Page 51 of Love in Overdrive

Chapter 17

The dark outside the window reflected Laney’s mood as they drove back to Gray Duck Grove. Yes, she said it would all work out, but that was to comfort Cade. Nowhere in her body was there a muscle, nerve, or bone that believed it. Laney couldn’t figure out what she’d done to deserve the crappy turn of her life this last year. She followed all the rules. She was a good daughter, went to church most Sundays, was a good wife… and what happened? Her life imploded.

She had no regrets about divorcing her cheating ex, but with the job loss, she struggled to make ends meet. Now she could end up in jail for a bank robbery she didn’t commit. All because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

No way she could handle prison. She’d seen a documentary on it a few weeks ago. Parts of it sounded pretty good… free schooling, exercise, food, and lodging. Then there was the incarceration part. A shiver of fear shot through her.

She closed her eyes and prayed she’d never be some inmate’s sex toy.

A while later, the truck stopped. Laney had zoned out to the hum of the tires on the road. She took a deep breath, then pulled her attention to the now. The Gray Duck Grove Police Station loomed in front of her. Dread crept up her spine as she exited the truck. Yes, the building’s towering façade was a show of power, but Laney passed it daily and never once considered the brick structure intimidating—until now.

Her knees knocked and her mouth went dry as she started up the steps. A warm hand slipped into hers. Cade’s. The brush of his thumb over her hand soothed her nerves. She smiled at him.

“Let’s do this.” He hoisted the duffle bag up on his shoulder.

The chill in the air did nothing to speed up their steps as they approached the entrance. He walked like a man on death row.

Yes, they had the money, but they hadn’t done anything wrong. The police had to see that. With one last squeeze of his hand, they entered the police station.

At nine-thirty at night, the front desk area of the station was deserted, except for the lone officer at the desk. All four of them walked in. Nash and Addison went straight to the desk, while Cade and Laney hovered back a few feet.

“May I help you?” The officer barely looked old enough to shave. Rookie. Poor guy must not have enough seniority to get off the night shift.

Cade took a big breath and moved forward. “Yes, I’m Cade McBride, and I’ve come in about the bank robbery yesterday.” Recognition flashed on the officer’s face. He reached for his weapon.

Laney flinched. The rookie looked ready to shoot first and ask questions later. In the last twenty-four hours, she’d had enough guns pointed at her for a lifetime.

Addison stepped up, glanced at the officer’s badge, and smiled. “Officer… Hanson. I’m Addison Benedict. Mr. Steele and I were here this morning to make statements.” She fluttered her lashes and leaned forward, enough to have the officer’s gaze dip.

Dang, she was good. Laney watched her friend control the situation.

“We talked to a Detective Simon. Is he around?”

“Uh… um. No, ma’am.” Officer Hanson stumbled over his words.

“Could you call him for me? We will all wait right over there.” She gestured to the reception area with a row of chairs by the windows.

Addison’s methods worked, because the young officer blushed slightly, cleared his throat, and picked up the phone.

Nash sat next to Addison. He leaned in and whispered, “Nicely done. I thought he might shoot us until you dazzled him with your… assets.”

Addison gave him a look from beneath her lashes. “You have no idea how much I can dazzle.”

Nash shook his head, but he was smiling when he pulled out his phone.

Laney took the seat on the other side of Addison, and Cade sat beside her.

Fifteen minutes later, a seriously grumpy man in his late forties came through the door. He looked at Officer Hanson. “Where are they? This better be good. The Wild were in the third period and down by one.”

Officer Hanson pointed to their group sitting in the chairs.

Detective Simon spied Addison and crossed to them. He was almost right in front of them when Cade and Laney stood. Simon stumbled, then cut a scowl at Officer Hanson. Laney didn’t need to be a mind reader to realize the young officer hadn’t told him Cade and she were there.

Calm and cool, he extended his hand. “Mr. McBride, nice of you to come in, and I see you brought Ms. Hunt with you.”

After shaking their hands, he motioned them all into a conference room down the hall.

Laney scanned the room. It could have been in any office building with its large table and basic beige walls. The large screen on the wall was black.