Page 123 of Redemption
A small chuckle escapes. “Did you deserve it?”
Hayes laughs with me. “Absolutely. I was so lost in how Langston’s death affected me that I failed to consider how it affected him. He was struggling, too, but instead of moping like I did, he hid his pain behind laughs and good humor. People hide their darkness, MJ. I didn’t see Campbell’s either, and he’s been one of my best friends since elementary school. If I couldn’t see his pain, I don’t think you’re to blame either.”
“Or maybe we’re both a bunch of screw-ups,” I say.
“Maybe, but I’m starting to wonder if we can be more than that.”
Chapter 37
Hayes
“All units be advised. There has been a collision on Main Street. Condition of those involved is unknown.”
Pushing the button of my radio that’s clipped to my vest, I respond to dispatch, “This is Miller. I am two streets over. I’ll respond and update.”
This is my second night on shift.
It’s been a couple of weeks since my date with MJ. Our schedules haven’t aligned between work and football, but we text and talk on the phone as much as possible.
I never dreamed of getting a second chance with her, but I won’t throw it away now that I have it.
She opened up to me, and I don’t take that for granted. We’re doing things differently this time, being honest with each other about what we need, and I’m thankful for that.
My time with MJ isn’t the only thing going right, either. Things are starting to look up for the team, too. We’ve won the last two games, and they weren’t against easy opponents. The boys are beginning to work as a team—especially Tanner.
I nearly cried walking off the field on Friday.
Flicking my lights and siren on, I turn left on a side road that leads me toward Main Street. Sirens sound from behind me, and I turn my head just in time to see a fire truck fly by me.
Irritation flickers in my chest. It’s not that the fire department is en route, but to pass a police car with a siren on that is clearly en route to the accident just seems reckless.
I’m on the scene within minutes, and my irritation is quickly directed elsewhere. The sight before me is not what I would consider a wreck.
Two cars sit in the middle of the road facing one another, their bumpers barely touching. Standing outside of the vehicles, the respective owners are giggling like school girls, only they aren’t. They are each at least eighty years old and menaces to society.
Throwing my car in park, I call dispatch, advising that backup is not needed and step out of my vehicle. My sirens are off, but I leave my lights on so anyone coming into town knows to slow down.
As I approach the two women, I notice the firetruck sitting on the other side of the road, and I watch as enemy number one steps out.
Theo.
It’s odd he’s here with the crew. One, because this wreck is not big enough to call for the fire department in the first place, and two, because it was rare to see the last Fire Chief outside his office.
Figuring that it’s best to deal with him first before the troublemakers down the street, I direct my steps in that direction.
He sees me approaching, and recognition sparks in his eyes before his face turns cool and professional.
“How can I help you?” he asks when I’m closer.
“Well,” I say, keeping my voice steady, which is a miracle because the guy gets on my nerves just looking at him, “as you can see, the fire department isn’t needed for this. I have it undercontrol. You can head back now. And hey, next time, tell your driver not to take unnecessary risks when getting to the scene.”
His lips tilt up. “I was driving.”
I shrug, still remaining calm. “Message still applies.”
“Why? Afraid you won’t win?”
Suddenly, it doesn’t feel like we are talking about driving anymore. My mind races back to when I was furniture shopping with MJ. He’d said something pretty similar that day, too.
