Page 70 of Trailer Trash

“But—”

He shook his head. “No buts. Now let’s go.”

We were halfway to the car when he asked, “What part of Colorado?”

“I don’t know, the part that has chipmunks.”

He laughed, that belly laugh that filled me with happiness. “You don’t know?”

“No, but surely it can’t be too hard to find out.”

He opened my car door, grinning from ear to ear. “I need you in my life, Neely Kate. I meant what I said, no one makes me feel like you do.”

“But a lot of it’s bad,” I said.

“The bad makes you appreciate the good so much more, don’t you think?”

“Yeah,” I said. “I do.”

While we drove to Beasley’s aunt’s house, Jed had me look up chipmunks in Colorado on my phone. We settled on a town called Estes Park, and by the time he pulled up in front of the small bungalow house I recognized, we’d even picked a place to stay. We only needed to make the reservations. Only then did I realize what he’d done for me—he’d purposefully kept me distracted so I wouldn’t worry about Beasley.

I took a deep breath. “Give me a minute.”

Jed left the engine running. “Whenever you’re ready, Neely Kate. We’ll sit here all night if you need to.”

I forced a smile. “That won’t look suspicious.”

“Then I’ll keep circling the block. You’re setting the pace.”

I turned to look at the house. It had never been in good shape, and that hadn’t changed. “I think maybe I need to do this alone.”

“Not a fucking chance in hell,” he grunted.

I couldn’t help my small chuckle. “I guess you made that clear.”

“You’re damn right.”

“Then play it like you did with Stella. Let me do the talking. I’m worried you’re going to scare him off.”

“How do you know he’s here?”

I pointed to the driveway that ran down the side of the house. “That’s his truck back there.”

Jed didn’t answer. I wondered if I should tell Jed the rest. He was bound to be confused when he heard about Beasley’s conviction, but I was already opening the car door and getting out. He’d have to figure it out like he’d figured out everything else.

He met me on the sidewalk and gave me a reassuring look, not exactly a smile, but there was something in his eyes that told me I could do this.

I knocked on the door, and an older woman opened it. “Can I help you?”

“Hi,” I said, sweet as you please. “I’m looking for Beasley.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Who’s asking?”

“An old friend.” When she didn’t budge, I added, “Neely Kate.”

She stared at me for a moment, looking like she was going to tell me to go away, but I heard a man’s voice behind her say, “Let her in.”

I glanced back at Jed, giving him a warning look before I stepped inside.

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