Mav ran his hand over his jaw in thought. “Well, information is a tricky thing. But it seems you had this handled. Any chance either of you wants a job?”
“Not interested in taking some bullshit law enforcement course,” Parker said. “Already went through all the training I needed at basic. Then spent my time in the military.”
“Yeah? What if we could move things along?”
“Are you serious?” Parker barked out a laugh.
Mav shrugged good-naturedly. “We’re always looking for good officers. Both of you would be great candidates. Uh…but we do have some laws we have to follow. Generally speaking, tackling people through windows is frowned upon.”
“It was one time!” I snapped. “He stole my purse!”
“Yes, and while I appreciate the enthusiasm you tackled him with, if you work in my department, we’ll have to tame that just a hair.” Then he leaned in and lowered his voice. “But there’s always an instance where we can bend the rules.”
Slapping Parker on the back, he stepped away from the scene. “Well, I’m off to the hospital with these fellas. Gotta find out where Wesley’s parents are and if they’re gonna take responsibility for him.”
Tipping his hat, he walked away just as a paramedic approached.
“Ma’am, can I take a look at your cuts?”
“I’m fine,” I said, brushing him off.
“That gash on your arm looks pretty nasty. Are you sure I can’t?—”
I was just about to lose my shit on the paramedic when Parker stepped in. “You know, I’m gonna take her to the hospital anyway, but thanks.”
Tugging me away from the window, Parker lowered his voice. “Are you alright?”
“Oh, it’s nice of you to notice I’m still here.”
A smile split his lips before he realized I was serious. “What?”
“Oh, come on. You were so wrapped up in that book lady that you hardly noticed I was even here!”
“Cassidy?” he laughed. “She dated Jeff for two years in high school. I just hadn’t seen her in a while. That’s all.” Tugging me closer, he wrapped his arms around me. “Is somebody jealous?”
“Not jealous,” I mumbled.
“A little bit.”
Fine, I was jealous. A lot jealous, but it was only because…well, I wasn’t exactly sure why I was so jealous, but it pissed me off when I saw him talking to her.
“Come on. Let’s get you to the hospital.”
“I don’t need to go to the hospital. I’m fine.”
“Humor me,” he smiled softly. “We’ll get you cleaned up, and you can take an official test to see once and for all if you’re pregnant.”
“According to the town, I already am.”
“Well, the town does know best. Besides, I want to find out what’s going on with that kid.”
“You’re worried about the kid who stole my purse?”
“Thievery is not a normal thing in this town. If he was stealing, it was for a reason.”
That sobered me up instantly. “You think he’s in trouble?”
“Mav said his name was Wesley. If he’s who I think he is, that kid needs help.”
