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Annabel gave her a crooked grin. “Because he didn’t hurt anyone this time.”
Brielle’s brows lifted a fraction. “He didn’t?” Tad was fine. Their deal was intact.
She shook her head. “But he did get arrested for disorderly conduct. Apparently, he got drunk and broke a chair.”
“He… broke a chair.”
“Like I said. It could have been worse. He didn’t hurt anyone, and he’s not officially been charged. The bar is willing to drop the charges if he pays for a new one and doesn’t enter the establishment anymore.”
Brielle pinched the bridge of her nose as if that motion would help these thoughts come together better. “You want my help… how again?” When she looked up at Annabel, she found the woman offering a chagrined smile. “He would kill me if he knew I was here.”
“Not funny,” Brielle said dryly.
“Right. Well, there’s a fine, and the chair. If you could go talk to him and get him out, then maybe we could figure out what triggered his drinking spree.”
She didn’t know. Shoot. Annabel wasn’t aware that Brielle had broken it off with Wade. She had the answer his sister was looking for already, only she didn’t want to say it.
Money she could do. Wade was her father’s employee. This wouldn’t be the first time they had to bail someone out of county. She met Annabel’s eyes once more and nodded. “I’ll see what I can do. I can’t guarantee that he’s going to want to see me, though.”
Relief flashed across Annabel’s face. “Great. You’d think he’d just call you next time.” Her eyes widened and she flushed. “Not because of the money thing. Because you care about him more than anyone.”
Brielle’s stomach upended. She did care about him. She loved him more than he would ever know—especially now. “Let me finish up what I have going on right here, and I’ll drive out to see him.”
“Fantastic!” Annabel turned to leave, but Brielle stopped her.
“Have you seen Tad today?”
Annabel’s brows creased. “Tad? Actually, I haven’t. I figured he’d be here. Why?”
“Do you think he and Wade went to the bar together?”
She laughed, making Brielle feel even more on edge than before. “And do what? Toast each other while they both fight over you? I doubt it.” Then the realization crossed her face. “You don’t think he got in a fight with Tad, do you?”
“You’re the one who said Wade didn’t hurt anyone. I was just wondering if Tad knew what happened.”
Annabel shook her head. “I don’t have any idea. Wade didn’t mention him. Have you tried calling?”
“Not yet.” And at this point, she wasn’t sure she wanted to hear from Tad anyway. Brielle grabbed the horse’s reins in her fist. “I guess I’ll have to let him know that he’s going to have to work with someone else for his shift today.”
“Thanks, Bri.”
“Don’t mention it.”
* * *
The whole drive outto the county jail, Brielle fidgeted. Her legs bounced and her hands squeezed and dragged along the steering wheel, but none of her nervous energy seemed to be alleviated. Her worry turned into fury by the time she arrived at the sheriff’s office.
By the time she was able to sit down across from Wade, the anger had taken up permanent residence in her chest. She glowered at Wade, clutching her hands together tightly in her lap to prevent herself from jumping across the table and doing something she’d regret.
Wade didn’t seem all too pleased about seeing her either. He took his seat and didn’t say a single word as they stared at one another.
Brielle waited for the deputy to step away from them before she leaned forward. “How could you be so thoughtless?” she hissed. “Do you have any idea what kind of trouble you’re causing by being here?”
His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t comment.
“Your family needs you. And what about your job? There is too much at stake for you to be acting like a child.”
“A child?” He lifted a brow and let out a mirthless chuckle. “Now you’re calling me a child. That’s rich coming from someone who hasn’t been able to grow up and move past the mistakes she made when she was younger.”
