“Too bad it wasn’t about ten minutes ago.” Cade glanced at his watch.
Thump. Thump-thump-thump. Noah peered around Cade again in time to see Elisa frantically banging on her window. “Uh-oh. What is she doing now?”
“She’s getting the cop’s attention.” Cade’s voice turned equal parts impressed and shocked. “Dude. You think she’s going to ask to go back in to find it?”
Surely not. But then again…this was Elisa.
The dark-haired, lanky deputy, who barely looked old enough to be on the force, motioned at her to stop. But she only pounded harder.
Cade grimaced. “I say we draw straws now on who gets to tell Isaac Bergeron his daughter needs to be bailed out of jail.”
“Not it.” Noah watched as the officer wrenched open Elisa’s car door, his young face a mask of irritation. A pile of blue M&Ms fell to the concrete at his feet as she leaned out of the car, talking ninety-to-nothing and gesturing toward the courthouse.
“This can’t be good.”
But Noah had seen her in action enough this week to know otherwise. “Wait for it.”
The officer’s face softened as she talked, and he didn’t move away as Elisa touched his elbow. She then ended her spiel with wide eyes and a big smile, the same look she’d given Captain Sanders earlier in the week—and Cade earlier tonight, for that matter. The look that always made Noah want to buy her a pony and a private island and anything else she wanted.
Apparently it worked on the policeman, too, because he stepped back to let her out of the car.
“No way.” Cade shook his head. “That’s next level.”
Elisa practically skipped back toward the courthouse. The uniformed man jogged to keep up, while Sheriff Rubart barked something after them that they both ignored.
Oh, man. Noah sagged against the seat as they disappeared inside the courthouse. “Definitely not it.”
Cade’s voice pitched. “What is she thinking?”
“I’m learning Puzzler Elisa is a different beast.” Noah dragged a hand down his face. “Once that light bulb goes on…” He flicked his hand in the air to imitate a bomb exploding. “Nothing can stop her.” Good thing Sheriff didn’t have any K-9s out there.
Suddenly, the door on Noah’s side jerked open. He startled and Cade jumped even higher, scattering Cheeto crumbs across the floorboard.
Sheriff Rubart gestured sharply with one hand. “Out.”
Noah quickly obliged, drawing a deep breath free of the car’s disconcerting odor. He tugged his hat back on his head.
“How’s Dad?” Cade smiled sheepishly as he slid across the seat after Noah—a grin the sheriff didn’t return.
“You’re not in any position to give lip.” The older man’s gray brow furrowed into one thick line as he stepped back from the car. “I know your type, and I’m not impressed. Besides, I have a meat loaf at home you’re keeping me from. Bottom line, your story checks out and your father vouched for you.”
Noah could almost hear his silentunfortunately.
“I can’t imagine why. And you.” Sheriff focused his laser beam stare on Noah.
Noah straightened his shoulders. “Sir?”
“The courthouse is not, and never will be, Make Out Point.”
“We have one of those?” Cade whispered.
“Bro,” Noah hissed back.
The sheriff kept his eyes on Noah, ignoring Cade. “I suggest you find somewhere else to do your necking in the future. Preferably not in public.”
Noah bristled. “I would never?—”
“I know your type, too.” Sheriff’s brows drew even closer together. “Hebert men.”
