Page 62 of Trouble Comes in Threes

“Okay,” I said softly, already wondering how I could approach Joe about the deputies’ behavior with Pickle Junction citizens. “No sheriff.” But it didn’t mean I couldn’t find a way to bring this to Joe’s attention.

“Do you know anything about this package they were asking about?” Dermot asked. “You said they were shouting. What were they saying?”

Austin swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I think he took something. They were asking him where it was.”

“Did they say what it was?” Dermot asked.

The boy shook his head.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And they took your wallet?” Dermot asked.

The boy’s face flushed, and his gaze dropped to his lap. “Yes, sir.”

“What address will they see on your license?”

“My mom’s house.”

“And you say Major Asshole lives there?” Dermot asked.

Austin cracked a smile, then sobered. “Yes, sir.”

Dermot nodded, then pulled out his phone and started tapping on it. “What’s your address, kid?”

His mouth dropped open, but he quickly closed it. “I ain’t tellin’ you that.”

“You want those guys to show up and kidnap your little sister to make you turn yourself in?”

His face flushed as his jaw hardened. “So I let your guys take her instead?”

“I don’t take kids,” Dermot spat. “I have principles.”

Austin’s eyes filled with distrust. “You can’t have too many if my daddy worked for you.”

Dermot’s anger faded. “You’re right about your daddy. He was a piece of shit, and I kicked his ass to the curb years ago. I don’t know what the asshole’s doin’ now, but it sure as hell ain’t workin’ for me.”

Austin started to say something, then stopped.

“You’ve got two options, kid,” Dermot said matter-of-factly. “You either come with me and let me protect you, or you do this on your own.”

Austin’s eyes widened. “I came to Lady.”

“Lady’s retired,” Dermot said. “I’m your only option.”

The boy turned to me with a pleading look.

“He’s right,” I said, feeling guilty for passing him off to Dermot, but there was no way I could bring him home and risk the safety of my kids. “I’m retired, but you can trust Dermot. He’s protected me more times than I can count. He’ll protect you too. Or you can talk to my husband.” By now, I knew there was no way he’d willingly talk to Joe, but my loyalty to him was strong.

“And I’ll protect your mom and sister too,” Dermot said, ignoring my suggestion. “Once you give me the address, I’ll send someone to watch the house and make sure no one hurts them.”

And try to intercept them to find out what they were up to, but I kept that part to myself.

Austin lifted his chin and gave Dermot a hard stare. “Why would you help me?”

Dermot didn’t say anything for a second, then said, “I’ve got my reasons.”

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