CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
One week after she had lost her baby, Hope was still walking around her mother’s house in a daze. How could she be so heartbroken over losing something she’d never had? A baby she had never met? A baby she had not wanted or planned. Losing that tiny life had broken her heart.
Her mother had been a solid and comforting presence, and the only one she wanted at this time. She’d turned everyone else away, including Newman, which she knew was selfish, as he was suffering too. But looking at him reminded her of what could have been, and the reality was that for a brief moment, she’d bought into the dream he’d offered her. Now, however, reality told her she’d been fooling herself. Because she had to face facts. He would never have even contemplated marriage with her were it not for the baby. She’d been deluding herself in thinking otherwise.
The problem was, she couldn’t stop thinking about him now that she was thinking straight once more. She could still see the devastation on his face that her words and the loss of the baby had caused that day at the clinic. His pain, like hers, had been real, and she’d hurt him more.
Looking at you just reminds me of what I’ve lost.
What kind of person said that to a man who was hurting? Why had she tried to hurt him more, when she knew that her words would cut him deep? But right then and there, she’d wanted to be alone desperately, and also to strike at the one person she saw as causing her pain. Irrational, yes, but she’d reacted that way just the same. The next day she’d wanted to talk to him, but been too embarrassed over the way she’d reacted to ask.
“You are an idiot, Hope Lawrence. What’s more, you’re a coward.” He deserved more from her, especially as he’d stood beside her when she’d told him she was pregnant.
“Hope, Sheriff Hawker wants to speak with you.”
Hope rose from the garden bench she was sitting on when her mother called her.
“Coming,” she added, as worry settled in the pit of her stomach. Cubby coming here, had to be linked to what was happening to Wildlife. Hope wondered what had happened now, and knew whatever it was, Casey was pinning it on her.
“Hey” was all Hope could manage when she looked at one of Newman’s closest friends. They must all be seriously pissed with her for the way she’d treated him.
“I’m sorry, Hope. I know this is a hard time for you, but someone broke into the Wildlife house again last night, and stole money, destroyed all their equipment, and took the laptops. Most of their work is gone, and one of their team, Layla Miller, heard a noise and went to investigate. Someone was in there, face covered. They pointed a shotgun at her. She tried to run, but whoever it was knocked her to the ground.”
“Dear God, poor Layla!” Hope had drunk coffee and gone on shoots with her.
“She’s doing okay, just has a really sore head.”
Hope nodded, not sure what else to say.
“The thing is, Hope, Casey Rae Linear is screaming your name loudly again to anyone who will listen. So I’m here to question you, and take another look around.”
“B-but I didn’t do it.”
“Where were you last night?”
“H-here, in bed. I went there early… about eight.”
Cubby looked unhappy, and Hope braced herself for what came next.
“I’ll just need to take a look around now. If you’ll stand to one side, Ms. Lawrence, Hope.”
“My daughter did not do this, Sheriff Hawker. I was here with her all night.”
“You weren’t, however, in her bed with her, Ms. Lawrence, so you can’t verify her movements the entire time.”
“My daughter is not a criminal!”
Cubby heaved out a breath. “It’s that Casey Rae Linear that’s causing all the trouble, and that limp dick Jay Herald. Pardon me, Ms. Lawrence,” Cubby said. “But I have to act on their accusations, because at this time, Hope is the only suspect, with motive, that I have.”
“I happen to agree with you in this instance, Sheriff, about that limp dick, but I would have chosen stronger wording.”
Cubby looked shocked, but rallied. No one in town was used to Millicent Lawrence agreeing with anyone.
“It’s all right, Mom. Let Cubby do his job.” Hope took her arm and moved aside. The Lawrence women then stood beside the door, while he searched the house. It took him an hour, even though the house wasn’t big.
“Nothing here, as I knew there wouldn’t be. I’ll just look around outside now.”
Hope and her mother trailed behind Cubby as he walked. She watched as he opened her mother’s wood box. He reached in and came out with her backpack.
“That’s mine,” she said, moving closer. “But I haven’t seen it for months, since I left Wildlife.”
Cubby shot her a look before opening it. Hope peered inside, and saw the cameras.
“I-I didn’t do it, Cubby. You have to believe me.” Hope staggered back a few steps.
“Well shit, Hope, I know that. This is a set-up, pure and simple, but you have to see that I’m going to need you to accompany me to the Lair.”
She started to shiver, even though the sun was high in the sky and the day warm. Her mother stepped to her side, and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“I won’t let them hurt you, Hope. You have to trust me now,” Cubby said.
“B-but you can’t, Cubby. That proves my guilt.” Hope pointed at the backpack.
“You go on in and get your bag now, Hope, and maybe a sweater, because I can see you’re shivering. Then we’ll head into town.”
Hope ran to get her things, heart pounding in her chest. Was she going to end up in jail for something she didn’t do?
“I’ll follow, Hope.” She nodded at her mother’s words, and followed Cubby to the cruiser.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting in the rear of your car.”
“In the front seat is where you’ll sit.” Cubby frowned. “You’re not a criminal, Hope. What you are is my friend’s girl who I firmly believe is being set up by someone. Plus, a friend of mine. Now get in, and we’ll try and make this shit go away.”
“I don’t think you can.”
“I can, because I’m good at this,” Cubby said, looking grim.
“I’m not Newman’s girl.”
“Yes, you are. I’ve never seen the guy like this before.” Cubby backed the cruiser down her mother’s drive.
“Like what?”
“Less than his usual smart self. The man’s bright, Hope, you had to notice. Probably the smartest of us all, but don’t tell him I said that. Since you arrived, he’s dumbed down, and since the miscarriage, and you turning him away, he’s a broken man.”
“I never meant to hurt him and I-I don’t want him to be broken. It’s over now, him and me. It was only because of the baby that we were planning anything.”
Cubby made a scoffing sound. “You can’t mean that. The guy’s crazy about you. You just need to spend time with him, and not hide from him, to see that.”
“I’m not hiding. And now I’m probably going to jail, so maybe it’s for the best we’re done.”
Cubby’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “No one’s putting you in jail.”
“Whatever. The point I’m making is, there is nothing between me and Newman.” Saying the words made her heart ache.
“What about him telling us about the adoption? I mean, he held on to that for years, and now suddenly he comes clean. The guy’s off-balance, and you’re the reason.”
She couldn’t allow herself to agree with him, because it wasn’t true. Cubby had it all wrong.
“This is going to get messy, isn’t it, Cubby?” Hope said, changing the subject. “You have proof in the backseat, and once Casey learns that, she’s going after me with all her might.”
“I’m not going to lie, it likely will be, but I need you to trust me. And what I need to do is find out is who really did the crime. Katie’s working on that now.”
“I like her.”
“Me too.” He gave her a wide smile that flashed a mouthful of white teeth.
The drive was a short one, and the soft curse the sheriff uttered as they pulled up outside the Lair made her tension climb a few more notches. There were two large black SUVs outside.
“Cubby?”
“One minute, Hope. I need to make a couple of calls. You just sit tight.”
Hope tried to relax as he made his first call.
“Maureen, you got company in there?”
Hope watched Cubby, but he remained calm as he listened to whatever his administrator said.
“Okay, I need you to lock the keys to the cell away in the safe now and put my spare set under the filing cabinet in my office. Then call the boys, and tell them to stay away until I say otherwise. I’ll be in shortly with Hope.”
He listened a bit longer, then cut the call. Hope felt ill as he made another one.
“Jake, I know you and Tex are in the Hoot. I need you to come to the Lair now. I’m outside in my cruiser with Hope.”
“I’m scared, Cubby,” Hope said when he’d pocketed his phone.
“I know you are, and after what you’ve just suffered I don’t like putting you through this shit either. Newman’s going to be pissed.”
She didn’t speak, because the thought of Newman made her want him.
“I need you to listen to me now, Hope.” Cubby’s voice was calm, but Hope felt the tension inside him. “You do whatever I say from now on, because the governor is here to override any decision I make, and in all likelihood try and take you away. I won’t let that happen, but you have to stay calm and follow my lead.”
Cubby’s hand squeezed hers briefly. It should feel strange to someone like Hope, who usually kept everything private and close, that Cubby was comforting her. Strangely, what it felt, was reassuring. Newman had done this to her, made her accept comfort and friendship from people.
“You okay?” He touched her cheek.
“My life was uncomplicated a few months ago.”
“I was the same when Katie reentered my life. I thought I had everything, and then realized I had nothing.”
“It’s this town,” Hope said. “It messes with you.”
“We’re all here for you, Hope, and I’m real sorry about the baby.”
“I know, me too.”
“Newman told me to call him if you needed him.”
“Wh-where is he?”
“Denver. Said something about a meeting that couldn’t be put off.”
Hope nodded. “I shouldn’t need him. But—”
“You do, because that idiot tugs at your heart, and right now when things are turning shit shaped, you want him at your side?”
She nodded.
“You want me to contact him?”
She shook her head. She’d caused him enough trouble, and this wasn’t his problem.
Cubby opened the door when Jake and Ethan appeared. The Texan helped her out, and it showed how unsettled she was that she let him.
“I’m deputizing you two.”
“Again?” Jake said, rolling his eyes. “What’s happening now? Drug lords? Money lenders?”
“None of the above. Now shut up, and I’ll explain.”
Ethan’s arm slipped around Hope’s shoulders as Cubby talked.
“Well hell.” He whistled. “Sounds like someone really wants our girl here locked away. The question is why?”
“I have a few answers to that, but right now we have a backpack full of evidence, and inside the Lair, people who will smell blood when they see it. Bringing in the governor has made things difficult, but we can work with that, if you all follow my lead.”
“Don’t you worry, honey, I don’t care how much money or weight they throw around, no one’s taking you out of Howling,” Ethan said.
“You believe I’m innocent?” Hope had to ask the question.
“Of course.” Jake and Ethan looked shocked that she’d asked.
“Oh, well, I….” Hope sniffed, and Ethan patted her shoulder.
“And FYI, I have some money to throw around if it comes to that, and a few Texan relations who can out-heavy Linear. And the governor.”
“Oh now, I don’t want you—”
“Stop talking now, Hope. Let’s go. And you two, keep her between you at all times.” Cubby then said something to Jake that Hope didn’t hear.
“Consider it done,” Jake said, following Cubby. Hope was then urged to follow him, and the Texan fell in behind.
They walked into the Lair in a line, and up to reception. Hope was very aware of the backpack Cubby carried.
“You go on and put this in my office now, Maureen.” Cubby handed it to his administrator.
“You doing okay there, Hope?”
“Sure, thanks, Maureen.”
“You need anything, you just holler, and I’ll get it for you, honey.” It humbled her that these people believed in her innocence. Humbled, and gave her strength.
“I want her arrested!” Casey Rae Linear stormed out of a room to their left. “You malicious bitch! How could you do this to me… to Wildlife! Jay was right about you!” She burst into loud tears and threw herself at a tall, distinguished-looking older man who had followed her.
“Those tears are totally fake,” Hope whispered to Ethan. “The woman’s harder than a ten-inch nail.”
Ethan snorted, but remained silent.
“Governor Tyler, you’re a long way from home.”
Hope tensed as Cubby addressed the man who made his way to stand in front of the Linears.
“Mr. Linear has grave concerns for his daughter and the crimes committed against her, and was forced to call me in to ensure the correct process was followed. Especially as last night there was an escalation and now one of Ms. Linear’s team is injured.”
The governor was the same build as Mr. Linear. Tall, slick, and smooth. Hope knew the sort, and didn’t like them overmuch. Some of her newfound confidence ebbed away. How could Cubby keep her from prison if Casey had this kind of power at her back?
“As the latest crime, an assault on Ms. Miller has only just been committed, Governor, I’m not entirely sure I’ve had time to follow that due process.”
Cubby’s words were calm and concise.
“Ms. Linear did not lay charges after the other incidents, so I’d be grateful if you could enlighten me as to why you’re here now. It’s also my understanding that until probable cause is established, Ms. Lawrence is innocent.”
The governor didn’t look happy that Cubby was challenging him.
“I want justice!” Casey shrieked.
Cubby nodded, remaining calm and unruffled, while Hope started to shake.
“Completely understandable, Ms. Linear. But as no charges have been laid, or a trial date set, I don’t think we have need of your interference, Governor.”
“I know the laws, Sheriff Hawker, and I don’t like the inference that I’m interfering. The Linears’ concern is that Ms. Lawrence should be taken to Brook and questioned, as she was raised in this town and there may be bias.”
“I’m not entirely sure I’m happy with that insinuation, Governor Tyler, considering you know nothing about how I run my town. If Ms. Lawrence is guilty then she’ll be charged, but until then she is staying in Lake Howling. Where,” he added, lifting a hand to stop the governor from speaking, “she will be arrested and charged should it come to that.”
“He’s an impressive bastard when he’s in full-on sheriff mode,” Jake whispered to Hope.
“He is,” she managed around the dryness in her throat.
“You doing okay there, sweet cheeks?” Jake asked.
Hope shook her head. “I’m fine, thank you.” It was a lie. Life behind bars was flashing before her eyes. “I don’t want to end my days in prison, however.”
“Not going to happen,” he said, stepping closer, which sandwiched her between him and the Texan. Hope enjoyed the solid weight of both of them supporting her. At least if her legs gave out, they’d hold her upright.
“I have brought in two of my men, who will transport Ms. Lawrence to Brook.”
“With all due respect, Governor Tyler, there are no grounds for you take Ms. Lawrence there, so that’s not going to happen anytime soon. She is one of my citizens, and will be left here until I have evidence that she is guilty or not. The charges will be investigated fully. I’m sure I can handle it, given I’ve done so many times before. I have no reason to believe this will be any different.”
“He’s pissed now,” Ethan whispered.
“How do you know?”
He flashed Hope a smile. “Small tic in his neck. Barely noticeable unless you know him well.”
Hope searched Cubby’s neck and saw it.
“I want her arrested, Mike!” Mr. Linear stepped into the conversation.
“Well now, seems to me you’re awful friendly with the governor there, Mr. Linear,” Cubby said.
“Wouldn’t read very good if it were to get into the papers that you’re being coerced, Governor,” Ethan added.
“Who the hell are you?” Casey’s father glared at Ethan.
“Ethan Gelderman III. In fact, I think you’ve flown in my daddy’s jet a time or two, Mr. Linear. You also, Governor.”
Both men paled, but the governor rallied.
“I have travelled in many jets, Mr. Gelderman, that is not the matter at hand here. The issue is one of concern that Ms. Lawrence be charged for her crimes, and that Ms. Linear’s property is returned to her. Therefore, we are taking Ms. Lawrence back to Brook for questioning, and there is nothing you can do about the matter, Sheriff Hawker.”
“You remember what I asked you, Jake?” Cubby turned to his friend.
“Yup, is now the time?”
“Yes.”
“Bring Hope, Tex.”
One minute she was standing, the next she was picked up by Ethan and thrown over his shoulder. They were soon running past reception and in the direction of the cells.
“What are you doing?”
“Ensuring no one takes you anywhere,” Jake said.
They arrived at the cells seconds later. He opened one, and Ethan carried her inside and put her back on her feet. He left, and they shut and locked the door. The keys were then handed through the bars.
“Hold these and don’t give them to anyone, or come out till we say.”
Hope took them, then staggered backward to the small cot. Falling onto it, she clutched the keys to her chest.
“No one, Hope, promise us?”
She nodded. The door to the cells then burst open, and in came the Linears, and the governor. Fury then rained down on the Sheriff of Lake Howling.