Page 41 of Badges
“Huh. Can you go back? That John guy. I remember that weird hat. He hung around Dad a lot.” I wish I could pinpoint all the names and people.
If I had just been older, this would be so much easier.
Val checks a few various files, then pulls up a clearer image.
“Oh, yea. I remember that guy laughing when Dad hit my mom. I got so mad at him I wanted to punch him myself.” My fists ball in useless anger at the image on the computer.
Ten year old me would have knocked his lights out if I could have.
Wade inhales sharply. “I’ll have to track him down.”
“Those other ones, the twins? One used to have a beat up truck that he would kick and throw rocks at when they’d drink beer.” I have a hard time not laughing at the memory. “He broke his ownheadlight, then got mad about it and beat up his brother. My dad made me go inside because he said it was rude watch. ‘What happens in family, stays in family’.That’s what he’d always say.” And I hated him for it.
Wade’s leather holster squeaks when he shifts. “I think that’s been very helpful. Thank you, Val. I appreciate your time.” He pushes against the wall, then gestures at me.
“Any time.” Val reaches out and lands her palm on my arm, pausing me. “Owning the past is important, but so is growing despite it. We’ve all been through some shit.” Her bright green eyes bore into me before she lets go.
I’m not sure what to say, but my lips thin and I dip my chin.
Iwilltry to be better. I just have to save my sister along the way.
Unpleasant surprise
Wade
What the fuck isPaige’s cruiser doing at my house? I already have enough bullshit to think about with the line of names that Elena identified.
“Is that your girlfriend’s car?” Elena sighs, slumping into the passenger seat. “She here for a nooner?”
“Funny. I have no idea. She didn’t call me on the radio.” My cell doesn’t work for half the trip home, so I wouldn’t know if she tried to call.
“Cool. So you won’t mind if I wait in the truck while you two do yourthing?” she snaps.
Huh. Testy girl.
“There is no ‘thing’. But yea, you can hang back.” I make a point of pulling the key from the dash and showing her I’m taking it with me.
I can’t let myself trust her.
When I push open my front door, Paige rushes to me, flinging her arms around my waist.
“Oh my god, Wade! I was so worried about you!” Her voice is muffled as she buries her face against my chest.
My palms find her shoulders to peel her away from my body. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I saw that girl’s tracker left. Sheescaped!I thought for sure she hurt you.” Paige’s fingers cling to the fabric of my shirt.
“What the fuck, Paige? No, she didn’t. I took her out to follow a lead.” Holding her at arm’s length, I try to step to the side.
“Please, Wade. Ollie’s gone, and I was so scared I lost you.” Pain etches her features.
I don’t hate her. There were moments when I worried I cared too much about her for the situation we were in.
So I take a deep breath and let her move closer, wrapping her in a hug. “I’m fine. Thank you for checking. But next time get a hold of me before driving all the way out here.”
“Can I stay here tonight? He doesn’t get back until tomorrow afternoon.” Her lower lip rolls between her teeth as she glances towards the porch.
“No. Go home. We talked about this.” I gently tug her hands until I have them clasped in mine. “You can’t stay here,” I say quietly.
