Page 31 of Badges
“Wade? Thank you. Really.” I try to sound sincere. “I have one more question though.” I lean down, propping myself on my elbow.
He grunts, hiding behind the wood panels.
“I only have, like, one change of clothes. Are you going to buy me new panties too?” I know he can’t see me, but that doesn’t stop me from grinning.
The knob creaks. I can almost picture him squeezing it in his big fist.
“I’ll see what I can do.” His voice lingers before he shuts me in.
I hold my breath, waiting to hear some sort of lock clicking into place.
But it’s only the sound of his footsteps fading.
To the icy depths of Antarctica
Wade
“Ford? I need afavor.” How I managed to wait until he got back from his honeymoon, I don’t know.
“Hey, Wade. What’s up?” He sounds different. Relaxed.
“Well, I’m sure you heard who I have staying here?” I pace the floor of my bedroom and switch the phone to my other ear, casting a furtive glance towards my door.
She won’t come in. But I’m still wary.
There’s a long pause.
“Yep. I heard. Is that Quincy’s kid?” His question is quiet. But as only Ford can ask, it carries a heavy weight to the words.
“She is. I know everyone’s all worked up over it—”
Ford clears his throat. “Is she in with the two guys that hurt April?”
I know that’s the important part. I get it.
“No. She was drug in after that all went down. I got proof.” Sucking in a deep breath, I wait to see what he says next.
He takes forever before he speaks again. “Okay, what’s the favor?”
Whew. First hurdle jumped.
“Well, this is gonna sound kinda funny.” I sit on the disheveled blankets at the end of my bed. “I could use April’s help—”
“Abso-fucking-lutely not,” he grunts. “Saving that Evans girl is on you. But she tried to blow Blue up. April’s not coming within three miles of her.”
My fist clenches and bounces off my thigh in an effort to remain calm. “That’s not what I want, either. This girl has nothing, I was hoping April could suggest some clothes. That’s all. I didn’t think that Lori or Libby would want to help, and I don’t know many women.”
“What about that female deputy?” he growls.
Damn it. “Not a good idea,” I sigh. “Never mind. I’ll see what I can come up with.”
“I wish you luck, buddy. But I’m keeping my wife safe.” Ford lets out a long breath, then hangs up.
Well, fuck.
I guess it’s time to take matters into my own hands.
She can’t leave without her monitor going off. But I can.
