Page 3 of Wild Justice

“I’m going to worry,” her dad growled. “I worry about all of my children.”

With tears shining in her eyes, her mother gave Lulu a big hug before whispering in her ear.

“I love you, and I’m always proud of you. I think you’re going to become a wonderful sheriff. This town is lucky to have you.”

Presley stepped back and beckoned to her husband.

“Seth, isn’t there something you want to say to Lulu?”

The one thing Lulu never questioned in her life was the love of her parents. Since the day she’d been born, she’d been wrapped in the warmth of their love and adoration. It had been their absolute unconditional love that had given her the confidence to take life head on.

Her father was across the room in two long strides, wrapping her up in one of his amazing hugs. Her heart squeezed painfully as she hugged him back, her emotions making it hard not to cry. But sheriffs shouldn’t be crying all over the place. She needed to show them she could keep it all together and be in control.

“I just love you,” her father said. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

At first, she didn’t think her dad was going to let go, but then his hold loosened, and he stepped back. His expression was stormy, but he appeared resigned to the situation. Under the circumstances, it was the best outcome she could have hoped for. She’d envisioned scenarios where he tried to ground her or take her phone even though she was a grown adult who paid her own bills.

“We need to finish packing,” her mother said firmly, guiding her husband from the living room. “I need your opinion on a pair of shoes I’m thinking about taking.”

Presley Reilly had never been indecisive about shoes or packing in her life, so it was probably just an attempt to give Lulu some space. Her parents disappeared into the bedroom, leaving Lulu with Chase, Henry, Ray Ramsey, and Ellen Dunphy.

“It will all be fine,” Ellen said. “Right, Ray?”

That’s how Ellen talked most of the time. She’d make a statement and then look to Ray to agree. Luckily, most of the time he did.

“Right. Fine,” Ray echoed. “We’ll let you get to it, Lulu. Let us know if you need anything.”

Ellen and Ray also exited the house after giving their final vote of confidence. At least they believed in her. They’d given her the job, after all. That had to count for something.

And then there was Chase and Henry. They believed in her, too.

“Thanks again, Chase. What you said seemed to make a difference.”

Her brother gave her a crooked smile and laughed.

“Don’t make a liar out of me, sis. If I have to eat crow, I won’t be a happy camper.”

“I won’t let you down,” she promised.

“For what it’s worth, I think you’re going to do fine.”

“What about Ben? Do you think he’d be supportive? Will he think I’m being stupid?”

“Ben thinks everyone is stupid,” Chase reminded her. “Or maybe just most people.”

“He’s not that bad.”

“Okay, he’s not that bad. But he’ll still think that you’ve lost your mind.”

“Do you think I’ve lost my mind?” she asked, holding her breath for the answer.

“I think the jury is still out on your sanity, but all the best people I know are a little crazy. Henry, tell her she’s got this.”

“You’ve got this,” Henry replied. “You’re going to do great. I don’t just say that to anyone. Besides, if anything comes up, Chase and I will be here to help. Right, Chase?”

“We will. But let’s pace ourselves, okay? No murders on day one. Maybe a parking ticket or a small fender-bender.”

The guys were making her laugh even when she didn’t want to. They thought they were so funny.

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