AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Every year. The kids love it.” He flicked his chin. “I’ve seen you and your father there too. You never miss.”
Somehow, I breathed easier that he’d noticed, though I’d never once written a check for the event with the thought of how it would benefit me in the future. In a way, I felt like my father, using every possible advantage.
“We wouldn’t dare. The work you do for the city is too important.” And that was the truth. I just hoped he’d see it.
“It’s a good time. Nice to be appreciated.”
I nodded and waited a beat before I opened my mouth again. I was eager for information, but wanted this conversation to seem natural.
“What are the charges?” I shoved my hands in my pockets in hopes of seeming casual, yet I gripped the phone and keys that were housed in each.
“Assault.” He said the word as if it were murder and he’d just captured a notorious serial killer.
“Lexie?” The woman was feisty, and she’d definitely given me a few tongue lashings, but I couldn’t envision her ever raising a hand to anyone . . . unless they threatened Eric.
He nodded. “Yep.”
“Who?” It was all I could manage to get out as a fresh wave of rage washed over me.Who had hurt them?
“She slapped her daddy so hard he had to go to the hospital. Did it in front of the re—”
I glared before he finished the sentence and gave me a real reason to be arrested. I’d show him assault.
Her father?
She said they’d been on their own most of their lives, but I’d never pressed for more answers. For once, I regretted my patience not to push to know everything.
“And he’schosento press charges?” My father would do the same if it were strategically a good move for him, but I couldn’t understand any circumstance where someone could do that to Lexie . . . especially after all she’d done for Eric.
He folded his arms and leaned against the building. “Yeah. Said he shouldn’t have waited all these years. She’s got a real hot temper and is a danger to the . . . brother.”
Lies.
I hadn’t known Lexie all that long, but I’d seen none of that was true.
“There’s even a witness. Guy saw it all and is willing to testify if necessary.”
I jerked my eyes to his. “Is this an associate of her father?”
He shook his head. “Nope. Never seen the guy before. He’s a respected business owner in Chelsea. Dog treats or something like that.”
The customer she’d lost.
A part of me deflated. She likely had slapped her father, but I refused to believe she’d do it without reason.
I widened my stance, more determined to stop this nonsense. “What is the likelihood that you and Mrs. Shepherd couldn’t find Lexie and Eric tonight if it’s certain you’ll be able to tomorrow?”
Chapter Two
Lexie
“Mrs. Shepherd,enough of the chitchat. We gotta roll.”
Lincoln scowled at the man’s back as they entered the kitchen. Whatever that conversation had been about outside must not have gone well because this . . . it was a double stinking scowl.
“I need to speak with Beau,” I croaked. I wasn’t going to jail without making sure Eric was nowhere near a state facility where he’d be scared and alone and my father could snatch him up.
“You get a phone call from the station.”
