“If you say so.” She blows a giant bubble and starts walking in the other direction.
“Come on.” I nod, walking across the street toward the station.
“Are we just going to bust up in there?”
“I have a plan.” I’m so not going to be giving a jealous girlfriend vibe.
That’s why I slow my steps when I enter the station. I see that the new girl has moved one of the desks over, extra close to Hudson. She’s staring at him, and he’s staring at his computer screen intently.
“Kindred.” He says my name before he even lifts his head.
"I was coming to see about my tire."
"Rusty has to order it, so it will be a few days." He stands.
"I'm guessing I can't use the spare?"
"No." We stare at each other. I'm waiting for him to introduce me to his new office person and fill me in on who she is, but he doesn't. Why?
"Hi," I say to her. "I'm Kindred. I work over at the mayor's office."
"Beckett." She only gives me a firm nod. It grows quiet again. Why is this so weird? Also, have I seen her before?
Hudson's radio goes off at the same time as my phone, but I already know what the text is because it's coming across his radio.
"There has been a pedestrian hit at the intersection of Forest and Main,” dispatch says. I’m already stepping back toward thedoor. “A young girl has been hit." My stomach drops. I turn, rushing out the station door, praying it’s not who I think it is. Half a second later, Hudson runs past me. For a big man, he can move.
“Tinsley.” I gasp her name as I make it to the crosswalk. Hudson is already down on his knees next to her. I come to a halt at her feet. She appears peaceful lying there, red sparkles all around her. I knew she snatched that bag from me the other day.
“I didn’t hit her. I swear!” the driver, who isn’t a local, says. The man’s hands are up, his phone in one of them. He's standing in his open door. I glance around and see a few people staring, again not locals, while the locals are going about their day.
Candy and the new girl catch up to us, both out of breath. I pull out my phone and read the message.
Betty:Tinsley just threw herself on the hood of a car and rolled off. Pretty sure she’s fine. I saw her throw a bag of glitter up.
"Tinsley, stop playing possum," Hudson says to her, clearly on to her. That might be why she threw the glitter, not wanting to completely freak everyone out.
She pops one eye open before sitting up and spitting her gum out. It almost hits Beckett. "What's happening?" Tinsley blinks like she's lost. "Did I miss the bus?" Wow, she's laying it on thick. Even though her antics are way out of line, I have to say she gets an A for effort. I think I’ve created a little monster.
"How did you run so fast in those heels?" Candy asks, and I shrug. I can run better in heels than sneakers. It's the ice that can get you.
"I didn't hit her. I think she's trying to get an insurance claim on me."
"Is that true?" Beckett asks, stepping forward.
"I don't know what happened." Tinsley makes her eyes owlish and innocent.
"That's okay. There is a camera there and there." Beckett points each out. I turn partly to assess her. "I'm sure it will show everything." Obviously, the new girl needs a little work. Looks like she’s one of those by the book types. She’s not gonna last in New Hope if she tries that here.
"Right," the man adds, nodding.
"Get in your car and go," I say, dismissing him. Beckett tries to speak, but I keep going. "You'll need a warrant for those cameras. Good luck with that."
"It's illegal to fake a crime." Beckett keeps on pushing it. Hudson helps Tinsley to her feet. "We should discuss this back at the station." Beckett tries to ignore me, addressing the man. "You'll need to come too."
I step forward, blocking her path.
"I would rather just go like the heels lady suggested," I hear the man say.
