Page 32 of Shadows of You

She nodded. “When people are mean, it’s because they’re hurting.”

“That’s right. They’re hurting so badly they have to turn that pain somewhere else.”

Cady worried her lip between her teeth. “I don’t know why she hates me so much.”

I wanted to lift my girl and run fast and far so no bratty classmate could hurt her again. “It’s probably hard for her to see you shining so brightly.”

“Cady!” Charlie yelled as he ran toward us.

Cady’s face instantly transformed. “Hey!”

They were immediately lost in the chatter of everything they’d missed in each other’s lives over the past twelve hours, and I knew Cady would be okay. I pushed to my feet, watching them head into school.

“Everything okay?”

I turned at Lawson’s deep voice and sighed. “Heather Beasley.”

He grimaced. “I wouldn’t normally say this about a six-year-old, but she’s awful.”

“Her mom’s worse.”

“It’s probably where she learns it from.” Lawson glanced at the school. “I could have a word if you think it would help?”

I shook my head. “I think it would probably have the opposite effect.”

Katelyn emerged from the school, a scowl on her expertly made-up face. But the moment she saw Lawson, she pasted on a fake smile. “If it isn’t the chief of police. How are you, Law?”

Lawson fought back another grimace. “Good. You?”

“Doing just great. You know, you and Charlie should come over for dinner on Friday. Heather would love it, and so would I.” Katelyn batted her eyelashes as if she were sending out Morse code.

I struggled to keep my laughter at bay.

Lawson shifted uncomfortably. “We’ve got plans this weekend.”

Annoyance flickered across Katelyn’s expression. “Another time, then.”

“Maybe,” Lawson said noncommittally.

Katelyn shot me a glare as she headed for her Mercedes SUV, as if it were my fault Lawson had rejected her.

“You trying to get me shanked?” I muttered.

Lawson shivered. “That woman is slightly terrifying.”

“She’s certainly determined.”

But she wasn’t the only one. Lawson had single women of all ages trying to tie him down. But in all my years in Cedar Ridge, I hadn’t seen him date a single one.

“She shows up at my house with meals sometimes and tries to get an invitation to stay,” he grumbled.

I winced. “Not a lot of boundaries.”

Lawson shook his head. “Everything good with you?”

I nodded. This wasn’t an abnormal question. It was simply the kind of man Lawson was. Checking in to make sure the people in his life were taken care of. It was what made him so good at his job.

“Everything’s fine.” I glanced at my watch. “I need to head out.”

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