Her eyes flicked to the side. She was hiding something from me.
“Cheyenne, really, I can’t afford to just take the day off. Wyatt would actually fire me for doing that. And then I’ll be poor and have to live off Ramen Noodles and tap water.”
“You already drink tap water.”
“I know, but then I’d have no choice in the matter.”
I spun on my heel to leave, but the moment I did, she grabbed me by the arm. “Wait, I just…I could really use a friend today.”
Cheyenne never asked for anything. “Why? What happened?”
“It’s just…” Again, her eyes flicked around nervously.
“Cheyenne—” The ringing of my phone interrupted me. Glancing at the screen, my stomach plummeted. “Shit, it’s Wyatt.”
“Just tell him you’re sick.”
“I can’t.” Sliding my finger across the screen, I prepared for the anger I was sure to get. “Wyatt, I’m on my way in now.”
“Don’t come in.”
“I’m on my way right now. I’m so sorry I’m late. It won’t happen again,” I pleaded.
“Just stay home. I already called in Austin. He can help out for the day. Just come in tomorrow. Or maybe Monday.”
Monday? Was he replacing me? “Wyatt, I know I screwed up. I swear, it won’t happen again?—”
“You’re not in trouble. Just take the rest of the week. I’ll see you Monday.”
Shocked and a little disturbed, I hung up.
“What? What did he say?”
“He told me to take the week off.” Frowning, I glanced up at her. “Why would he do that? We’re slammed at work, and he hates getting Austin to help.”
“Um…well…”
The sounds of sirens in the distance drew my attention. They were coming from the other side of town. Ignoring them, I turned back toCheyenne, but she was gnawing on her lip as she looked into the distance.
“What is it? Why do you want me to stay with you?”
“I…It’s just…”
Police sirens interrupted her explanation as Maverick Wynne pulled into the lot, parking right in front of me.
My heart kicked up a notch as he got out and shot me a look I could only describe as sympathetic. Swallowing hard, my heart started thundering in my ears as the pieces fell into place.
Cheyenne running over to stop me from going to work at the beginning of the day. Wyatt calling to give me the week off. The sirens in the distance.
My hand shot out to grip Cheyenne’s arm, steadying me as I prepared for the news.
“Sheriff,” I said softly, though I could barely hear my own voice over the blood rushing in my head.
“Bailey. How are you today?”
“Just…just tell me.”
“Liam was in an accident turning into the gas station. We’re not sure what happened yet, but it was pretty bad.”
