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Cade’s mind was buzzing, all the dots coming together at once.
“As soon as Callie told me Scott was the one giving Ben drugs, I took it seriously and asked several questions. I trust Dean Wilcox to get to the bottom of this.”
“Even when Scott’s a key member of the winning football team?”
Hope mulled over his question. “I trust him. If drugs are being dealt at the school, Dean Wilcox will put an end to it, and it won’t matter to him what position Scott plays on the football team. Coach knows that, and I believe he’s cooperating.”
“Hope, listen, this is important.” He firmly took hold of both her shoulders and held her eyes. “I don’t know what’s going on here, but you’ve got to stay out of it.”
She blinked, as if she didn’t understand. “I don’t know that I can.”
“Hope, please. Whoever is responsible is sending Spencer a message. You already got one, and if you ignore it, then these sorts of incidents will only escalate. You can’t allow yourself to be put in harm’s way.”
She considered his words and then shook her head. “I wish I could, Cade. If what Callie told me is true and there are drugs being sold on school grounds, I had a legal obligation to involve the school. If Dean Wilcox and Coach Simmons need my help, I can’t refuse.”
“Hope, you need to think this through,” he begged. “This isn’t a game. You’ve put yourself in danger.”
“You’re overreacting.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. If for nothing else than my peace of mind, stay out of this.” Cade feared she was in denial and had no clue what she was getting herself into.
“At least I know Spencer is safe for now.” Hope sighed.
“How’s that?”
“After the fight, Spencer, Scott, and Callie were escorted to Dean Wilcox’s office. Spencer and Callie have been suspended from school for the remainder of the week.”
“And Scott?”
“A slap on the wrist. Scott, the precious football star, got off with nothing more than an extra study period because he wasn’t the one who started the fight. He claimed it was self-defense.”
Cade was relieved both Spencer and Callie wouldn’t be on school grounds, at least for now. A lot could happen before the end of the week.
“Spencer left the school with his dad,” Hope added. “He was devastated, and who could blame him? That car was more than his transportation. Spencer and his dad spent countless hours working on the engine, getting it to run again.”
“The poor kid.” Cade hated the possibility that Hope might be targeted next. “These people don’t take interference lightly. Just look at what happened to Spencer.”
Frustration ate at him. He wanted to argue, explain that whoever was behind her slashed tire and the car fire wasn’t going to idly sit back and do nothing. He didn’t want to start their reconciliation with another argument. Cade could tell: Hope’s mind was set.
“Promise me you’ll watch your back,” he said with feeling.
“I promise.”
That was all he could ask of her. It would have to be enough.
