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I let out a laugh, certain he’s joking. His serious expression holds steady. “A parking ticket got me arrested? People don’t really go to jail for that. You’re kidding right?”
“Nope.”
I search my memory for the offending parking ticket, wondering if there’s been a mistake. The only time I’ve ever gotten a parking ticket was in Anchorage, almost two years ago. I was helping a friend file a long overdue restraining order against her stalker ex. I was so relieved I’d finally talked her into it, I drove straight to the courthouse and refused to let anything change her mind. Including unavailable parking. The reserved spot was the only one open for several blocks. I didn’t pay attention to whose spot I stole as I latched my arm to hers, making sure she wouldn’t run before we got the paperwork filed.
I wrote a check for the stupid hundred and eighteen dollars and put it in the mail.
Orattemptedto.
“Oh no.”
“Something coming back to you?” The twinkle in Garrett’s eyes is enough reason for me to yank my hand free, reminding me that we arenoton the same team. The man has had it out for me since I moved to Caribou Creek at the beginning of the summer. Something I’d do well to remember the next time my body tries betrays common sense at his unfairly seductive touch.
“I wrote the check,” I recall as he leads me by the elbow to a small bathroom so I can wash the ink from my hands. “I had a stamp on the envelope and everything. I went to put it in the mailbox and the wind ripped it right out of my hands.”
“Really, Gray?”
“Really.” I don’t know why I’m so desperate for him to believe me. He’s not the one who issued the warrant. He’s only executing it. “I called the courthouse to tell them what happened. The lady I spoke to couldn’t find any record of the ticket. I thought it was cleared or something.” For once, all the accusations of my naivety feel justified. I remember feeling like the universe had my back for once, when in reality, I should’ve known better.
“You’re telling the truth?”
I dare to meet Garrett’s stormy gaze head on, hoping it’ll be enough to clear up this stupid misunderstanding. “I swear I am.”
“Wish I could help you.” His words feel genuine, but the defeated expression warns me his hands are tied. “It’s not up to me.”
“I know.” I dry my hands with paper towels. “So what now?”
“You can post bond.”
Thanks to a very busy week at the diner, I have a couple hundred dollars in cash. Maybe I can pay the parking ticket now and clear up this mess. Grandma Rose might find the story amusing. If I leave out the detail about my friend needing a restraining order, that is. I don’t need her, or anyone else, worrying unnecessarily. The asshole ended up behind bars where he belongs. “How much is that?”
“Five hundred dollars.”
My heart plummets. Tips weren’tthatgood. “How is that possible?”
“Court fees, compounded interest.”
“Do you take a credit card?”
“Afraid not.”
“Who doesn’t take a credit card?” I whine.
“Small operation, remember?”
I glance back at the cell, wondering how much pain I’ll be in from sleeping on the hard slab of a bed tonight. No way I’m getting out of here in time to make my shift at the diner. “Can I have my phone call now?”
“Sure, Gray.” Garrett leads me to the desk, pulling out a chair with an actual cushion for me. He drops an old-fashioned phone attached to its receiver by a curly cord on my side. “One call.”
I search my memory for Freya Reid’s number. She only picks up odd shifts, but I’m hopeful she can cover me tonight. If there’s one talent I have, it’s collecting favors for moments like this. I wait for the numbers to arrange themselves in my mind and start to dial.
Garrett’s dark eyebrows draw together. This inquisitive expression might be his sexiest yet. It’s much harder to ignore than his serious one. I twist the phone cord around my fingers to keep my hand from wandering across the desk.
“You don’t need to look up the number?”
“I know it.” I wait as the phone rings, praying Freya will answer a number she probably doesn’t recognize. She’s been through some shit too, so I wouldn’t blame her for ignoring the call.
Thankfully, she picks up after the third ring.
