“About time you got here,” Militant growled.
“I had to go away on business.”
“Not excellent timing, but understandable,” HRH said, standing.
She was head of the infamous book club that everyone in Lake Howling knew was the real authority in this town.
Branna O’Donnell, Dr. McBride, Lizzie Heath, and Militant. A weird combo of women if you asked him, but as he knew the selection process was as strange as the club, he guessed it was bound to happen.
“I’m glad you’re back, Newman.” Branna kissed his cheek. “She may not say it, but she needs you.”
He nodded, but kept his eyes on Hope, who still sat on the floor of her cell.
They all hugged him, even Militant, which was like being hugged by an ironing board.
“I’m working on the governor,” HRH said. “Man has no right to come in here throwing his weight around, and I’ll be speaking to his father about the matter.”
HRH, he’d come to realize, had far-reaching tentacles.
“I’d be grateful,” he said, because he thought a reply was expected. She slapped him on the back, hard enough to force the air out of his lungs.
Newman dropped down before Hope when he heard the door shut after the women. She came up on her knees and gripped the bars.
“You okay?” He wrapped his hands around hers.
“I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay.” He touched her cheek, and she leaned into his hand, something she’d never done before.
“It’s not. I had no right to turn you away, or treat you as I did. You were suffering too.”
She bit her lip, and he realized it was to stop herself crying.
“Pass me the keys now, Hope.”
“I-I can’t, Cubby made me promise.”
“Now, Hope.”
“He found a bag at Mom’s house—”
“I know the details.” Newman cut her off. “Get the keys now, Hope.”
She stumbled to her feet and went to the cot, returning with the keys. Newman unlocked the door and entered, locked it behind him, then pocketed them.
“Hey, you,” he said, and she was in his arms seconds later. He held her while she cried. They weren’t loud sobs, just soft, heartbreaking ones.
“I have you, sweetheart.”
“I-I’m scared, Newman.”
“I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“You can’t make that promise.”
She was right, he couldn’t, but he wanted to. He hated feeling helpless. Hated that she was locked in here.
“No, you’re right, I can’t, so how about, I’ll be with you whatever happens.”
