Page 9 of The Moment They Can Never Forgive
“You’ll see Dr. Hannah tomorrow because you may need stitches and a jab,” she said.
“Okay, I’ll do that. I promise,” Dan said, sliding off the countertop.
“What happened?” Sawyer asked. “And while you’re at it, tell me what’s got you all bent out of shape.”
“It’s just been a long day,” Dan said. “I caught someone stealing from the Calloway storeroom. He was high, and we’re seeing more of that lately. With Lyntacky growing, it’s getting worse.”
“The drugs?” Sawyer pressed.
Dan nodded. “Kids too. I don’t even know where they’re getting it from. The guy had a knife, and he’s being charged for assaulting an officer.”
Sawyer let out a low whistle, and their mother made a noise of disapproval.
“Mom, I’m a cop,” Dan said gently.
“I know that, but you’re also one of my babies.”
“I’d love a coffee,” Dan said to distract her.
“Don’t suppose?—”
“No, Sawyer, you’re not going down to the station to hit the guy who stabbed me. We’ve been through this. I was just doing my duty,” Dan said.
“Fine,” Sawyer muttered.
Unlike Dan, he could be surly and a little mean, or at least he had been until he’d fallen in love with Birdie McAllister. Now with their first daughter, Sadie, he was positively mellow until someone threatened a member of his family.
“You out of beard oil again, bro?” Dan said, trying to lighten the mood as he circled his sister-in-law to pick up his niece. “Hey, Birdie.” He kissed her cheek and sat with Sadie in his lap.
At a year old, she could scowl like her father, but when she smiled, she was all her mother.
“I need to tell you something, Birdie,” Dan said, running his fingers through Sadie’s hair while she chewed on a teething ring.
“That sounds serious,” Birdie said, shooting her husband a look. “I’m sorry about your hand, Dan.”
“It’s all good.” He waved her words away.
“What do you need to tell her?” Sawyer asked, moving to stand behind Birdie.
“I got called out to the Reynolds place this morning because Bart was running past?—”
“That man,” their mother muttered.
“He reported seeing a vehicle there. I went to check,” Dan said.
“Who was there, Dan?” Birdie asked.
“Leah. Leah was there. Someone else, too, but they were inside, and she wouldn’t tell me who.”
“She’s back,” Birdie said, looking as stunned as he’d felt this morning. “Why hasn’t she told me?”
“When did you last speak to her?” Sawyer asked, patting her shoulder.
“We haven’t talked in ages.”
“Well, maybe she wanted to come back and surprise you. Maybe she’s just settling in,” Sawyer said.
“How long has she been back, Dan?”
