Biggs flashed them a triumphant smile. “Cydney Huddleston.”
“That’s spelled C-y-d-n-e-y,” she clarified.
Biggs spelled it for the man. “Hold on a sec.” He pressed another button on the phone, then looked at Cydney. “The typical lease agreement is for six months, and you’ll be required to put up first and last months’ rental payment at signing. You got that much to spare?” At her nod, he turned back to the phone and punched a button. “We’re green on our end. We’re heading out there now. Meet us there and bring the paperwork with you for them to sign.”
“Now?”
“Offer expires in three…”
“Fuck! Okay! I’ll meet you out there with the paperwork. Should take me about thirty minutes or so to get all the legal stuff pulled and marked, then I’ll head that way.”
“Good! We’ll be waiting for you. Thanks, Morris.” The sheriff pressed the button to hang up before the man could say anything more. Turning to the group, he waved for them to join him. “Come on. Let’s get out there and check the place over. I haven’t seen it for, oh, at least the last five years. The place is probably uninhabitable at the moment, but we’ll see.”
“Thanks, Sheriff.” N8 held out his hand to the man when they met at the door. They shook.
“Don’t thank me just yet. Wait until we see what we’re dealing with.” Biggs eyed the others. “And when you get the chance, I’d like to find out what the rest of you can do. I’d like to know who and what I’m dealing with, if I’m going to go out on a limb and try to help you.”
Walking up to the man, F8 leaned close to him. “Like the fact that you have pins in one of your knees?” Seeing the man’s startled expression, she smiled. “I can hear them rubbing together.”
N8 grinned as F8 exited out the door, leaving the sheriff slightly flustered in her wake.
Cydney gave his hand a little tug to get his attention. Casting her a loving look, he led her back outside to where the car was parked.
Deputy Alicia Milton stood at the window and watched as the sheriff and the seven people got into their vehicles. Once they pulled out onto the street and headed for the intersection, she looked down at the copy of the flyer they’d received.
Wanted
Pendlebrook Mental Institute
Armed and Dangerous
She took a deep sigh. Her hands were shaking.
She was at the end of her rope—physically, mentally, emotionally…financially.
With Bobby laid off from the construction crew, they weren’t able to make it on just her paycheck alone. They were on the verge of losing their house, even after selling his truck.
She fought with herself. Even though Sheriff Biggs didn’t find these people to be a credible danger, that didn’t mean they couldn’t turn on him without warning.
I need to do my duty. I swore to protect the people of this town.
Pulling her cell from her pocket, she dialed the number on the flyer.
“Pendlebrook Hospital. How may I direct your call?”
“This is Deputy Milton with the Heathfield Sheriff’s Office. I’m calling in regards to the APB that was issued for seven escapees.”
“Please hold a moment,” the voice brusquely responded, and the line went silent. Less than a handful of seconds later, a terse male voice came over the line.
“Deputy Milton? This is Dr. Farenthold. I was told you might have information regarding our escapees?”
“Yes, but first I need to know. Is there a reward being offered?”
19St8
Sheriff Biggs ledthem out of town for several miles. N8 carefully took mental notes to map their way to where they were going. He also kept an eye on the car’s pedometer, eliciting Cydney to remark, “Just past the three-mile mark. You keeping track?” she asked.
He gave her a quick smile. “Yeah.”
