UNEXPECTED TURNS

Arthur emerged from the back room, his arms full of blankets. Alice hurried over to him.

"What are you doing, Arthur? It's way too hot for blankets."

Arthur bent down and murmured, "We’ve got a female prisoner, and I’m setting up some privacy for her."

"Oh." Before John could react, Alice took off down the hall toward the jail. He jumped up to stop her, but Dolittle was in the way, nearly tripping him.

Alice pressed her face against the bars, staring at Ms. Lily. "Why are you dressed like that?"

"Quit staring, little girl," the woman snapped. "This isn’t a circus."

Alice’s face scrunched into a frown. "I’m not a girl. I’m Alice."

"You look like a girl to me."

"You’re the girl," Alice retorted.

"Well, Alice-with-a-gender-issue, go away and leave me the hell alone."

Alice gasped and covered her mouth. "Oh! You said a bad word."

"Like I care. Go away, brat."

Alice placed her hands on her hips. "You’re not nice and I hope my daddy lets you rot in here."

"Do you not understand what 'go away' means?"

Alice stuck out her tongue at her. John reached her just in time, pulling her away and guiding her back into the office. "You know you’re not supposed to talk to prisoners."

"What did she do, Daddy?" Alice wriggled out of his grip and looked up at him.

John had no intention of responding to that question. Alice didn't need to know. He glanced at the clock. Nearly four. Now is the time to go fishing.

"Arthur, my daughter and I are heading out to do some fishing," John said, adjusting his hat.

"Yay!" Alice cheered, bouncing excitedly.

"Call me on my cell if anyone calls about Ms. Lily, and I'll come back and handle it."

Arthur’s left eye twitched—a telltale sign of his nerves. "You’re leaving me here alone with her?"

John grabbed his hat. "Is that a problem?"

"No… well…" Arthur lowered his voice, covering his mouth so Alice couldn’t hear. "What if she tries something when I’m hanging the blankets? I don’t want to hit a woman."

John checked his watch. "Adrian’s shift starts at five. Wait until then—surely the two of you can manage one woman."

Arthur gave a quick nod. "Yes, sir."

John gestured toward the bail book. "Trae’s and Richard’s wives will be bringing bail money. Once it’s settled, let them go."

"Got it, Sheriff." Arthur gave Alice a playful wink. "Catch a big one, little bit." That was what everyone in town called her.

John shook his head as he walked out. One fiery blonde had turned his office upside down. Hopefully, her influential mother would show up soon with a lawyer, and Ms. Lily would be out of his life.

For good.

For the first time in years, John found no joy in fishing. His thoughts kept circling back to the office—and to Lily. Why was she so stubborn and angry? She carried herself with grace and beauty, yet she had the rebellious streak of a teenager determined to prove something. But what?

As dusk settled, John drove Alice home before heading to the jail. She wanted to go with him, but he wouldn't let her. She spent too much time there as it was. Sooner or later, he’d have to lay down some rules—and actually enforce them—before she became the wildest kid in Holbrook.

Inside, Adrian was stationed at the desk, springing to attention as soon as John walked in. Despite being in his early twenties and a bit too eager to impress—which could be exhausting—Adrian was dedicated. John trusted him without reservation.

"How’s everything holding up?" John asked, settling into his chair.

"Pretty much the usual," Adrian replied. "Trae and Richard made bail. Tosin’s raising hell, demanding to be set free."

"And what about Ms. Lily?"

Adrian rubbed the back of his neck. "She refused dinner—called it trash. Had some...colorful things to say about you too. She’s got a nasty attitude, but I’ll admit—she’s easy on the eyes."

John ignored the comment. "Anyone call about her?"

"Not a single soul."

Damn. Where was this so-called powerful mother? John stood and walked toward the cells. He walked down the hall to her cell, noticing that blankets had been draped unevenly over the bars but left the door exposed, allowing him a clear view. She was perched on the bottom bunk, wearing pink capris, a glittery tank top, and sandals. At some point, she had changed her clothes, but her expression remained the same—pure defiance.

"Want to try calling your mother again? We haven’t heard a word from anyone," he said, keeping his tone as polite as his upbringing allowed.

"Don't worry, you will" she replied with a lift of a finely arched brow. "And you can kiss that shiny badge on your chest goodbye. My mother will have you for breakfast."

John rubbed his chin, feeling the roughness of his stubble. What on earth had turned her so bitter?. "Have you ever heard the saying, ‘You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar’?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, but I’m not exactly an expert on your little country idioms," Lily said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "But maybe you should focus on catching some of these roaches instead. Locking me up in this dump has to be breaking a few laws—probably some health codes, too."

John’s patience wore thin.. south. He tipped his hat. "Goodnight, Ms. Lily."

"Go to hell," she shot back.