Page 27 of Freedom to Love

The officer touched her shoulder. “You’re free to go.”

She nodded and acted as if she knew that. She walked through the station feeling completely out of place, like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Curious eyes from different people in different departments stared her down. No doubt they’d seen her face and kept their eye out for her and Bea the past couple of days.

Would she ever find peace in this town? She was beginning to doubt it. Her name, it seemed, would always be a tattoo on her forehead screaming trouble. She stepped through the main doors and breathed in the heavy humid air.

She needed a ride home and a bath. She couldn’t call Holly…Bea still had her car. No doubt she would get an earful for that. But she knew Bea would ditch it soon if she hadn’t already. Brynn shoved her hands in her pockets and walked to the road. Tired as she was, she began the walk home, staying off in the grassy shoulder, head low. She recalled that some of her belongings were still in Vander’s car, unless she’d dropped them off, which she doubted, considering her condition. And even though she knew she could get by without them, something drew her to go after them.

She kept on down the road, then turned, sighed, and walked backward. She stuck out her thumb and eyed each car as it drove by. The good thing was, she knew a hell of a lot of people in this county. And the bad news was she knew a hell of a lot of people in this county. Thanks to Bea and Billy, the churchgoing folks steered clear, and those that didn’t had respect for her grandparents. After about ten cars, an old truck slowed and pulled over. She hustled to the door and pulled it open. Clyde Beaufort gave her a nod and she crawled in, already smelling his dip. As if on cue, he picked up the tin can from between his legs and spit.

“Whatcha doin’ out here, Brynn Williams?”

“I was at the station,” she said, searching for an absent seat belt. She rolled down her window and rested her arm on the frame.

Clyde had been a family friend for ages. He had known her grandparents and had to be in his eighties himself. He eased back on the road and drove slowly, cars passing him by. She studied his worn overalls, dirty white T-shirt, and dirty hands. His small head was covered with a straw fedora.

“Been in the garden today?” Brynn asked.

“Yep. Got beans that need stringin’ and snappin’.”

“I bet you do.”

“Pickling some beets too. Ya’ll want some?”

“Yes, sir.” She smiled. His tasted just like her grandfather’s.

“Am I taking you home?”

“Well, sir, I need to go down to the lake first. My belongings are down there with a friend.” She didn’t give details, and she knew he wouldn’t ask. He was more like her grandfather, a man of few words.

He picked up his can and spit again. “I can take you there.”

“I’d really appreciate it.”

“I’ll do it for some of your canned pickles.”

He looked over at her and smiled. She nodded. “Deal.”

They drove on in silence, and Brynn hoped Vander was home by now and not still in the hospital. If she was still in the hospital, Brynn would check on Gunner. If not, she’d get her belongings, check on Vander, and get a ride back. God, she couldn’t wait for that bath. Sweat and creek water were stuck to her skin, and her hair was plastered to her head. She was sure she looked a sight.

When they reached the turnoff, Brynn gave Clyde directions. He drove slowly through the neighborhood streets until they reached Vander’s house. She reached over, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and crossed to Vander’s front door where she rang the doorbell. Her vehicle was in the driveway, and the sun was just setting on the lake.

Brynn bobbed on the balls of her feet, nervous and a little surprised at it. She wiped suddenly sweaty palms on her stiff jeans. Shouting came from inside, along with barking.

The door opened.

“Damn it, Murph, I’m fine—” Vander’s face peeked out, and she stopped speaking when she saw Brynn.

“Hi.” Brynn gave a little wave and then felt stupid and hid her hand behind her back. Beyond her, Clyde drove off, waving to them both.

“Was that Clyde Beaufort?” Vander asked.

“He, uh, gave me a lift.”

“Yeah, he’s good like that.” Vander opened her door a little farther and Gunner snuck out to assault Brynn with excited kisses. Brynn knelt and loved him back. She looked up when Vander didn’t speak. They locked eyes, and something unspoken passed between them. Brynn felt it, and by the blush on Vander’s pale cheeks, she knew she felt it too.

“I just came for my belongings,” Brynn said, breaking the silence.

Vander backed away and pushed open the door. “Oh, of course.” She laughed and it sounded nervous.

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