Page 46 of The Sweet Spot
I can’t help stopping by his cell to see him behind bars. “Just making sure you’re in for the night.”
Braggart is sitting on a bench seat in his cell, arms crossed over his chest. He sneers at me. “You’re gonna regret this, Nelson. When my parents find out about this, they’ll have you removed from office. You can’t do this to a Braggart.”
I smile smugly. “You sound like you’re twelve years old and still need your mommy and daddy to bail you out of trouble. I’m sorry to break it to you, pal, but you’re a grown up now. You have to face the consequences of your actions.”
He surges to his feet and rushes the bars, reaching out in an attempt to grab me. “You’re a fucking idiot, you know that?” he sneers.
I step back easily, beyond his reach. “Actually, I’m feeling pretty good right now. You’re behind bars and off the streets, and Jennie can rest easy tonight. I hope the judge denies you bail and you rot in jail until your trial.”
He scoffs. “I’ll be a free man tomorrow, I guarantee it.”
God, I hope not.
I leave the jail then and head home so I can pack a few days’ worth of clothes and necessities. There’s no way I’m leaving Jennie home alone right now. At least not until Braggart is incarcerated. I’ll sleep in the guest room, of course. I have no expectations.
I’m going to talk to Jennie about requesting a restraining order. If the judge does give Braggart a bond, he’ll likely pay it and be out on the street by the afternoon.
As I drive the four blocks to Jennie’s house, my shoulder is on fire. Fortunately, my sling is still at Jennie’s house. I think it’s time to put it back on.
Chapter 17 – Jennie
Maggie and I are cleaning up after dinner when there’s a knock on the kitchen door. When I jump out of my skin, Maggie lays her hand on my back. “I’ll get it. It’s probably Chris.”
I’m holding my breath as Maggie peeks out the window.
“It’s Chris,” she says as she unlocks the door and opens it. “Hello, Sheriff.”
“Hi, Maggie.” He walks in, and his gaze goes right to me. “You doing okay?”
I nod. “As good as can be expected.”
Then he glances at Granny, who’s seated at the table. She’s petting Pumpkin, who’s rubbing against her skins. “Hi, Granny. How are you?”
Hearing her name, Granny lifts her face and smiles at Chris. “I’m fine, young man. Thanks for asking.” And then to me, she says, “It’s your nice husband, honey. I don’t like the nasty one.”
I smile apologetically at Chris, and he just shrugs. He’s used to her saying things like this. “I’m just glad I’m the one she likes,” he murmurs.
Maggie says her goodbyes then, and after we hug, she heads home to her family.
Granny stands. “That’s my cue. Goodnight, everyone. Come along, Pumpkin.” And she heads out of the kitchen, the cat racing along after her.
“I should go help Granny get ready for bed,” I tell Chris. “Have a seat and relax. I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
After Granny finishes in the bathroom, she finds me waiting for her in her bedroom, ready to help her change into her nightgown. She doesn’t really need my help, but after all thestress she experienced today, I just want to provide some extra support.
“Are you doing okay?” I ask her.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
I’m not sure if she’s forgotten the episode with David, or if she’s just suppressing it. “Well, we had a rough day today, didn’t we?”
She looks confused, like she’s searching for a memory and can’t find it.
Once I have her safely tucked in bed, I kiss her forehead. “Goodnight, Granny. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She grabs my arm. “He’s staying, isn’t he? The good one.”
Sometimes I’m surprised by how insightful she can be. “We’ll have to see, Granny. Chris is a busy man. He’s got a lot of responsibilities.”
