Page 63 of Badges
With a small dip of his hat, he climbs in and fires up the engine.
I watch him leave until the dust settles around me.
Everything may have changed between us, but there’s a glimmer of hope I might be able to see my sister again.
Roller coaster
Wade
I find a widespot along the road and pull over, then rest my forehead on my arms propped across the steering wheel.
None of what happened in the last twelve hours is anything that I expected.
From finally getting to taste Elena, to finding out I’m a father.
To losing Elena because of my past.
Talk about a fucking roller coaster.
I couldn’t sleep last night, just tossed and turned in a bed that smelled like her.
The temptation to stretch out in the back seat is strong, but I can’t.
Elena’s right. I should use the fact that I could be Cynthia’s biological dad to find her.
Maybe that’s the ace in the hole I needed.
Damn this is all so convoluted.
I pull out my phone and stare at the screen.
Who should I call? My mind races through all of the social workers, CPS agents, and lawyers I’ve crossed paths with through the years.
“Hey, Wade. Bright and early?” Blue sounds chipper at seven in the morning.
Makes sense now that he’s on a dairy’s schedule.
“You got time today? I need to pick your brain.” I don’t know if he’s the best one to bounce my problems off of knowing Elena caused so many problems for him this spring.
But I need a friend.
“Anytime, bud. Lunch at Hilltop?” He doesn’t sound upset.
Going way back probably helps.
“Sounds good. Thanks.” As I end the call, I feel a little bit of weight lift.
I know Blue is a no-bullshit kinda guy.
Mason might not be a bad one to call either since he’s been a dad longer than any of my other friends.
Ah hell. I’m gonna have to tell my own. I might save that one until I know more.
Bypassing the office, I drive directly to the District Attorney’s office.
“Pete? Ya busy?” Rapping my knuckles lightly on his open wooden door draws his attention up from his phone.
“Not yet, come on in. I have court in an hour, so make it quick.” His gray bushy eyebrows raise as he leans back in his leather chair, sliding his cell into his chest pocket. “Any news on the extortion case and that girl?”
