Page 248 of Her Reluctant Hero
Peyton murmured something into the phone and disconnected.
“She said she’ll try to get it.”
Gabe hadn’t heard her say any such thing. “She doesn’t know anyone with that kind of cash.”
Peyton tucked the phone in her front pocket, not meeting his eyes. “Yeah, she does.”
Damn inscrutable woman. “Who’s she going to ask? The president?”
“There’s a thought,” Peyton said sarcastically, moving toward the window to look out at the crowd of reporters. “What happened to him inside?”
“Jail, you mean?” He joined her at the window, close, but not too close. Her story about her husband still had him off-kilter. He didn’t really want to let her out of his sight. What was the next step? If it hadn’t been for Doug, would she be on her way already?
He kind of hated himself for being relieved she had to stay.
“It’s bad for him in there.”
Goddamn, he hated standing with a woman he cared for and talking about Doug. “Yeah, it’s not good. Those are the people who live here, whose lives are threatened by this.”
“He has to get out.”
“Peyton, we don’t have that kind of money.”
She turned to him, her brown eyes at once solemn and pleading. Pleading for what, he wished he knew. “I do.”
He bent closer. “You do what?”
“I have the money. If you can swear to me he’s innocent, I’ll post his bond.”
He drew back, watching her. The pleading in her eyes made sense now. Poor little rich girl, playing at being a firefighter. “Peyton. Rich girl name?”
She shook her head, turning her attention back to the window. “I wouldn’t ask them for money. No, the PBA takes good care of its widows.”
This time he stepped back. Widow. Christ. She was willing to give up so much for Doug? Her husband’s pension? Who the hell was she, to make that offer for someone just because he vouched for him?
“No. I’m not letting you do that.”
“It would just be a loan. Better than letting an innocent man sit in jail.” She pulled her battered phone out of her pocket. “Look, I’m going to call my lawyer, see if she can recommend anyone who wants to come out here to defend him, all right?”
“Peyton.” He called her back when she walked toward the side door. “Why are you doing this?”
She gave him a sad smile. “Because it’s justice. I’m going to go talk to the sheriff, see what he’ll give me.”
