I… do know that.
A soft knock on my window makes me jump. I’m taken aback that light is spilling through into the cab as I open my eyes. The early morning sun is rising.Holy shit, I don’t even remember passing out.
I glance over and see a ranger at my window. One quick sweep of my surroundings confirms I’m parked in front of a national park entrance. Honestly, I’m shocked that I even remembered to turn the truck off.
Starting the engine, I roll down the window. “Morning.”
“Good morning, son,” the elderly ranger says, his smile carefree. “There ain’t no parking overnight.”
“Sorry. I didn’t intend to.”
“Kinda gathered that,” he says with a thick southern accent. “You good to drive ya’ self back home, or do I need to call you a ride?”
I shake my head. “I’m alright, thank you.”
“Have a great day now.” He taps the top of the truck’s hood, and I pop myself into reverse.
At least I woke up without that damned migraine.
Pulling onto the main road, I roll my head around my shoulders. It’s barely seven in the morning. God, I didn’t mean to be out all night. I’m such a fucking asshole. I just know Ayden’s a mess, and probably Britt too.
I’m not far from the cabin. I’ll get back to him, then give her a call.
My head feels a bit clearer. I’m ready to sit down, have an adult conversation with him, and start moving forward. Maybe I’ll get on some medication, up my sessions with Britt, or even see multiple people. I don’t want to be a burden on Ayden. I want to make his life better—and I can only do that if mine is stable.
Turning onto the road that leads to Sapphire Valley, I immediately spot an unmarked cop car pulled off to the right. They aren’t as incognito as they think.
I’m not speeding, even if my foot has been itching to. So, to say I’m surprised when their lights flash from the dash at the sight of me is an understatement.
My brows pinch as I adjust the rearview mirror, noticing they pull out and get right behind me.
“What the fuck?”
I reach down into my pocket and pull out my phone just as I slow to a stop on the side of the road. I place it on the seat beside me and pull out my ID and insurance. The faster I get this over with, the quicker I can get going.
In my side mirror, I watch one of the officers approach my driver’s side, head tilted toward the ground. I roll the window down and smile at him—but it doesn’t last, because I recognizehim immediately.
My memory flashes back to that night at the ice cream shop. One of the two police officers eating said sweet treat, the other giving me a wave of acknowledgment.
This is one of them. I havezerodoubts about that.
“Good morning,” he says.
“Morning. Why are you pulling me over?”
He sighs, as if irritated at my very rational question. “Go ahead and step out of the vehicle.”
I know my rights. I’ve done nothing wrong, except for sleeping in my car in a restricted area, though it’s clear the park ranger never reported me or really seemed to care.
“What seems to be the problem?”
“Go ahead,” he grits through his teeth, “and step out.”
For a moment, I hesitate, but in the end, I do as he says. I open the door slowly as he steps toward the back of the truck.
“Come around and just keep your hands where we can see them.”
I narrow my eyes. “Nothing to worry about from me, I don’t have any weapons.”
