“Who’s that?” I whisper in panic. “Could it be your mom?”
Milo winces. “I don’t know. I don’t think so.”
“Hello, Miss West?” a voice calls out, followed by another knock. “It’s Sheriff Lennon.”
Milo and I break apart, and I jolt to standing.
Oh, crap. It’s the cops. I’ve been picked up on surveillance cameras, driving without a licensed supervisor.
“Hello?” Sheriff Lennon’s voice calls out again, followed by two more knocks. “Miss West?”
Milo steps beside me, clutching my hand. He motions to the door. “Want me to get it?”
I give him a weak smile. “I got it.”
Milo releases my hand, and I move toward the door. When I open the door and find Sheriff Lennon standing before me, he double-takes.
“Ah, good morning,” he says, and then clears his throat. “Is Madeleine West here?”
My head jerks back. “You want to see Aunt Maddy?”
Sheriff Lennon tilts his head and gives me a gentle smile. “Are you Jamie West?”
I nod. “Yes, sir.”
This is it. I admitted to being the unlicensed driver behind the wheel. He was after Maddy because the car is registered in her name. Shall I just hold out my wrists and ask him to cuff me?
“Is your aunt home?” he asks in a soothing tone.
Okay, why isn’t he laying down the law? What is this?
“Umm. What do you need to see her about?”
Sheriff Lennon looks behind me and there’s a nervousness to his response. “Do you mind if I step inside?”
“Umm, no,” I say in a shaky tone, stepping out of the doorway on trembling legs. “Come on in.”
Sheriff Lennon steps inside and nods at Milo. “Good morning, son. Can I ask why you kids aren’t in school?”
My stomach spasms and I eye Milo with a wash of guilt. “Umm.”
“Jamie’s not feeling well,” Milo blurts. “I came over to check on her. I was going back to school, I swear.”
“It’s okay, kids,” Sheriff Lennon says, gesturing to the sofa. “I’m not here about that. Is your aunt at work?”
“She’s in Hawaii,” I reply. “Why do you need to see her? Is it about her car?”
“No.” Sheriff Lennon’s eyes narrow. “Why? Did something happen to it?”
I edge toward Milo and link hands with him. “No. Just wondering?”
“Look, Miss West.” He sighs. “Jamie. Can I call you Jamie?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I came here because I have news for you and your aunt.” He motions to the sofa. “Jamie, can I have a word with you in private?”
As if he’s a life raft, I cling to Milo. “Can Milo please stay?”
