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“You owe him a new car window,” Agent Collins negotiates.
“That should do it,” Sheriff McCallister concedes quickly, eager for this whole mess to go away.
Daniel looks over at Cooper, calling out to the sheriff, “Let me hit him again, and I’ll buy you a whole cruiser.”
McCallister laughs. “Duke tells everyone you have a great sense of humor. Just make sure it doesn’t come with that temper again.”
“See, and just like that, you’re all friends again.” Collins gestures to us with her hands.
Dumbfounded, Cooper watches the scene unfold.
I almost feel bad for him but not quite. Darrell deserved whatever shallow grave he ended up in, him and his shitty friend. The world’s a better place.
Besides, the way Cooper’s been behaving, it seemed like he was more concerned about evening the score with my family than finding or getting justice for his nephew.
McCallister and Collins step out of the station.
More than ready to leave, I wave my arm, then point at the door when I have Dad’s attention.
Nodding, our dad starts over to us. We move to meet him, but as we pass Cooper, Daniel pauses. Istop with him. A second murder charge is not what we need.
“You ever address my wife again, and they’ll never find you,” Daniel warns, his words low, not reaching past Cooper and me.
The man pales, a loud swallow the only sound he makes.
“If we’re half the men you think we are, you’d know better than to keep pushing us. This is your last warning.”
“Boys,” Dad calls over, watching our interaction with Cooper from where he stopped a few feet away. “Why don’t you take my car and head home? I’ll call your mom now.” He waves his cell. “Have her bring Sammy, and I’ll treat my two girls to breakfast.”
I smile at his words.
“You two and your girls want to come?” Dad invites us.
My girl.I never imagined claiming someone as my own. Now, I can’t imagine life without my princess.
“I need my girl and then bed, Dad. But next time, it’s on me,” I promise.
Daniel grunts his agreement, already headed for the door.
“You might want the keys to my car, kid.” He points at us. “I better see everyone at our house tomorrow for dinner.”
Holding out my hand, I walk the rest of the way. “Thank you, Dad,” I say sincerely.
His tired eyes lock with mine. “I’d hug you if I could.”
I swallow hard. “I know.” Clasping the keys, I start to turn. “I love you.”
A smile spreads across his face. “I love you too, son.”
I blink quickly as I head out but pause when a thought occurs. Turning, I call out, “Hey, Dad.” I expected him to join Edward, but he still stands where I left him. His eyes follow me to the door. “Lowe’s restaurant, have Edward get the team on it. I want it . . . that and anything else the owner has.”
My dad raises a brow, but I don’t elaborate.
“Make it ugly,” I request.
He doesn’t respond for a minute but eventually nods with a quick shrug. Smiling, I give a final wave.
Standing by the door, I want to say more. To thank him for being here, for staying. One look at his face and I know no words are needed.
