Page 19 of Freedom to Love

“I came alone,” Vander said. “I had a hunch about this cabin. Had heard the story about Jasper being your true grandfather. I told no one. I knew you would run or there would be a standoff if my colleagues came. And that would most likely get you in more trouble and I know you didn’t want it. Especially since you were kind enough to see to Gunner. I figured you wanted peace, wanted this whole thing over. That’s why I’m here.”

“It’s about time,” Bea said. “Fucking hell, do you know what we’ve been through in trying to hide? The whole county wants our heads on a platter.”

Vander held up her hand. “I’ve been shot. Five times. One hit my shoulder. I nearly died from blood loss. My partner…he’s critical. We don’t know if he’s going to wake up, and if he does, who he’s going to be.” Her voice faltered as she spoke of him. “He’s…he just lies there, machine breathing for him, machines beeping around him.” She paused and swallowed. “He was hit in the shoulder, arm, and head. It’s a miracle he’s alive.”

Bea started to speak, but Brynn gave her shoulder a squeeze to stop her.

“Thanks to you we’re alive.” She closed her eyes. “I’m alive. And I want to bring you in, tell them the truth once again. That you came upon the scene in innocence and protected my partner and me at your own behest. Because you knew it was the right thing to do.”

“Whole lot a good that did us,” Bea said.

“I suppose you think now that our lives weren’t worth the trouble?”

Bea mumbled something and Brynn smacked her arm.

“Well, like it or not you need to come with me back into town and give a statement. I’ve already told your sister that I’ll do what I can and stand in your corner. But I’ve also advised her to get a lawyer. I can only protect you so much, and I can’t bend or change the law.”

Bea stood, hands in fists. “Forget it then. If all we get is your half-assed attempt at a good word for us, then fuck that. I’ll take my chances on my own.”

“Bea, don’t,” Brynn said. “Don’t do this.”

“No, Brynn. Fuck her. We save her life and this is what we get?”

“She’s offering us her very best. She came to get us on her own, to make it better for us. Can’t you see how she’s helping?”

Bea stared Vander down. “And if her partner dies, or ends up with a brain like a marshmallow…then what? What will she do then? Who will save us?”

Vander took a step forward, anger marking her cheeks and neck. “Don’t talk about Damien that way.”

Bea stared back. “Or what? You gonna beat me with one arm?”

Vander took another step. “I’ll take you down and arrest you with one arm.”

Bea laughed. “Bullshit. You’re about to keel over.” She headed for the bedroom and again yanked her arm away from Brynn who tried to stop her.

“Bea, don’t.”

“You can go in with her,” Bea said. “But there ain’t no way I’m trusting her or them.”

Brynn gave Vander a pleading look. “Can’t you do something, say something?”

Vander closed her eyes. “I’ve said all I can. I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep.”

Brynn cursed and went to the bedroom. Bea was shoving her things into her duffel.

“I’m going. Gonna take the car. Try to give me as much of a head start as you can.”

“Bea, please don’t.”

“I don’t have a choice, Brynn. They’ll lock me up. This time for years. You know my rap sheet. Then there’s the stolen car, the guns. I’m fucked. No matter what your sweet cop says.”

“My sweet cop? What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Bea laughed. “You’re sweet on her.”

Brynn tightened her fists and felt her nails almost penetrate her palms. “I am not.”

“Yes, you are. Just like when you were thirteen and you had that thing for Ms. Albright. You think I don’t know, don’t notice, but you’re wrong. You’re just a dyke. Simple as that. And now you’ve fallen for a dyke cop. And I need to get the hell out of here.”

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