CHAPTER 22
“Dax,” Elaine called, leaning her head out the front door. “Come eat your breakfast. Dottie’s coming to pick us up and take you to school.”
Dax came galloping around the corner of the trailer on an imaginary horse, shooting an imaginary gun. “When am I going to help Travis with the horses again?” He clambered up the steps and slid into the banquette where she’d laid out a bowl of cereal.
“You like the horses?” She polished off the last of her coffee and placed the dish in the sink.
“Yeah. And I like Travis too.”
Warmth spread across her chest. Travis had definitely made a positive impact on Dax.
“Is he your boyfriend?”
Her breath caught in her throat. It had only been a few days. And while they’d tried to stay low key, especially around Dax, they hadn’t exactly hidden their relationship. And better that he hear from her than through the rumor mill. She nodded. “Yeah. I guess you could say that. Is that okay?”
Dax gave her a big smile, nodding vigorously. “I think it’s great.” He lifted his spoon for emphasis. “I love Travis.”
Her heart squeezed so hard it hurt to breathe. “I do too, bud. I do too.” Then tell him.
“Are you gonna marry him?”
Shit. She hadn’t prepared for this line of questioning. “I don’t know, kiddo. Grown-up relationships are complicated. Not like the fairy tales I read you.”
“Well I think you should live happily ever after.” He brought his dishes to the sink.
Elaine wrapped him in a hug, marveling again at how much he’d grown over the summer. “I think you should too, sweetie pea.” A car pulled up outside. “Dottie’s here. Grab your backpack?” Pride surged through her as he ran for his bunk and came back a second later with a backpack slung over his shoulder.
This was the first year she hadn’t had to rely on the kindness of others to provide for Dax’s school supplies. Travis had taken the two of them into Manhattan and helped Dax pick out a backpack and lunch box. And when her back was turned, he’d purchased a few new Transformers for Dax as well, much to the boy’s delight. She’d purchased him brand new clothes and shoes, and grabbed some additional items in bigger sizes, because at the rate he was growing, halfway through the year, he’d need the next size up.
Once she got past today, she’d begin to feel like she really had made it through the tough times. Dax leaped down the steps, clearing all three in one jump, and ran for the car giving Dottie a quick hug where she stood by the rear passenger door. Dottie beamed up at her. “Ready?”
“Let me grab my papers and I’ll be right out.” She grabbed her purse from the bedroom, double-checked her manila envelope and ran down the steps to join Dottie. As soon as they’d dropped off Dax and made it out of town, Dottie glanced over, giving her a critical stare.
“I like your outfit. It’s new, isn’t it?”
Elaine nodded. “Travis insisted I get something for myself when we went to Manhattan to do Dax’s school shopping.” After collecting Dax’s school supplies, he’d ushered her into Yee-Haw and refused to budge until she’d purchased something for herself. While she’d never be more than a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal, she’d fallen in love with the skinny jeans, white tunic top and thigh length tailored brown suede jacket on a mannequin. She’d splurged and purchased a pair of tall brown riding boots to go with the ensemble.
“Good man.” She nodded her approval emphatically. “I’d have done it if he hadn’t. It’s high time you did something nice for yourself.”
She felt different in the outfit. More confident. More… respectable. Someone to be proud of.
Dottie looked over again. “Reach into my purse, hon. There’s an envelope for you.”
“What’s this?” she asked when she’d pulled it from Dottie’s giant sack.
“I think you need to apply to get your probation reduced. You’ve earned your GED, you’ve been the steadiest employee I’ve had in a decade, and you’ve really turned your life around. You’ve grown up a ton since coming to Prairie, and I’m real proud of you. You’ve made a good life here, and I hope you’ll stick around once you’re released.” She smirked a little and raised an eyebrow. “I think Travis would like that real much.”
She couldn’t speak from the tightness in her chest. Gratitude for this woman who’d become like a mother to her overwhelmed her. “I don’t know what to say.”
Dottie reached across the console and patted her knee. “No need to say anything, sweetie pie. I love you like you were one of my own. Give your officer that letter, it outlines all the important stuff. There’s no reason why they should say no.”
The thought she could finally be free of her past, the darkness and pain, in a matter of weeks or months, instead of another year, made her stomach dance with hopefulness. “I don’t know how I can possibly thank you enough for giving me a second chance at life. I’m forever grateful.”
Dottie waved a hand. “Hush, now. You’re not the first one I’ve done this for, and you won’t be the last. I know there’d be many in town scandalized by the notion that I hire folks who need a leg up, but all I’m doin’ is paying it forward. Once upon a time, someone I loved didn’t get the second chance they deserved, and that didn’t set right with me. So I made sure I could do somethin’ about it when the opportunity came callin’.” She tapped the steering wheel. “Now, have you mentioned any of this business to Travis?”
The knot in her stomach tightened and she shook her head. “I’ve hinted at it. But the opportunity hasn’t really presented itself. And until recently, it didn’t seem important.”
Dottie gave her a stern look. “And now?”
She understood the older woman’s meaning. Loud and clear. “I want to, I really do. But not until I’ve put it all behind me and I can show him I’m standing on my own two feet. That I’m more than a record.”
“You’re doing that. You’ve been doing that for two years.”
“What if I hurt his chances to become sheriff? If people knew, he might be guilty by association.” She frowned, worry consuming her. “You know how people are. And I would hate to reflect badly on him in any way. I’ve made a fresh start, Dottie, thanks to you. I don’t want to ruin things for you or him. I just want to leave that awful chapter of my life behind.” She would have to tell him soon. It wouldn’t be right to pretend it had never happened. Especially since they’d become intimate. But telling him now? At the most stressful point of the election? Surely waiting a few more weeks wouldn’t hurt?
The crease at the corner of Dottie’s mouth deepened. “I don’t see how he could think badly of you when he…” She pursed her lips and shook her head. “Travis is no saint either. But you’re right. It’s probably best not to stress him out any more than he already is. Just promise me you’ll tell him as soon as the election’s over.”
“I promise.” Anxiety churned her stomach. Dottie was right, as soon as the election was over, she’d share everything. She blew out a nervous breath casting about for something to say.
“You have a dress picked out for the First Responder’s Ball?” Dottie asked, keeping her eyes on the road.
She nodded, relieved the silence was over for the moment. “Emmaline is working on something for me.”
“You’ll look like a princess when she gets done with you. That gal can make magic from potato sacks.”
“Dottie, I have a favor to ask. I–”
“Is this about Dax?” Dottie waved her hand again. “Weston mentioned you might need some help. Teddy’s staying home. Won’t go near those things with a ten-foot pole. And I’ll be back before midnight. Do you feel okay about that?”
The tension in her shoulders released as relief washed through her. “Thank you so much. Weston says it’s really important Travis has a date.”
“And you deserve to go have a nice time, sweetie pie. Besides, it’ll be ages before I have grandchildren. Cassie and Park might never want them. And right now, they’re just focused on Park’s recovery.”
Dottie launched into a lengthy explanation of Cassie and Parker’s upcoming wedding details, and before she knew it, Dottie had pulled into the parking lot at the Shawnee County Courthouse.
Dottie shut off the engine and swiveled in her seat. “You gonna be okay, hon? Do you want me to come with you?”
Feeling a newfound shot of confidence, Elaine shook her head. “I’m good. Time for me to stand on my own two feet.”
Dottie reached over and gave her an encouraging squeeze. “I’m right here if you need anything.”
Clutching the manila envelope and Dottie’s letter, Elaine marched into the courthouse. Maybe it was the new clothes, maybe it was her improved confidence, but the building didn’t look as scary as before. Didn’t seem so intimidating. She pushed the elevator button and studied a swirl in the polished floor while she waited. Her phone buzzed, and she pulled it out, seeing a text from Weston.
W: I need you to prep call sheets for the south county precincts tonight.
She typed back a quick response as she stepped into the elevator.
E: They’ll be waiting for you when you arrive :)
W: thx
“Well, well, well.” She froze at the sound of Steve Lawson’s voice, the phone slipping through her fingers and clattering to the floor. “Look what the cat drug in… Ellie May.”
Backing up a step, she fought the panic that rose through her at light speed. The sound of her heart beating wildly filled her ears. “What are you doing here?” Her voice came out shaky and small.
Lawson advanced, casually bringing a hand up to the bank of buttons and stopped the elevator between floors. Warning bells, both real and imagined, filled the space as he smiled coldly. “None of your business, sweetheart. But it sure looks like luck was on my side today.”
“W-wh-what do you mean?”
“Took a little digging, but I knew you looked familiar. What would Prairie’s police chief say when he finds his treasurer is nothing more than a common criminal?”
“That was–”
He cut her off, expression smug. “And once I’m sheriff, you better watch out, because I’ll have you in my sights.”
In spite of her terror, his threat triggered something deep inside of her and she pulled herself up as tall as she could. “I haven’t done anything wrong. That part of my life is over.”
“Is it ever? Ellie?”
“Stop calling me that.”
He took a step closer, voice silky. “How badly do you want me to keep your dirty little secret?” His eyes went hungry, sending a chill up her spine.
Her throat went dry and she swallowed. “You wouldn’t.”
“I think you know I would,” he said with an edge of menace. He stood so close she could reach out and touch him. “Think about it. All the good folks in town double-checking their change. Clutching their purses a little tighter. Eyes filled with suspicion when you walk in their store. Knowing you’d taken their beloved police chief for a ride.”
Nononono. Not after all she’d worked for. To rebuild. “Don’t. Please,” she whispered, panic darkening her vision.
“You know what I want… Ellie Mae. What I’ve always wanted from you. It would be so easy to make all this go away.”
Rage blasted through her. “You’re a disgusting pig. I wouldn’t give into your demands then, and I won’t now,” she reached past him and slammed the elevator button, shutting off the dinging alarm. The silence was just as loud.
“Play it your way then, bitch,” he snarled, as the elevator came to a stop. “I made you pay the price once, I have no problem doing it again.”
Her blood turned to ice, but something inside her snapped. “Don’t forget, I know what you tried to do.”
His eyes narrowed. “And who do you think the public will believe? A lawman? Or a girl with a rap sheet? Go up against me, little lady, and you will lose. And so will that cop of yours. Big time.” He turned on his heel and stalked out of the elevator as it opened, leaving her trembling in the corner.
She let out a half sob. He’d do it too. Lawson was too big and powerful. There was no doubt in her mind. He’d hurt Travis if she said anything. Her hands turned to ice. No matter what, she couldn’t let him hurt Travis. And he was right, too. In the court of public opinion, no one would believe her. They’d never believe that a cop would try what he had. Her stomach flopped at the memory. She’d been lucky to escape with only bruises on her arm.
Hurrying to exit before the doors shut again, she sniffed and rolled her shoulders. It took the entire walk to the probation officer’s door to still her shaking hands. Her confidence shattered, she could barely make eye contact with the secretary, and she stood quietly in front of the woman waiting for the pee cup while she tried to collect herself. The secretary offered up a cup without even glancing up. “You know what to do,” she said in a monotone.
Biting back a snarky comment, she grabbed the cup and headed for the private stall. She wasn’t even a person to these people. Just an unfortunate cog in the wheels of justice. A moment later, she returned and set the sample down on the edge of the desk and took a seat.
Ten long, silent minutes dragged by. It didn’t matter that she was expected to show up promptly. Once she was here, she was on their time. She was convinced they did it on purpose, to keep them off-balance.
“Elaine?” Officer Marshall asked. “Come on back.”
She forced a smile onto her face as she followed the man back to his office. Down past the permanent stain in the carpet, past the photo of wildflowers and the broken ceiling light, turning the corner to the second door on the left. Forty-two steps closer to never coming back. He held the door open and shut it behind them.
While the door didn’t lock, her pulse still ratcheted up. Every time. She perched on the edge of the chair, hands folded in her lap, spine like a steel rod. Her defense attorney had taught her well, and somehow, over the course of two years, it had given her a small measure of confidence – that she could be scared to death and not cringe.
Officer Marshall took a seat behind the desk that took up most of the office. “Have you used drugs since I saw you last?”
The same questions every time. Of course not. Have I ever peed positive? “No.”
“Alcohol?”
“No.”
He looked at her sharply. She met his gaze head-on. He never believed her when she answered no.
“Are you driving?”
He already knew the answer to that. “No.”
“Still employed?”
“Yes.”
“Same place?”
He knew the answer to that too. She tamped down the irritation that flared to life inside her. She didn’t have the right to be offended by his questions. Her future was in his hands. “Yes.”
“Still living in the FEMA park?”
“Yes.”
“Son in school?”
“Yes.”
“How’s he doing?”
His tone of voice belied his interest. “Fine. He likes school.”
“Anything else you’d like to tell me?”
She hated the open-ended questions. Say too much, or the wrong thing, and it could hurt you. Don’t say enough, and that could hurt you too. This time, she had an answer prepared. She laid the manila envelope on his desk. “You’ll see here that I earned my GED.”
His eyebrows shot up in two perfect arches. “Good for you.”
She swallowed hard, gathering her courage, and laid Dottie’s envelope on the desk. “I-I would also like to request that my probation be shortened.” Her heart galloped a mile a minute. Taking a belly breath, she continued. “I’ve been a model citizen over the last two years. I’ve held the same job, and this letter is from my boss. I’ve completed my GED per the terms of my probation, never been late to or missed a meeting, never had a positive drug screening, and my son has thrived in his new environment.”
Officer Marshall sat back, hands clasped behind his head. “You understand you’ll have to petition the court?”
She nodded.
“There’s a lot of paperwork to fill out, and it needs to be signed by both the prosecuting attorney and the defense attorney. Are you sure you want to do that?”
“Yes.” So that she could get her life back and never step foot in this building again? Hell, yes.
Officer Marshal leaned forward and stood. “I’ll bring it to the judge as soon as you have it on my desk. You can probably get a hearing in ten days’ time after that.” He narrowed his gaze, studying her. “I have to say I’m surprised. Most of you never make it out of the system.”
She didn’t miss the dig, and it raised her hackles. “What do you mean?”
He shrugged, pulling the envelopes across the desk. “You know, women like you.”
Asshole. She stood, clamping down on her temper just enough to ensure she didn’t say something that would ruin her chances. But there was no way in hell she was going to let that dig slide. “You mean women who’ve had a tough break? Who weren’t lucky enough to have a stable home life? Who did everything they could to make sure their children eat?” She glared at him for a long second. “Tell me exactly, and in small words so I understand. What does ‘women like you’ mean?”
Officer Marshall’s mouth thinned to a line and a flush pinked the skin on his neck, right above his collar.
“I will get you your paperwork as soon as possible. Thank you.” Shaking, she turned and marched out of his office clenching her jaw the forty-two steps to the secretary’s desk. All the way back to the elevator where she punched the button and a tear squeezed out of her eye.