“He tripped!” Toddy says. “You can’t listen to them. They’re biased. Probably all fucking his sister. That’s why they all have that slut’s brother’s back.”
My fist makes contact with Toddy’s face, and satisfaction fills me.
Sheriff Matthews pushes himself between us.
I step back. Whatever happens next, that was worth it. For Owen and Poppy. Especially for Poppy. I won’t let anyone disrespect her like that.
“You saw that! Arrest him!” Toddy sputters, wiping the blood from his mouth and nose.
“I actually didn’t see anything. I was looking at the kid in the hall, whom you just said terrible things about and his family. What happened? Did you trip?” Sheriff Matthews asks, pretending to be concerned.
I laugh as the guys follow me out into the hall. I slip an arm around Owen’s shoulders. He leans into me, little fingers gripping my sleeve.
“We need to call his sister,” Principal Masters says, looking like he does not want to make that call.
Owen whispers, “Are you sure you want to do that? She’s gonna be so mad. She’ll probably weld all their truck doors shut.”
I chuckle because, honestly, Owen isn’t wrong. Poppy’s going to be pissed as hell about this. And God help them allwhen my sister Cami gets wind of this. Toddy might as well change his name and go into witness protection at this point.
“Owen’s leaving with us,” I tell him, looking at the exhaustion on Owen’s face. What Owen needs is a shower, fresh clothes, and a breather from this shithole.
Principal Masters starts to object. “He can’t just leave with you. His guardian needs to approve.”
“I’m his emergency contact,” I remind him. “And you’d better believe he’s not staying here after this. He needs a damn minute.” I glare at him until he relents with a resigned nod. “You should have kept him safe. Toddy better not have access to kids ever again at this school, or I’m coming for you and your job next.”
“And now I have to find a new coach,” Principal Masters mutters, shaking his head.
Owen leans in and whispers, “I have basketball tryouts today after school.”
I turn and glower at the principal. “He’ll be back for tryouts. And there better be no funny business.”
Bucky nods toward the exit. “Let’s move out.”
We leave the school in formation, Owen surrounded by turnout gear and people who love him without question.
Kids peer out from classrooms as we pass.
Owen notices, and his chin lifts.
I catch his eye and smile. “We got you, Buddy.”
And the little spark of pride on his face makes my chest feel tight.
Nobody messes with him. Not when he has me. And definitely notwhen he has us.
The station felt like a safe house the second we walked through the bay doors, with the smell of beef stew simmering in the kitchen. Owen now has an ice pack pressed to his cheek and a bowl of stew in front of him. The guys made sure he got the biggest piece of cake, too. That alone tells him he belongs here. He looks tired. Sheriff Matthews came, got his statement, and looked madder than a hornet. It’s safe to say Toddy isn’t going to have a good day today. Asshole.
“Oh, man. Even you guys have the Crock Pot,” Owen says with a groan but grins.
But it does feel good to see him smile. I’ll take it. “One day you’ll learn to love the Crock Pot.”
He shakes his head and his bruise looks even redder.
“We have to tell Poppy,” I say gently, sitting down beside him.
He nods without looking up. “I know. You know she’s going to be so mad.”
“Not at you,” I tell him. “But Coach Toddy is probably getting a glitter bomb sent to his house by my crazy sister, Cami.”
