Page 2 of Arrested By the Deputy

"Go ahead and leave the note. Then I'll have to place you under arrest."

Actions have consequences, I remind myself. But it doesn't make any of this easier.

CHAPTER 2

CAL

Idon't relish this. Sometimes I'm happy to arrest someone for something they've done. Particularly if it's in the interest of public safety. I'm not enjoying having Hazel in the back of my SUV.

"Are you sure there's something I can't do?" She asks again. It's the third time she's asked that question.

"Are you planning on trying to bribe me?" I look at her through the rear view mirror, raising my eyebrows. "You know that's a crime to add onto the one you've already committed, right?"

She huffs, sitting back against the seat. "Are you doing this because people make fun of you in the local group? They say you let people off too easily? Earl knows me. I was going to leave him a note, and take some money over," she argues.

Her mentioning the local group annoys me. They do talk about me. Often. It's not something I've ever been used to. In high school I was well-liked, and one of the most popular kids there. It wasn't until I'd been out, worked a construction job, and then decided that being law enforcement was for me, that they started being assholes toward me. I let a few people go on traffic violations, and they started calling me Deputy Doody - asin Howdy. They thought they would be able to get away with anything when it comes to me, and after the last post that was made a week ago, I'm ready for them to stop talking about me. Which is why I arrested Hazel tonight. If it hadn't been for that post, I probably would've let her go.

Everyone in Whispering Pines knows Hazel, and they know she doesn't have a dishonest bone in her body. If she said she was going to repay Earl, then she definitely was. More than likely the two of them have a system worked out. I should've asked her about that, but I know myself. I would've let her go, and then there'd be another post about me.

"Be that as it may, I still caught you in the act of committing a crime. What did you expect me to do?"

Her eyes meet mine in the rear view mirror, and I fucking shiver at the almost-hatred in hers. "Cal, we've known each other for over ten years. Since middle school. I know you remember that, even if you don't like to admit it. Do you really believe I'd steal something from someone? Especially another small-business owner. I expected you to listen to reason and have some fucking compassion. It's hard out here."

The words she spoke have me wanting to let her out of the SUV, and go back to her shop. But I have to be strong, I can't let my empathy and fear that people won't like me stop me from doing my job. "It is, but that doesn't mean you get to steal, Hazel. That's a bad impression, and a lot of younger women in the community look up to you."

A snort works its way out of her throat. "Oh give me a break, Cal. They'd tell me to do whatever it takes to get my cakes made so I can be featured."

I don't say anything to her as we pull into the sally port. We don't say anything to each other as I get her out, and lead her into the station. There are whispers as we walk through the entrance, and toward where booking takes place. I can onlyimagine what they're saying, but I keep my face forward, and chin high. This time, Deputy Doody won't be the laughing stock of Whispering Pines.

When I wake up from my nap after my overnight shift, I do something that I hardly ever do. I don't immediately get out of bed, and start trying to get as much done as I can before I go in for my next shift. The thing that would need me, my dog, Biscuit, was taken to doggy daycare when I got in, and I have real free time, right now. Instead, I reach over to my bedside table, and grab my phone. It only takes a second for me to see the notifications that are pouring in, and my stomach drops.

The last time this happened, there was a post on Spotted in Whispering Pines, and people were dragging me six ways to Sunday about how lenient I am, and how they could get away with anything when it comes to me. I almost don't want to look at whatever this is, but I know I'll hear about it when I go in to work, so I close my eyes and click.

Sure enough, it's a post notification from the Spotted in Whispering Pines group.

Lucille Wagner:Y'all look at this video of Deputy Cal Sutton AKA Deputy Doody arresting Hazel Monroe from Butter My Biscuit. What the fuck is happening here? She is the sweetest woman I've ever met, she does so much for the community, and he's arresting her? He never puts his foot down about anything, and now he's decided to do it to one of the nicest people I know? Fuck the police, man.

Oh my God. The video is grainy and you can't hear what we're saying to each other. Although I'm not sure that it'll make it anybetter if you could. My stomach is in my throat as I scroll down and start reading the comments.

Allison McGregor:What the hell? She donated five cakes to the Boys and Girls summer program, and wouldn't even let us pay her for the ingredients.

Karen Davidson:She makes baked goods for the pantry and homeless shelter I volunteer at, and she never takes payment for those either. I can't believe she did something that was worth being arrested for. Deputy Sutton should be ashamed of himself.

Earl Hindley:Hey, so she came into the grocery, and got a stick of butter. She's done this before, come in and grabbed something real fast, and then came back to pay for it. Hell, I still let people purchase on credit if they're in good standing. Ms. Monroe did break in to do this, but she caused no damage. I watched the tape. Her employee came over and gave me the amount for the butter. Please let it be known, I didn't want her arrested. Deputy Sutton took that upon himself.

Son of a bitch. Now I'm going to hear it because I actually did my job. It's like I can't win for losing. I'm continuing to scroll through, when I see that Allison has commented again.

Allison McGregor:He should apologize to her. Maybe take her out for dinner, and post in here, that way we know he's really sorry about it.

I don't want to be sorry about it. I did my job. I'm thumbing through the rest of the comments when my phone rings, and it's my boss.

Shit.

"Hello," I answer, trying to keep my annoyance out of my tone.

"Sutton. Have you seen the post on social media?"

Running a hand through my hair, I sit up straighter. "Yes sir, I have."