Page 50 of Spencer and the Younger Girl
She wiped her hands on her apron and hurried off, leaving Hadley and Gabe alone in the kitchen.
Gabe’s shoulders shook in silent laughter. “Busted.”
“Does she know—”
“That Damien and Spencer helped you load up those goats? Of course, she does. That woman knows everything.”
She turned in her chair to eye the boy beside her. “Then why am I here?”
He shrugged.
“Well, why are you here instead of in school somewhere?”
“GED.” He swallowed a bite of food. “Mom and Pop couldn’t deal with me any longer so they sent me here.”
“But why? What did you do?”
He lifted a brow and slid from his stool. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a nosy girl?”
“Every day. You didn’t answer my question.”
“Let’s just say… I’m not the son they wanted.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her off. “That’s all you’re getting.” He put his plate in the dishwasher. “See you back out there.” He left her alone in the kitchen with nothing but her thoughts for company.
Nothing made sense. Mrs. Lee never would have pressed charges if she knew her sons were involved. Yet, she’d threatened her.
What was she doing working on a ranch--for free--if she wasn’t being punished?
It was time for answers.
Hadley put her plate away and marched from the house. Spencer and his dad unloaded bags of feed from the back of a truck near the barn. She crossed the distance to them.
Spencer lifted his head, his gaze darkening when he saw her. Well, she wasn’t too fond of him or his family at the moment either.
“Hadley.” Mr. Lee smiled. “Want to help us?”
“Can I have a minute with Spencer?” She crossed her arms.
Mr. Lee only shrugged and hefted another bag over his shoulder as he walked into the barn.
“What do you want, Hadley?”
She didn’t know why she’d needed to talk to Spencer about this, but someone had to be straight with her. “Your mom knows you and Damien helped with the goats.”
He released a string of curses. “You told her?”
She reeled back. “Um, no, but thanks for the vote of confidence. If she knew I didn’t just steal your goats, why am I here?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll never claim to know how my mom’s mind works. She doesn’t even talk to me. How do you think I’d know?”
“You didn’t convince her into conning me into this?”
“No one conned you into anything. You got caught breaking goats into your school. Don’t try to blame my mom for your… issues.”
“You’re infuriating.”
“Why? Because I’m right?”
