Page 29 of Relentless

That would be the easy way out, and Maeve had determined long ago who she wanted to be. She always stressed to Oakleigh about following the Lord’s leading and trusting him no matter the seemingly insurmountable obstacles there were along the way.

Should I tell Oakleigh?

“I’ll wait,” she whispered. Oakleigh was finally settling in and finding her place, and it made her sick to think what kind of setback Harper’s unexpected visit would inevitably cause. After all, despite the incredibly accurate description, the sheriff could have made a mistake.

It was a fleeting hope.

Lord, help me to put my frustration aside and see her the way you do.

Most of all, she prayed that she wouldn’t lose her temper.

When she finally pulled off at the exit, she filled her lungs with another deep breath. She drove around the airport circle and parked at the curbside pickup. Pushing open her door, she came around to the curb and was immediately met by Deputy Angus.

“Miss, Ma’am — you can’t park there,” Angus lectured, stopping short when he recognized her. “Oh, sorry Miss Maeve.”

“It’s okay, Angus,” she replied.

“That’s some fine truck, Miss Maeve,” he observed, accentuating the compliment with a long whistle. “Is it new?”

“It’s my husband’s,” Maeve answered patiently, knowing it was unlikely for the conversation to move along any quicker than it was. “I got a phone call about — ”

“Oh, Miss Maeve,” he exclaimed. Lifting his hat, he ran his fingers through his shaggy brown hair. “Some terrible woman in there went berserk and said she was your sister,” he shook his head. “I told the Sheriff there was no way that could be true, but he saiddon’t be too sure.”He lowered his voice to a whisper. “We’ve got a bet on it.”

“Sorry, Angus,” Maeve squeezed his shoulder and clicked her tongue against her cheek. “This is one bet you might lose.”

“You don’t say.” Angus’ eyes went wide, and he let out another long whistle.

He ushered her through the nearly empty airport and down a long corridor to the security office. When she approached, Harry was already scowling, spinning a toothpick between his teeth.

“Maeve Callaway,” he blustered. “Just do me this one kindness and tell me that’s not your kin in there so I can drag her sorry — er,” he pivoted, remembering he was in the presence of a lady. “You know, toss her in the drunk tank.”

Maeve tilted her head, taking a long look through the office window. Although disheveled and wearing an absolutely miserable expression, the woman in custody was definitely Harper.

“Not this time, Harry,” she confirmed. “How can I make this up to you?”

“All my years as Sheriff, I’ve learned one thing,” he sighed, waving away her offer. “You aren’t responsible for the actions of others — even if theyareyour family.” He unclipped the keys off his belt and unlocked the door with a loud clank, holding it open for Maeve to step past.

Pausing in the doorway, Maeve crossed her arms and leaned her shoulder on the frame. “Harp?”

Harper’s eyes shot up to meet hers. For a split second, Maeve thought she saw a brief glint of relief that was quickly overshadowed by an icy glare.

“Well, it’s about time,” Harper spat. “And just where have you been?”

“Oh, you know,” Maeve replied, “just on my honeymoon.” She knew anything remotely significant to her would be utterly meaningless to Harper, but she felt like saying it anyway.

“What are you waiting for?” Harper rose to her feet with her hands still firmly secured behind her in the metal cuffs. “Get these off me.”

Harry raised an eyebrow at Maeve, still holding a glimmer of hope that she would let him take her into custody. Maeve’s lips pulled upward, giving him a quick shake of her head.

Letting out another long sigh, he unlocked the handcuffs.

Harper immediately pulled in her sore wrists, marching out the door without giving them the courtesy of a second glance.She paused only to yank her purse and luggage out of Angus’ hands.

“I’m grateful you were on duty today, Harry,” Maeve acknowledged before following Harper out.

A few paces ahead, Harper swiveled. “You’re grateful for what? Holding me hostage?” she lashed out, with complete disregard that her words were echoing down the hall and through the empty airport.

“Harper, please lower your voice,” Maeve replied, being intentional to remain calm.

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