Because he was new in town, he had studied maps and knew general locations and roads, but he wanted to know what the maps wouldn’t tell him. The things he’d learn working with this team and operating on the streets of Renegade.
His phone rang in his hand. The wordsMarshal Samuel Dennison High Schoolfilled the screen.
“I have to take this.”
Butler nodded.
He slid the Answer icon across the screen. “Liam Roberts.”
“Good morning, Mr. Roberts. This is Vice Principal Woodworth. I’m calling you regarding Sophia.”
His stomach sank. “Is there a problem?”
“Well, yes. Sophia was caught with several young ladies vaping in the bathroom this afternoon when they were supposed to be in class.”
Liam closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Skipping class and vaping in the bathroom? Next she’d be skipping school entirely. After that, how long would it be before she ended up like her mother?
“She was given lunch detention. We just wanted you to be aware of the situation. We know she’s new to Renegade, and had hoped she would start off on the right foot, but this isn’t it. Her records from Virginia indicate she’s been in some trouble beforethe transfer. We’ll be encouraging her to take this fresh start more seriously.”
And so would he.
Liam cleared his throat. “She was having some difficulties in her home life that caused issues. We’re working on making sure that trouble isn’t repeated here.”
“We’re aware. Just know that we are a compassionate and understanding administration. If you need any assistance with locating services in Renegade, please let us know. We only want what’s best for our students.”
“Thank you. Sophia and I will talk tonight.” He disconnected the call and shook his head. “That kid.”
Renegade was a fresh start for him and Sophia. New lives in a new town. The past was behind them. More hope for a better future for Sophia. Starting over was going to be hard, and they’d both have to make adjustments. They were each nursing broken hearts. For different reasons though.
That hope didn’t stop the little voice in his head questioning everything and worrying about the future. Liam knew he needed to take those thoughts captive and trust God’s plan, even though it didn’t make sense. It was hard, but he was trying. God would give them the strength to overcome the past and move forward.
“Did you get your business squared away?” Butler glanced over.
“For now.”
“Good, because we’re here.” Butler eased the truck to the curb and killed the engine.
Silence filled the truck. Adrenaline coursed through Liam as he studied the motel, waiting for Vickers to make an appearance.
Tried to feel like himself, a marshal on a fugitive apprehension team.
Rather than a father with no idea what he was doing.
TWO
An hour and a half after the call had gone out, Sam collapsed in one of the dayroom recliners. One building secured, one cat rescued. All in a day’s work. She sighed and lifted her hands to reset her ponytail.
Greer breezed into the dayroom. “Did you hydrate?”
“I just sat down.” She let her arms drop to the recliner arms. “I’m not getting up again unless the bell goes off.”
“You know hydration is important. Especially in our line of work. Equipment and gear maintenance.” He lifted a finger. “Debriefing, reports.” He lifted two more. “Hydrating while waiting for the next call.” He lifted a fourth finger.
“Yes, Dad.” She huffed as she stood. “Statistically speaking, the next call will be a medical call.”
“You still need to be hydrated.” He shot her a look. “Besides, statistics are changing thanks to a firebug making their home in Renegade.”
“Fine.” He was right, even if she had no intention of saying that out loud. “Do you think the fire we just put out was started by him or her?”
