her side.

After her shower and a change of clothes, the heat of the day, the steam, and the emotional chaos of the past thirty minutes finally caught up to her. She crawled onto her bed, clutched a pillow to her chest, and cried in silence just as she had so many times as a child.

27

TRAPPED IN YOUR HEAD

Ford looked up at the knock on his open office door.

He’d driven home faster than he’d ever done in his life if he wasn’t racing to a call.

He wasn’t one to take advantage of his position and break the speed limit that much. He was in a sheriff’s SUV, no one would stop him, but he didn’t make a habit of going as fast as he had.

He’d called Gale, filled her in on everything he could. His sister said she’d talk to Reenie at some point, but there didn’t appear to be any legal issues to deal with.