Page 57 of No Place Like Home

“Jess, open up!”

I recognized Clark’s voice instantly, not thinking much of it because Cynthia usually sent her sons over to drop off “provisions” for Cubbie and me, I opened the door.

Clark was standing there with his usual shit-eating grin.

“Can I help you?”

“I’m here to arrest you,” he said, trying to contain a laugh.

“What? Why? I’m telling Cynthia you’re being a dick.”

“For kidnapping—well, dognapping, if I’m technical.”

I huffed.

“That’s bullshit! I didn’t kidnap anyone!”

Just as I said this, the dog that I had technically kind of, but not really, kidnapped poked his head by my legs.

“What do you call that furball next to you?” Clark pointed at Simba.

I blamed the wine for what came out of my mouth.

“Well, clearly, that’s a lion. I mean, look at its mane.”

“Quincy came by the station. Said you took his dog and have refused to hand him over.”

I gasped—that asshole.

“Well, he was neglecting his dog! What was I supposed to do? Let him die? What kind of good Christian would do something like that?”

Was I being dramatic? Yes. Did I care? No, I didn’t.

“I thought you were atheist? Christian morals shouldn’t sway you.”

“Who lets a dog die?” I countered.

“So you admit it’s a dog?” Clark was cracking up.

“Fine, I took his dog!”

Clark looked like he was having way too much fun, which was understandable because this town was dead, and nothing fun happened anymore.

I probably made his day.

“Come on, Jess. You’re under arrest.”

“What!” I tried to take a step back and close the door, but Clark was already there, turning me around and pinning my arms behind my back.

The dipshit was laughing. I was not getting him anything for Christmas this year, and I gave the best gifts.

“All of this could have been avoided if you’d answered my calls,” Quincy said as he stepped out from beside the door where he was hiding. He was grinning as he looked down at me.

I tried to break free from Clark's hold to…I don’t know, hit him? It sounded rational at the time.

“You asshole!”

“Mamas,” he said in that smooth voice.

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