Page 91 of Sergeant O'
The fact that Alan had already accepted Lainey and Conor as part of Adam’s life made me smile.
I missed the hell out of Shawn. He’d been my best friend growing up, and I cherished every single memory I had of him. But he wasn’t coming back. I loved that Adam and Lainey found each other and that Conor wasn’t going to grow up without a dad.
“As long as you don’t try to lure him back to Lancastle while you’re there.”
“Wouldn’t even think it. I knew within ten minutes of arriving in Haven Springs that’s where my little brother belongs.”
“I think so, too. And I’m not just saying that because we need him on the force.”
Frankly, we needed Alan, too. But there was no way Angus could afford him. Besides, I got the feeling Alan liked sneaking away to fight evil around the world, then returning home like he was just a normal, everyday guy.
“When you guys get your flights booked, let me know. I’ve got a buddy on the Cape Cod P.D. who’ll be able to get you to the airport without the paparazzi hounding you the whole way.”
I breathed a sigh of relief.
“That would be awesome. Thank you. I was trying to figure out how we were gonna get out of here.”
“No problem. Just let me know once you’ve got your reservations.”
“Thanks again, Alan. For everything.”
“Of course, man. You’re family now, whether you like it or not.”
I ended the call with Alan and put my phone on the table.
“Alan’s got a buddy on the Cape Cod P.D.,” I told Jade. “They’ll get us to the airport without the paparazzi breathing down our necks. We just need to let him know what our plans are.”
Her shoulders eased a little as she glanced up from her screen. “Good. I found a few flights that leave this evening. Do any of these work for you?”
I leaned over her shoulder and scanned the options. Since they all meant our time here had ended, none of them looked good. But it didn’t matter. “Whichever gets us home the fastest.”
She nodded and went back to scrolling, her fingers moving quickly.
“I’m going to have to use my credit card.”
“Yeah, I guess we don’t have to worry about being found out if we use them.”
I reached for my wallet, but she shook her head. “I’m paying.” Her look dared me to argue.
I’d never considered myself a super smart guy, but it didn’t take a genius to know this wasn’t my hill to die on. I’d figure out a way to get the money to her.
While she booked our flights, I started gathering our things. Soon she was moving through the cottage too, slipping clothes into her backpack, folding blankets, wiping down the counters. In no time, the cottage looked exactly like it had when we’d arrived, and I hated it.
I carried my bag out and set it by the door, then hauled the trash to the can outside.
If those fuckers wanted to post a picture of me taking the garbage out, have at it.
My gut felt heavy as I thought about what waited for us back in Haven Springs. We had a lot more to deal with than just the kiss at the bank, now.
I worried how fast the gossip would spread in a town like ours, not just at the hospital but everywhere, and I sure as hell didn’t want her picture splashed around to make it worse.
I should’ve never dragged her into this mess.
It would be selfish to ask her to keep seeing me.
****
Jade
