Gin Fling (Bootleg Springs, #5)(104)

“Oh, ’cause they’ve done such a bang-up job so far?” Scarlett snapped. “No offense, Cass. I’m just processing a whole lotta feelings right now.”

“Understood.” Cassidy nodded.

“Sheriff Tucker believes us. This is more than anyone has known about the case since Callie disappeared,” I reminded them. “We’ll nail him for it somehow.”

“And when we do, maybe Callie can come back,” Mom said softly.

“Speaking from a place of not nearly enough vodka for this,” Jayme began, “I’m going to strongly encourage you all to listen to Jonah. Do not interfere with this investigation in any way. If you see Judge Kendall buying sticky buns downtown, you paste a nice-as-fucking-pie smile on your face. Because if any one of you acts up and tips him off, I swear to my red Ferragamos that I will personally destroy your life. This man has gotten away with actual murder—allegedly. And it’s possible he went after Shelby through that boy—allegedly. If one of you fucks up and he stays free, his next alleged victim is on you.” She pointed a sharp, red nail around the room, making eye contact with everyone.

“Yes, ma’am,” we chorused. Jayme was a terrifying woman. I was very glad she was on our side.

“On that note,” I announced, rising from my chair. “I’m taking Shelby home.”

I held my hand out to her and helped her up. I heard her whimper of pain and knew we’d pushed our luck. She was going to bed and not getting up until I said it was okay.

I slipped my arm around her waist, a show of affection to everyone else but a stabilization for her.

She paused. “Oh, Scarlett? We need to talk about some real estate options,” she said.

“Oh yeah?” My sister perked up.

“Yeah,” I agreed. “Shelby and I are staying in town, permanently. We’re gonna need a bigger house.”

“Billy Ray needs more space,” Shelby said, beaming up at me.

“And Shelby’s gonna need dedicated office space.”

I knew we were battered and bruised and there were emotional scars that would take a long time to heal. But looking into her eyes right now, I felt our future stretch on in front of us. Her monster was going to jail. And soon, the shadow that had fallen over the Bodines would be lifted forever.

“Let’s go get our puppy,” I told her as she leaned into me.

“Where is he?” she asked.

“Millie Waggle has him and Katherine,” I told her.

The door to the dining room opened, and Sheriff Tucker stepped in alone. He didn’t look happy.

“Sheriff Tucker,” Jayme said, standing up to position herself between my family and the law. “What can we do for you?”

“It’s a good thing you’re here, Jayme,” he said, toying with his hat in his hands. “If you wouldn’t mind accompanying Gibson down to the station with me, I’d be much obliged.”

The only one who didn’t look surprised in the room was Gibson.

“What is this regarding?” Jayme asked, all scary business now.

“Gibson’s wallet was turned into the station this morning by a citizen concerned about the contents,” he said vaguely.

Judging by Gibson’s expression, he knew exactly what the sheriff was referring to.

“What in the hell?” Scarlett burst out. “Did that damn Misty Lynn steal his wallet and then get mad about the condoms he’s not usin’ to protect himself from her herpes flare?”

“I’d rather discuss this at the station,” the sheriff insisted, looking more uncomfortable than a cat under a rocking chair.

“Dad,” Cassidy said, her eyes implored him.

“It’s gonna be fine. It’s just some questions.”

Gibson’s jaw ticked.

“My client and I will meet you at the station, sheriff, as soon as we’re done with our breakfast,” Jayme said, hands on hips, as if daring the man to make a demand.

“Much obliged,” Sheriff Tucker said. “Swing by the station when you have a chance, Cass, and I’ll catch you up about last night.”

He left, and the room stayed completely silent for about ten seconds.

“Well, what in tarnation was that all about?” Scarlett finally demanded.

Everyone started talking at once.

“Let’s get this over with,” Gibson said to Jayme.

He left without saying a word.

“If Misty Lynn turned up dead and they try to pin it on Gibson I am going to burn this town to the ground,” Scarlett said, picking up her drink.

“Scarlett, what have we said about making threats in public?” Devlin asked, patting her thigh under the table.

She sighed heavily. “Not to.”





59





Shelby





I woke to a cacophony of smells. Glorious, greasy smells.

I cracked open an eye and stretched. Billy Ray grumbled in his sleep next to me on Jonah’s bed. Our bed. Jonah had carried me upstairs and, after another shower, tucked me into bed with instructions not to move for at least two hours.

A bleary glance at the clock told me I’d been out for almost four.

My body sang a chorus of aches and pains. I was due for another round of anti-inflammatories washed down with a big glass of wine… or a Mountain Dew.