Madison looked around the room before meeting Caden’s gaze. “Principal Ryker. He’s the one who makes the drug, or he knows the guy who does, and he forces loser students like me to sell it for him. He has an in with almost every school in the area. And he’s originally from Arizona or New Mexico or one of those states, but he has people selling it there for him, too. We keep telling him it’s too potent. That people are getting sick. Dying, even. But he doesn’t care. He says it’s the thrill of the danger that makes it so marketable.” Madison shook her head and swiped at another tear. “I hate him so much.”
Reese reached for Madison’s hand. “I don’t think he’ll be an educator for much longer.”
“Definitely not,” Garrett agreed.
Caden cleared his throat. “Thank you, Madison. I’ll need you to hand over the drugs and come down to the bureau with me to make an official statement. You may call your parents on the way to meet you there.” He waited for Madison to collect herself, before walking out with her, and then it was just her and Garrett left in the classroom.
She closed the door and turned back to Garrett. He was leaning against one of the tables, watching her with a mix of concern and pride. “Do you think Madison will be okay?” She asked, hoping she hadn’t just ruined a kid’s life like Madison had implied.
“I do. And you just helped solve a case that’s been haunting my friends and I for over a year. Thank you.”
Reese looked at him for a moment, letting herself get lost in his eyes, even as the scene of his death played out in her mind. She’d seen it so many times by now, it almost didn’t feel real. Like it was some awful movie playing on a television screen. Then realization struck. “Orly? That’s the same drug?”
Garrett nodded and pulled her into his arms. “Lab results confirmed it. Caden told me right before we got here.”
Another knock at the door had both of them turning. Blake came in, a pensive look on his face.
“Everything alright?” Garrett asked.
Blake glanced from her to Garret. “We need to talk,” he said, looking at Garrett.
Reese pressed a kiss to Garrett’s cheek and carefully extricated herself from his hold. “That’s okay. I actually have plans to meet the women at Madigan’s.”
“I was going to drive you, but here.” He fished the keys to his truck out of his pocket and handed them to her. “Take my truck. I’ll get a ride with Blake after we’re done.”
“Are you sure?” Reese asked. “I could just take an Uber.”
“I’m sure. And don’t worry, I’m not precious about the truck, so if it gets a scratch or a dent or a spill, I won’t care. The only thing I’m precious about is you.”
Reese couldn’t keep from smiling at the man who’d thoroughly ruined her for all other men. “I’ll take good care of it.”
He kissed her like he didn’t care that Blake was watching. “It better take good care of you. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
“Thanks,” she said, and grabbed her things from her desk. “See you later, Blake.”
“Be right back,” Garrett told Blake on their way out.
It was sunny outside, the sky a perfect blue, and Reese was surprisingly in a good mood. She’d never actually been able to help the police with anything before, so being there for Madison,and helping her open up to Caden and Garrett felt really good. She knew Caden would keep his word and make sure Madison had a bright future ahead of her. She really was a good kid.
“I want you to text me as soon as you get to Madigan’s,” Garrett said.
“Of course,” Reese readily agreed. She hated being away from Garrett just as much as he hated being away from her.
“Do you have the new GPS locator on you?” Garrett asked.
“Yes,” Reese padded her pocket where it was safely tucked away. He’d gotten her one that used satellites instead of cell towers, so it should have a signal no matter where she was. And after everything that happened, she never went anywhere without it. She placed a soft kiss on his cheek and he held her to him for a long moment.
“I can’t help worrying about you when I’m not there, but the last thing I want to do is make you feel like you’re caged in. I don’t think this thing with Blake will take long. Please call me if you need anything.”
Reese agreed and Garrett unlocked the truck. He helped her climb in, then waited while she adjusted the seat and mirrors. It was so spacious and comfortable, she honestly felt like a princess sitting in a royal carriage. She’d been thinking about buying a gently used car now that she had a steady source of income, but sitting in Garrett’s truck kind of made her want one of her own. It was definitely something to think about, if she could afford it. “Okay, I’m ready,” she said, excited to drive this beast of a truck.
“Okay. Just have fun,” he said.
“Thanks. I will.”
Garrett was still holding the door open, like he didn’t want to let her go. “I’ll have Blake drop me off at Madigan’s after we’re done here. But if you decide to leave before we get there, just let me know.”
Reese nodded. “Will do.”
