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“Listen,” Rhett says. “I’m asking you for a favor here…my father is as well. He’s worked hard for the state of Michigan, and specifically Birchbark County, for over thirty years. Morgan is our brother, and Dusty is his partner. I would appreciate it if you could do this favor for me.”
My gaze snaps to the back of Rhett’s head. He doesn’t turn and acknowledge me, doesn’t boast, just keeps looking at the officer, something silent passing between them.
“Just this once,” the officer says, and I breathe out a sigh of relief. “This way.”
Rhett didn’t have to do that for me. Hell, there were times he would have walked back there without me and then bragged about it afterward. That’s the kind of relationship we’ve always had, yet tonight, that’s not what he did. And I also know that if he wasn’t who he is, and Dad too, this wouldn’t be happening.
The officer leads us to one of those small interrogation rooms like in the movies. He leaves us inside while he goes to get Easton. I let go of Dusty’s hand and walk closer to Rhett. “I…thank you,” I say, voice low and insecure.
“It was nothing,” he replies without looking my way.
“Should let him rot,” Dad interrupts. “Would too…if it didn’t bring shame…on the Swift name.”
My shoulders tense. That’s what he cares about right now? The Swift name? East is clearly hurting and needs his family, and all my father cares about is what people think. I don’t know why I’m surprised. I guess I’m not, really. I’ll just never understand him, want to do everything in my power not to be like him. My gaze finds Rhett, who is looking at our dad with a tight jaw. Maybe one way to make sure I’m never like our dad is to fix things with Rhett.
Before I can figure out what to say, the door opens, the officer bringing a handcuffed Easton inside.
“Jesus Christ. Has he seen a doctor?” jumps from my mouth as I go to him.
“He refused,” the officer replies. “If they are competent and conscious, they have that right.”
Easton’s right eye is swollen shut. There’s a cut above it, with dried blood around it. His lip is swollen too, blood on his shirt. When the officer seats him, East’s hands rest on the table, bruised and battered from hitting. His right hand is swollen as well.
“I don’t give a fuck if he refused or not. He’s seeing a doctor,” I spit out.
“Yes. He is.” Rhett’s voice is firm. The officer ignores me, gives my brother a nod, and slips from the room.
“Fuck you, Morgan. I asked for your help with Pretty Girl, not this.” East’s hard stare shoots to our father. I completely understand not wanting him here.
“I called Rhett. I didn’t know he was at Dad’s.” I walk over and kneel in front of him, trying to reach for his face, but he jerks his head away. “Christ, East. What happened?”
“Are you going to see my dog tomorrow?”
I sigh. “Yes. And if we can’t make it, Cass will. We’ll take care of her. I promise. Right now I’m more worried about you.”
“What happened?” Rhett asks again, in that accusatory tone Dad would use. Does Rhett even realize he’s doing the same?
East shrugs. “I attacked someone. That’s what they told you, right?”
“We’re not asking what they told us,” Dusty replies. “We’re asking you what happened because we trust and believe in you.”
No matter how hard this moment is, my heart swells at what my man said. He’s so fucking perfect, with a big-ass heart, and I’ll spend every moment of every day being thankful I have him.
East, however, doesn’t reply.
Rhett huffs. “Easton, you have to give me something to work with here. Tell me step by step what happened.”
“Him,” Dad pushes out before East has a chance to even consider replying. My spine stiffens. “He happened. He always happens.”
“Dad,” I warn.
“Not…babying him…anymore. He’s a disgrace.”
“Dad!” Rhett adds, his voice louder than mine.
“He’ll ruin us, ruin you. You’re running for mayor. Distance yourself from him. He’s not a Swift.”
I shove to my feet. As soon as I make a move to go for my father, Dusty wraps an arm around me, holding me in place. “Fuck you, Dad. I’m done with you, not him. You’re the disgrace. Jesus, why did you ever fucking have us!”
