9
The officer walkedup to the vehicle, flicked his flashlight on, and proceeded to blind us both. “Well,” he said. “I heard there was a bit of a scuffle out here tonight.” His flashlight flicked down to highlight the still prone body ofJimmy.
The officer sighed. “Damnfool.”
He clicked the brightness down on his light and shone it back on us. His brows beetled together when he saw me, but to his credit, he didn’t say anything about it. Perhaps saving himself the same fate asJimmy.
“Hey, Dad,” Hanksaid.
His father nodded. “Hank. I suppose you want me to clean this up foryou?”
Hank let out a sigh. “I didn’t even have to call you. I explained what happened. Jimmy deservedthat.”
“Your brother is a right prick sometimes, isn’the?”
My eyes widened. “Your brother?” Ihissed.
“Yep. Looks like he got it honest, didn’t he?” Hank grittedout.
Hank’ father chewed on his lip. “I’m going to let that go.” The light flicked up to my face. “You’re that necromancer, aren’t you? Living on the big property on the outskirts oftown?”
Inodded.
“And you’re hooking up with myson.”
I shut my eyes and sent a prayer for patience up in the air. I wasn’t sure what the hell tosay.
“We were just talking,Dad.”
“Uh huh. I bet Jimmy has a different story when he wakes up.” He chuckled. “And she looks a might rumpled. What happened to that Charity girl? She didn’t have a brain in her head, but she sure waspretty.”
“Oh my god,” I muttered under mybreath.
“She’s fine, Dad.” Hank’s hands were gripping the steering wheel so hard, it was starting towarp.
“She probably won’t be too happy to hear aboutthis.”
“She isn’t mygirlfriend.”
Hank’s dad laughed at that. “I got a call from Charity’s mom, son. If you don’t think you’re dating, you’re in for a big surprise thisweekend.”
Okay. I’d heard enough. “Sir, do I need to be here anymore? I’d like to call a friend toleave.”
Hank gave me a pleading look. “Helen, please don’t. This is all amisunderstanding.”
I held a hand up. “You led her on. I’m sorry. I never should have gotten into the car with you. This was amistake.”
Hank’s dad gave me a frank perusal. “I guess that’s fine as long as Hank’s account is the same as yours.” He pointed to Jimmy. “He insultedyou?”
Inodded.
“My son punched himout?”
I noddedagain.
“Make yourcall.”
“Thank you,sir.”
