AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She doesn’t mind the truck, at least not for one night. It’s not too bad in the back. A thick mattress and plenty of room.
We could’ve gone anywhere, but I know Faith wanted to see and feel how I’d been living on my journey the past few days.
I feel lighter too, not just because I finally have her, even though it only took a day but because I don’t have that damned case to worry about anymore.
My share?
They can keep it. What I learned from old Gramma Laurence… that’s worth a lot more than a few hundred thousand.
It could go towards the house, I try and tell myself.
But I know I already have plenty and with Faith by my side, I’ll always be the richer man for it.
The richest man alive is what I feel like.
I feel her stirring, making those little sounds that drive me wild, and just when I feel her hands starting to explore my body all over again there comes a sudden tap at the window of the cab of the truck.
Faith’s eyes dart open, and she clutches at me for a moment, thinking maybe she dreamt the sound.
But when the tap comes again, harder and with a deep voice telling me it’s the police, I set her mind at ease.
“It’ll be alright, must’ve parked in the wrong spot,” I tell her as I try to calm myself down.
Not one who likes being disturbed first thing, I’m less than impressed when I recognize the state trooper tapping on my truck as one of the gang from last night.
“Oh! Well if it isn’t mister Templeton. Sorry to rouse you sir, but you’re parked in a campsite area and I didn’t see a permit in your window.”
I blink, pulling some pants on before heaving myself over the seat into the cab and climbing out.
The trooper looks away, giving me time to get myself decent, but I don’t get it.
“You been following me?” I ask him, wondering why he of all people would be here so early.
He smiles wearily. “No, Mr. Templeton. We just don’t have many troopers out this way, and this morning I drew campsite duty, on account of the ranger being ill,” he explains, stifling a yawn.
“Well, I don’t have a permit,” I tell him. “Didn’t know I needed one. Fine me if you want, I’ll pay before we leave,” I tell him curtly.
“We?” he asks as he scratches his temple, his eyes widening as he sees Faith clambering over the seat of the truck, making him gulp and look away, embarrassed.
She’s decent, but I kind of regret the intrusion all the same.
“Two birds I guess,” The trooper muses to himself. “You’re wanted back at the convent, as soon as you can make it. Those federal boys wanna tie up all this business and make arrangements for you to bank your half of the money. Not a great idea to drive cross country with so much cash,” he adds, tapping his nose.
“And pay the local as well as federal tax on inheritance, I suppose?” I almost sneer. “No thanks. The convent can keep the money, I don’t want it,” I tell him firmly.
“We’ll still need some papers signed, the young lady too,” he adds, pretending not to flinch at my refusal of the money.
“I’ll follow you then,” I tell him. “Where you parked?” I ask.
“Just over there,” he says cheerily, tipping his hat before turning to go to his cruiser.
“Can we make a stop on the way?” I tell him more than ask, stabbing my thumb behind me towards Faith. “Rest stop, we wanna freshen up,” I tell him.
“Sure thing,” he smiles and in less than a half-hour, we’re all back at the convent, with me and Faith noting some peculiar absences.
Her Dad.
“Where’s my Dad?” Faith asks nervously.
I hold her hand, risking some venom from a different nun who’s sitting in today, but she only smiles.
“Uh, your Dad and the Sheriff drove back last night I believe, no need for them to be here,” The trooper offers. There’s only one agent today too, who looks bored. Eager for us to sign some stuff so he can be on his way, probably to try and catch the real fugitive out there somewhere.
“Pity,” I tell the room, eyeing Faith and squeezing her hand tighter.
She looks down, but I know we can drive back and see him, be there today if we’re not kept too long with all this.
“How’s that, Mr. Templeton?” The agent asks, his interest suddenly piqued.
I’m just about to answer, when the door swings open, the agent almost reaching for his side out of reflex.
“Daddy!” cries Faith, who leaps into his arms as he holds her tight, turning them both around.
The agent sighs.
“Great timing, Padre,” I tell him, noting his face is worn but a little less hostile than the night before.
