Page 127 of Torin

I hate it.

But I can live with it if Bennett walks free.

The courthouse comes into view at the end of the block. I sit a little straighter.

My father needs to turn right here.

He drives straight through the intersection.

“You missed the turn.”

“We’ll call him from home.”

I turn to him. “You said we were going to see him.”

“There’s no reason to waste half the morning sitting around waiting for the District Attorney to be free. I can speak to him directly.”

The courthouse recedes behind us.

“But that’s not what we agreed.”

“Hannah.” His voice is calm. “It makes no difference.”

Before I can answer, he presses a button on the steering wheel.

A woman’s voice comes through the speakers. “Sheriff’s office.”

“It’s Hayes.”

“Yes, Sheriff.”

“I won’t be back this afternoon. And call Dr Whitmore for me. Tell him I’d like him at the house in about half an hour.”

“Of course.”

The call ends.

I stare at him. “Why are you calling Dr Whitmore?”

“You’ve been missing for nearly a week. I want him to check you over.”

“I don’t need checking over.”

“You’ve been in a car accident.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re covered in bruises.”

“And I said I’m fine.”

His mouth tightens. “There’s no harm in letting him take a look at you.”

“I’m not going home.”

“Hannah—”

“No. That wasn’t the deal. You speak to the District Attorney, Bennett gets released, and then we decide what happens next.”