I run for it.
Chapter 31
MISSY
“Freeze! Put your hands in the air.” Officer Childs holds out his taser.
“Oh, for the love.” Colton rolls his eyes.
“Colton, what’s going on?” I ask, desperate to know why Officer Childs and Steve Kiffer have come storming in like it’s a drug bust.
All at once, Mr. Whitaker runs out of his office, inquiring about the ruckus, while Steve unlatches the handcuffs from his belt.
“Wait a second.” Senator Downing approaches the officers.
As if just noticing Senator Downing, both officers stand a little straighter.
“I’m sorry, Senator, but the laws are laws, and your son has broken three within the past five minutes,” Officer Childs says.
Senator Downing’s jaw hangs slightly ajar, likely in shock that one of his own offspring had need of the police for reasons other than a cavalcade during a parade.
I hear the clink of the handcuffs as Steve flips open the metal rings. Officer Childs instructs Colton to put his arms behind his back.
Colton’s eyes fix on mine. “Just two minutes, Officers.”
“Officer Kiffer, cuff him,” Officer Childs says. All the while, I can’t for the life of me understand what in tarnation is going on.
Steve takes hold of both Colton’s wrists, throwing me an apologetic look over Colton’s shoulder. “Sorry, Missy. An officer’s job is not always an easy one.”
“Colton Downing,” Officer Childs says, “you have the right to remain silent.”
What is happening?
“Colton? What’s this about?” I ask.
“Missy, I got a call from Bill.” Colton’s voice is desperate, his eyes pleading with me to listen carefully.
“Officer Childs.” Senator Downing steps toward the older officer, cutting Colton’s words short. “I appreciate your dedication to upholding the great laws of this city. I would love to understand the precise ways in which you believe my son is capable of trespassing these standards. So, why don’t we take a moment to discuss this?” Senator Downing extends his arm toward a vacant corner of The Red Curtain’s entryway as if it is his formally issued office. He gestures for Officer Childs to step aside with him. “And while we’re at it, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about this year’s Policeman’s Ball. I do believe you are up for an award this year. I’d love to put in a good word for you.”
Officer Childs rolls his shoulders back, puffing out his chest. “I think that’s something I can do.”
This might be the one time I’m grateful for Senator Downing’s superior manipulation skills.
“Officer Kiffer. You’re in charge while I speak to the senator. Please finish reading Colton his rights,” Officer Childs says before walking into the imaginary corner office with Senator Downing.
Steve preens, looking like he’s just been promoted to sheriff. “Yes, sir.”
Oh, goodness.
“Co-Colton Downing.” Steve stutters. “Under the rights of this great state of Pine Lakes. I mean, Colorado. State of Colorado. I’m going to start that again. Colton Downing, under the rights of this here state of Colorado, I …”
Colton closes his eyes, his frustration evident in his shuffling feet. Deciding to take things into his own hands, he starts speaking over Steve. “Missy, I didn’t mean it. Bill—he told me he would talk to you before the winners’ interview, but then he got distracted by Maria’s injury and never said anything to you.”
“Said anything about what?” I ask, wishing I could reach for his hand that’s currently pulled snuggly behind his back.
Steve’s ramblings get louder, forcing Colton to raise his voice. “Before the winners’ interview, Bill suggested—”
Steve’s voice dials up, his vocal cords likely on the brink of explosion. “If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you … But I guess you can just disregard that part, given you come from a line of attorneys.”
