Page 7 of Christmas Wishes

"Do you want me to look into it?"

I'm about to reject his offer when the Sheriff comes into the diner. He seems to be looking for someone and when he sets eyes on me he makes a beeline for our booth.

"Hi, Miss Castle. I'm glad I found you. I'm sorry to inform you that your brother was caught stealing earlier today and I had to take him into custody."

"Was he alone when he was caught?" Gene says.

"Mr. Mitchell, I didn't know you were back in town. This isn't any of your business."

"Please answer his question, Sheriff. He's my friend." I say.

The Sheriff eyes Gene warily and purses his lips, then looks at me and answers the question.

"He was alone when he got caught, but the store clerk tells me two other boys were hanging out with him before the incident. Twins."

It had to be Brad and Owen Mcallister.

"How serious is this, Sheriff?"

"That depends on the business owner. They might want to press charges."

"Thanks. I'll go to the station and see what's going on."

The Sheriff tips his hat to me and starts to leave, giving a side eye to Gene. Gene ignores him and catches my attention.

"Thanks for dinner, Gene. I've got to go."

"I'm coming with you."

"Are you sure? I would appreciate the support."

"I can give more than support. I'm a lawyer, remember?"

I had completely forgot about that part of him. I just knew him as the mayor when he was here before. My hopes are high then that we can get my brother Connor the help he needs.

"Let's go then, counselor."

On the drive to the Sheriffs office Gene keeps asking me questions that I do not have the answers to. All I know is that Connor couldn't have gotten the huge amounts of money from a part time job that any sixteen year old could get.

"Are you okay with me representing your brother if it comes to that?"

"Oh, yes. Thank you so much."

"Things will work out. I promise you."

"God Gene, you can't promise something like that." I snap at him.

He looks at me with surprise in his face.

"I'm so sorry, you didn't deserve that. I'm just completely overwhelmed by this."

"I understand, Lilah."

We park in front of the Woodland Falls police station. I can't even feel delight over what a wonderful job they've done decorating the front of the building for Christmas. I rush in and I immediately spot my brother sitting next to a desk, talking to someone.

That is such a relief. I half expected to find him in a dingy jail cell. The officer in front of us is asking some questions and I hear Gene answering for me. They let us through and I run to my brother's side. He looks terrified.

When I reach him he gets up and I hug him tightly.

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