Page 36 of Crazy in Love

“Hope?” Why was Faith’s sister calling him in the middle of the night? Crap. Had he given her the wrong impression? Made her think there was more to their relationship than friendship? Before he could spin completely out of control, she put his fears to rest.

“I’m at the police station. I don’t want Faith or my dad to find out. Can you come get me?” Her voice sounded small and scared.

He rubbed his eyes, still not sure what she meant. “Is something wrong? What happened?”

“I kinda got arrested, I guess.”

“You guess?”

“Can you pick me up or not?”

“Hope, I don’t have a car. And even if I did, I’m not sure I could drive.”

“Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. Faith would’ve picked hers up, but what about Tess’s?”

He plowed a hand through his hair and sighed. “I’ll figure something out and be there soon.”

The last Vicodin had worn off hours ago. He’d planned to sleep through any pain, but he couldn’t do that if he was going to try to drive. Then again, if he intended to get behind the wheel, he shouldn’t take drugs! Should he wake up Tess? She’d just call Faith, and for some reason, Hope didn’t want that. He needed to find out why before calling them in.

He slipped the pill bottle into his pocket, put on his tennis shoes, and limped into the living room. Tess’s bedroom door was closed. That would be his excuse for not asking. Nick snatchedher keys from the rack and quietly let himself out. Every step hurt, and he relied heavily on the cane, but made his way to the street where Tess’s car was parked.

Thankfully, she had an SUV. Anything smaller would have been unbearable. He drove to the police station using his left leg for both the gas and the brake. It was awkward and painful, but doable.

At the sheriff’s office, he parked and shuffled in. Sheriff Hayes stood next to the punk from the ice cream shop. The one Nick had a bad feeling about. Another adult stood with them, presumably the kid’s dad. As Nick approached, the man grumbled and stormed out, dragging the sulking teen by the scruff of the neck.

“Nick Walker,” Sheriff Hayes greeted. “Heard you were back in town. What brings you by?”

“I’m here for Hope Sullivan.”

The sheriff’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh. Okay. I guess I did just tell her ‘an adult.’ I assumed Eddie or Faith would come for her.”

“What happened?” Nick asked.

“Vandalism. Deputy caught ’em spray-painting the school gym.”

“Was she just there? Or actually participating?”

“Paint can was in her hand.”

Nick groaned. “Has she ever been in trouble before? Was that kid with her?” He hitched a thumb toward the door.

“No. And yes. I know what you’re thinking, and you’re probably right. He’s bad news. Hope’s grievin’ for her momma, I get that. But doesn’t mean she gets away with breakin’ the law.”

“I understand. Can I take her home?”

“Little unconventional. You not being related and all, but I suppose. Wait here. I’ll go get her.”

Releasing a minor to someone other than a parent or guardian would never fly in the city, but here, in Podunkville, rules were flexible.

A minute later, Hope followed the sheriff into the lobby. Her eyes were red and swollen, and for once, she seemed to have nothing to say.

“You okay?” Nick asked. She nodded silently.

“She’ll get a summons in the mail about a court date, but she’s free to go for now.”

“Thanks, Sheriff. I’ll make sure she gets home.”

“You know, we could always use a good lawman around here. I’m not gettin’ any younger. If you think about staying that is.”

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