Page 82 of The Worst Possible Plan

Dottie’s eyes grew wider by the second. “We’re going to jail.”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe?”

I shrugged. “I’ve never stolen a truck before. I’m not entirely familiar with the process.”

“And now the sheriff is chasing us!”

I sighed. “I know.”

“The same sheriff you kissed!”

I winced, knowing Lola had already told her. “Please don’t say it like that.”

“How should I say it?”

“I don’t know!”

Behind us, the siren gave another short burst.

I glanced into the mirror again. The sheriff’s SUV stayed a safe distance behind the trailer. Not trying to ram us. Not trying to force us off the road. Just following.

Captain Competent. Doing his job. Because that’s who he was.

Just yesterday he’d been holding me while we danced. Last night he’d kissed me. And this morning, he was trying to arrest me. Talk about emotional range.

“I think he’s trying to tell us to pull over,” said Dottie. “You should stop.”

I shook my head. “I can’t.”

“You have to.”

“I won’t.”

She stared at me. “Sophie… this won’t end well if we keep going.”

I tightened my grip on the steering wheel. “If I stop…” My voice caught. I was high on emotions with a bit of stupid. I just had to get to the vet.

Behind us, the sheriff’s SUV matched our speed effortlessly.

I frowned. “I don’t think this qualifies as a chase.”

Dottie was shaking her head. “What does it qualify as?”

“I think…” I glanced into the mirror again. “He’s politely pursuing us.”

Dottie blinked. “Only you could turn grand theft livestock into a courteous sheriff escort.”

Damnit. Before things got worse—because let’s face it, they probably would—the local vet clinic came into view. I recognized the navy-blue siding with gray brick. The sign read MAPLEWOOD FALLS VETERINARY CLINIC in bold white letters.

“Hope he’s in,” I said, pulling the truck into the parking lot. Gravel crunched under the tires as I parked across half a dozen empty spaces. I didn’t exactly nail it. The trailer ended up slightly crooked. Frankly, considering the circumstances, I felt that counted as a victory.

I yanked the parking brake and killed the engine. Neither Dottie nor I moved. My heart hammered so hard I was fairly certain it qualified as attempted escape.

Dottie stared straight ahead. “If my life is about to end, at least I can say I made the most delicious zucchini relish in three counties.”

“Don’t say that. It’ll be fine.” God, I hoped so.