“What? No. She was here all weekend.”
“Oh.” She sounded sad about it.
“But Grandma and Grandpa will be home in time for dinner.”
“Yay!”
They spent a noisy few hours while Hailey did her math homework. Devon made dinner and greeted his parents warmly when they got back. Hailey started her discourse about school all over again, and Devon left the room for a few minutes of peace.
Idly, he wished for a drink, but knew he wouldn't succumb. He didn't like the person he was when he drank, and he figured it would take a while before he went back to a casual beer after work. Instead, he went to the back door and stared out at the darkened yard. There was a sliver of moon visible through the wisps of clouds, and Devon kept his eyes on it.
The trial for Vince was coming up soon. It would take months, he knew. He didn't like the idea of taking time off from work when he’d already missed so much, but he would be there. There was nothing that could keep him away from watching Vince squirm; seeing him sentenced and put away was something he wanted very much.
Hailey found him minutes later and asked for her bedtime routine. He imagined she was worn out after an entire day at school. After all, she’d just recovered from the stomach flu and hadn’t been in school in four months.
When Hailey was tucked in bed and he’d read her three stories—he couldn't resist the way she begged him forjust one more—he went to his room and closed the door. He called Chloe, hoping she’d be around.
“Devon?”
He imagined he heard warmth in her tone, but he couldn't be sure. “Hi, Chloe.”
“Hi.”
“I didn't call at a bad time, did I?” He sat on his bed and leaned against the headboard.
“No, I was just cleaning.”
“I saw your mom today.” Devon scratched the back of his head. “She said she likes me.”
She snickered. “That’s a relief. What would we have done if she disapproved?”
“Personally, I’d have bought a bullet-proof vest.”
They both laughed. “It’s just because I haven’t done a stellar job in the dating world. They both worry.”
“She said something about that, but she wanted to give you the chance to tell me about what went on.”
Chloe sighed. “You've met my ex, believe it or not. He’s a better person now than he was then.”
He frowned. “Who is it?”
“Steve Chatsworth. The son of the owner of Chatsworth Mill and Lumber. It was back before he became an officer.”
Devon groaned a little. “Since he’s younger than me, I didn’t know him well when I worked there. I thought he was the one who harmed Hailey and his dad was covering it up.”
“He’s younger than I am, too, and, well, being such a late bloomer, I thought I had things to prove. I needed him to love me, to approve of me, and that wasn’t going to happen while I was the perfect policewoman’s daughter.”
“What sorts of things, Chloe?”
He heard rustling on the other end and then she spoke. “You’re sure you want to do this now?”
“I’ve got nowhere to be.”
“Okay. Other than sex in places like my parents’ bed when they weren’t home and a few public spots; pot, which he got from friends, and I stole.”
Devon sucked in a sharp breath. “You stole what?”
“Little things. He’d dare me to go into the convenience store on Main and take something. It usually didn't matter what, just a candy bar or a drink or something stupid.” She sighed again. “The owner caught me one day when I was about to put a beer can in my jacket and asked if I would like to pay for it or let him call my mama.”
