“I came from the bookshop. Why’d you pull me over? I wasn’t speeding.”
“The one that belongs to Shelby Thatcher?”
It was the only one in town. “Yes.”
“The one you were supposed to help her with for two weeks?”
“The very one.” It was impossible to keep the sarcasm from his tone.
“And yet here you still are a month later. I wonder what could be keeping you here.”
“Is there a question in there somewhere?”
“Here’s a question for you: How much have you had to drink tonight?”
Gray pinned him with a look. “I haven’t had any alcohol.” He never drank. When your dad needed beer more than oxygen, you tended to avoid the stuff. “I haven’t broken any laws. You had no right to pull me over.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that. You crossed the center line a ways back. You were weaving. And now you’re acting belligerent, so I’m going to have you step outside the vehicle.”
“I didn’t cross the center line, and if I’m belligerent it’s because you pulled me over without reason.”
Remington puffed up his barrel chest. “Are you refusing to exit the vehicle then?”
Gray gritted his teeth. If he refused, Remington would no doubt take great pleasure in removing him from the vehicle. Gray opened the door and stepped out.
Shadow barked.
“It’s all right, boy.”
Mason directed him toward the front of the SUV where his headlights formed two cones of light. Cars passed by and Gray tried not to think about who might be inside them or what rumors they might start.
Doesn’t matter. You don’t even live here anymore.
“We’ll be doing a field sobriety test. I need you to walk heel to toe on this line for nine steps, turn on one foot, and return for nine steps.”
Gray had already begun the test, blood surging through his veins. The man had no right to use his badge to intimidate citizens. “We both know this has nothing to do with alcohol.” When he finished the nine steps, he turned on one foot.
Remington was a hulking silhouette in the headlights. “Seemed a little shaky on that turn, Briggs.”
Gray started back toward the SUV. “Your eyes need to be checked.”
“And you need to pack your bags and get out of town.”
“Is that a threat?”
“Oh, let’s just call it a friendly little tip. I’m nice that way.”
He could mention his stay was temporary. But he didn’t owe this guy an explanation. “I have as much right to be here as anyone else.”
“You’re right, Briggs. It’s a free country. And if you think moving back here is in your best interest, you’re welcome to do so.”
Why did he get the feeling that Remington would make sure it wasn’t? Not that Gray would ever consider moving back to this hellhole. But the rumor mill must be saying otherwise if Remington was going to this much trouble.Eight. Nine.He stopped a foot from Remington, staring into those beady little eyes.
The officer shone his flashlight into Gray’s face and held up a pen. “Keeping your head still, follow the pen with your eyes.”
Should he request a Breathalyzer? Those could be inaccurate, but not as biased as this officer. Gray gritted his teeth but did as he was told. He’djust get these stupid tests out of the way and then Remington would let him go.
The officer moved the pen to the side at a glacial pace. Back to the center. Then to the other side. After a long moment he lowered the pen but kept the flashlight on Gray’s face as he lifted his lips in a smirk. “Grayson Briggs, you’re under arrest for driving under the influence.”
