“You believe I’m innocent?” Hope had to ask the question.
“Of course.” Jake and Ethan looked shocked that she’d asked.
“Oh, well, I….” Hope sniffed, and Ethan patted her shoulder.
“And FYI, I have some money to throw around if it comes to that, and a few Texan relations who can out-heavy Linear. And the governor.”
“Oh now, I don’t want you—”
“Stop talking now, Hope. Let’s go. And you two, keep her between you at all times.” Cubby then said something to Jake that Hope didn’t hear.
“Consider it done,” Jake said, following Cubby. Hope was then urged to follow him, and the Texan fell in behind.
They walked into the Lair in a line, and up to reception. Hope was very aware of the backpack Cubby carried.
“You go on and put this in my office now, Maureen.” Cubby handed it to his administrator.
“You doing okay there, Hope?”
“Sure, thanks, Maureen.”
“You need anything, you just holler, and I’ll get it for you, honey.” It humbled her that these people believed in her innocence. Humbled, and gave her strength.
“I want her arrested!” Casey Rae Linear stormed out of a room to their left. “You malicious bitch! How could you do this to me… to Wildlife! Jay was right about you!” She burst into loud tears and threw herself at a tall, distinguished-looking older man who had followed her.
“Those tears are totally fake,” Hope whispered to Ethan. “The woman’s harder than a ten-inch nail.”
Ethan snorted, but remained silent.
“Governor Tyler, you’re a long way from home.”
Hope tensed as Cubby addressed the man who made his way to stand in front of the Linears.
“Mr. Linear has grave concerns for his daughter and the crimes committed against her, and was forced to call me in to ensure the correct process was followed. Especially as last night there was an escalation and now one of Ms. Linear’s team is injured.”
The governor was the same build as Mr. Linear. Tall, slick, and smooth. Hope knew the sort, and didn’t like them overmuch. Some of her newfound confidence ebbed away. How could Cubby keep her from prison if Casey had this kind of power at her back?
“As the latest crime, an assault on Ms. Miller has only just been committed, Governor, I’m not entirely sure I’ve had time to follow that due process.”
Cubby’s words were calm and concise.
“Ms. Linear did not lay charges after the other incidents, so I’d be grateful if you could enlighten me as to why you’re here now.It’s also my understanding that until probable cause is established, Ms. Lawrence is innocent.”
The governor didn’t look happy that Cubby was challenging him.
“I want justice!” Casey shrieked.
Cubby nodded, remaining calm and unruffled, while Hope started to shake.
“Completely understandable, Ms. Linear. But as no charges have been laid, or a trial date set, I don’t think we have need of your interference, Governor.”
“I know the laws, Sheriff Hawker, and I don’t like the inference that I’m interfering. The Linears’ concern is that Ms. Lawrence should be taken to Brook and questioned, as she was raised in this town and there may be bias.”
“I’m not entirely sure I’m happy with that insinuation, Governor Tyler, considering you know nothing about how I run my town. If Ms. Lawrence is guilty then she’ll be charged, but until then she is staying in Lake Howling. Where,” he added, lifting a hand to stop the governor from speaking, “she will be arrested and charged should it come to that.”
“He’s an impressive bastard when he’s in full-on sheriff mode,” Jake whispered to Hope.
“He is,” she managed around the dryness in her throat.
