Page 23 of Don't Look Back

“That’s not your job, Peck. You can't fix stupid.” I pat him on the shoulder and move towards Billy.

He needs a swift kick in the ass. He’s been a troublemaker since he got his license and I'm sure he was taking the turn too fast in the dark. I could tell him to watch for ice until I'm blue in the face and I know he still wouldn’t listen.

“Billy, get your ass over here,” I growl, gripping the back of his sweatshirt and dragging him away from the ambulance. I don’t need Jenny overhearing us.

“Hey! You can't do that!” He tries to wiggle out of my grasp, but I'm not having it. I'm more than done with this night. I just want to get back to Leslie.

“Shut up and act like the man you pretend to be.” I let go of him and wait for him to angrily adjust his clothing. “I want you to listen to what I'm about to say.”

“I don’t have to listen to you.” He folds his arms over his chest and glares at me.

“You’re right, you don’t have to… but if you don’t, I'm going to make your life a living hell. I’ll warn every dad in this town about how you won't be careful with their daughter. You’ll drive too fast and risk their lives. You’ll toss them aside the first time something happens and move on with someone else.”

“What the fuck! I didn’t do any of that!”

“You took that bend too fast, Billy. We both know that. Because of you, Jenny’s going to have an awful scar and my guess is you’re already trying to figure out a way to break up with her, without making yourself look like the bad guy.”

He opens his mouth to respond, but nothing comes out. I shake my head, more than a little disappointed in him. I expected so much more from him. That’s the problem with living in a small town. You’ve known these teens their entire lives and you have so much hope for theirfuture.

“This is what you’re going to do. You’ll get in that ambulance and hold her hand the entire way to the hospital. You’ll brush her hair out of her face and tell her she’s still beautiful. You’ll treat her exactly the same as you would’ve before you got in the car tonight. Do you understand me?”

He nods his head, but when he glances over his shoulder at Jenny lying on the stretcher, he looks like he’s going to be sick.

“You’re going to pray for her the entire way to the damn hospital and ask God to give her a plastic surgeon who can make sure her confidence isn't ruined forever. And then, you’re going to stay by her side while she recovers from the accident you caused. You’re going to take her out to public places for dates and show her nothing has changed, she’s still just as beautiful as she always was.”

“So, I have to marry her now?” He stares at me like I'm crazy.

“Nope. In fact, I would encourage you not to marry her.”

“What are you talking about? First, you want me to stay with her, and now you’re telling me to dump her?”

“I want you to stay by her side while she heals and show her this doesn’t need to affect her self-confidence. You needto show her men are still going to find her beautiful and she still matters. Then, you’re going to make stupid mistakes until she dumps your ass and finds someone actually worth her time. Do you understand me now?” I stare at him, waiting for this to sink in.

Do I feel bad forcing a kid to stay with his girlfriend when he doesn’t want to be with her? Absolutely. But if he breaks up with her right now, she’s always going to view herself as a monster. I'm not about to let that happen.

“And what if she won't dump me?”

“Ha! I’ll encourage her along and make sure it happens before summer, deal?”

“Fine,” he grumbles under his breath and stomps towards the ambulance.

He climbs in the back and takes her hand in his, but he isn't looking at her, he’s too busy glaring at me. I motion to her and he rolls his eyes, but then he leans down and presses a gentle kiss to her forehead. His lips are moving, but I can't tell what he’s saying from here.

It doesn’t matter though. I'm going to keep an eye on him and make sure he’s treating Jenny right. I'm going to encourage the guys Jenny’s age to be kind because I know the girls are going to be brutal. I’ll make sure she’s ok if it’s the lastthing I do.

Colt: Are you sure you still want me to come over?

I press send as I climb behind the wheel of my truck and crank the engine. I'm so happy I chose a truck when I became chief. The smaller area heats a hell of a lot faster than one of the SUVs we have for the department.

I tap my fingers against the steering wheel, trying to entertain myself while I wait for Leslie to text me back. It’s almost six o’clock in the morning. I’ve been gone for three hours. Though I spoke to her a little over an hour ago, she could’ve fallen asleep since then.

Leslie: Of course.

Those two little words bring a big smile to my face. I’ve always dreamed of having someone to come home to after a bad call. Someone I can cuddle up with and let the weight of the world fall off my shoulders for a little bit.

Excitement spreads through me with the thought I might’ve finally found that person. I just need to see if she’s actually interested in dating me.

As much as I want to speed to her house, I know these roads have only gotten worse since the accident. I’m not going to risk killing myself just to get to her a little faster.

---