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I couldn’t help but laugh. “A social media star, huh? “
He shrugged, a bit unsure. “I’m still figuring it out.”
“Well, you’ve got time,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder as we walked back to the car. “But remember, whether being a sheriff, a games designer, or a social media star, it’s about knowing what you stand for. That’s what’s important.”
Oh god, did that sound preachy?
Jason nodded, his expression thoughtful as he climbed into the passenger seat. As we drove away, I couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of pride. Maybe the kid had a lot to learn, but he had potential. And who knew? Maybe one day, he would follow in my footsteps. Or perhaps he’d be the next big thing on the internet. Either way, I had a feeling he’d make us all proud.
My good mood lasted to the office.
Right until I walked inside and saw my dad hunched in a chair, Solomon fussing around him, holding a towel to his face, and my mom crying by the small kitchen.
But worse than that? My worlds had collided because Connor was there as well, leaning against the wall with a bloodied nose.
The fuck?
Chapter Nineteen
CONNOR
Neil’s eyeslocked onto mine, and I could instantly see where his brain had gone. His dad, here in front of him, was covered in blood. I was standing there with a bloodied nose. I watched his spine straighten—that sudden steel in his posture that meant he was ready to take control of the situation.
“What happened?” Neil asked, his voice steady but his eyes drilling into me. “What did you do?”
Yep, I knew he’d go there. Before I could respond, Solomon spoke up, trying to ease the tension. “Your mom and dad were in a wreck,” he said. “We’ve called the doc, and he’s on his way.”
Neil’s gaze didn’t waver from me. “What happened?” he repeated, frustration creeping into his voice as he looked at everyone, but no one else seemed to have the answer he was looking for.
I took a step closer, knowing I needed to explain before he jumped to any more conclusions. “I was driving out to Lennox Ranch,” I started, keeping my tone calmand measured, “and I saw a car in the ditch. I pulled over and helped the driver and passenger out. The driver was disoriented … and, uh … got the beat on me. I brought them here. Your dad was driving and got a cut on his forehead—it’s bleeding pretty badly. Your mom is okay.”
Neil’s mom spoke up, her voice shaky. “I didn’t want your dad to drive off alone, but … he got confused, and we ended up in that ditch. I’m so sorry, Neil. And I’m sorry he punched Connor, who was trying to help.”
Neil glanced over at his mom, his expression softening, though the tension in his shoulders didn’t ease. He walked over to her, crouching down to meet her eyes. “Are you okay, Mom?”
She nodded, though she was still shaken. “I’m fine. It’s just … your father … I should have insisted on driving.”
“You know he hates letting others drive,” Neil murmured. “It’s not your fault, Mom.”
Neil glanced at Jason, sitting quietly with his grandpa and holding his hand. Jason stared back with wide eyes, clearly trying to be brave.
“Grandpa’s okay, right, Uncle Neil?” Jason asked, his voice small.
Neil forced a smile, ruffling Jason’s hair. “Yeah, buddy, Grandpa’s okay. He needs a little help right now, and the doctor will be here soon to ensure that.”
Jason nodded, reassured, though he didn’t release his grandpa’s hand.
Neil stood and faced me again, his eyes still carrying that wary expression. “Thanks for helping them, Connor,” he said, though his voice still hinted at tension.
“Anytime,” I replied, keeping my voice steady,although I knew we’d have more to discuss later. His father’s dementia had advanced, and I wondered if maybe Neil’s father had suffered a breakdown or worse. Of course, I knew about Neil’s parents—I had files on everyone. I knew he’d been sheriff way back, I knew he’d been shot even further back when he was in the army, and I knew that the bullet fragment had caused these issues. I also knew there was nothing anyone could do. My heart hurt for the family as they tried to hold everything together.
“Did someone call Bessie?” he asked.
I nodded. Calling his sister was one of the first things I’d done after contacting the doctor.
The door opened, and Daniel hurried in, assessing the situation. As he moved to check on Neil’s dad, I stepped back, giving them space. Neil stayed close to his parents, his focus shifting to them, but I could still feel the weight of his earlier gaze on me, thinking I’d done something to his family.
That hurt, but there again, my reputation preceded me.
