Page 77 of Mustang Summer

Her dad kept walking and she stormed after him.Gage yanked her to a stop.She tried shaking him off, but couldn’t.His hands dug into her upper arms.

Bill paused before he left the house.“Don Milton doesn’t care what fucking year it is.I need to know you’re safe, and I need to know you’re not going to do anything impulsive like calling your boyfriend or your brother.Just lay low until I come back.”

She raised her foot to stomp on Gage, but he jerked her until her teeth clattered.

“Stop it, Jo,” Gage said.“Be smart about this or you’re going to end up in jail with your dad and brother.”

Just Bill and her brother?“And what about you?”

“I’ll take care of myself.”

“You’re an asshole.”

Irritation flickered across his face.“An asshole you’re going to watch movies with because he’s protecting you.Sit down.”

She had a babysitter and no way to speak with Brock.It was growing dark outside.What else could she do?If she took off, she didn’t think she could outrun Gage.And if she made it to a gas station, then what?Expect a Good Samaritan to lend her their phone?Then what could she tell Brock that wouldn’t destroy her own family?Getting him to believe that she wasn’t involved felt impossible, but his family, too?

What a fucking mess.She longed to go crying to Jesse and have him fix it like always, but that option was cut off.

With tears of frustration burning, she plopped into Bill’s recliner to think.Her family was important to her.Brock was important to her.His family was important to him.If they thought she was guilty as hell, she’d lose Brock.Her family… At least Jesse was locked away this time, completely innocent.Bill would only get more desperate to save her and himself.To salvage Brock and the car, she needed to find the car first before it got chopped or altered beyond recognition.

She eyed her ex furtively as he reclined on the couch.He was so damn arrogant, he’d tell her everything just to prove how smart he was.Even if she lost Brock’s trust, at least she could spare the Shelby.

Chapter17

“Idon’t think this is a good idea.”The female deputy, Farah, shook her head.“I heard about the theft and your girlfriend.You shouldn’t be here.

“I just want to talk.”Brock had gone to school with the petite blonde.She’d been tough as nails back then and if she decided he shouldn’t talk to Jesse, he was in trouble.Two days had passed with no answers on his car or from Josie.Brock didn’t know if he should be furious or concerned.His family would say furious, but he couldn’t quite get there.Was it because of his autism, or because he had a reason to worry?“You can be in there with me, but I have to talk with him.”

Max reported his attempts to contact Josie had failed, also.That seemed out of character for Josie, but maybe Brock wasn’t a good judge of character.He’d bugged Max and the deputy said he was coordinating with Waite Park’s PD, but it “takes time.”

Waiting was out of the question.

Farah contemplated his request for a moment.“Fine.I’ll be in there with you, but you so much as raise your voice and I’m kicking your ass out.I know, it sounds odd, but I’m in charge of the prisoners.They can get in trouble by themselves, I’m not handing them even more.”

Brock dipped his head.“Thank you.”

Farah led him to a small room with nothing but a folding table and two chairs.He sat and shortly after, Farah led Jesse in.

Brock expected a glare or a hostile expression.Jesse’s face didn’t bear either of those.Brock studied him and finally worked out concern and confusion.

Jesse took his seat and Farah stood by the door with her arms crossed over her white uniform shirt.

“What’s wrong with Josie?”Jesse’s voice rose in pitch and it dawned on Brock that the man was worried about his sister because why else would Brock be there.

“I don’t know.Did she steal my car?”

Jesse recoiled from the question, then shook his head.“Fuck.The old man did it, didn’t he?”

Farah’s arms dropped and she stepped forward.“You have information about the crime?”Her hair swished as she shook her head and held up a hand.“You should get your lawyer before you talk.”

Jesse scowled at her, but his features softened.“Worried about me?”

Farah’s mouth tightened and she returned to her post at the door.“Common sense.Dig yourself a hole.”

Jesse’s attention returned.Brock held his gaze steady, reminding himself how important eye contact was at a time like this.

“I haven’t heard from Josie since she came to visit before she left a few days ago.But she mentioned her suspicions that her dad targeted your acquisition and sent her ex to take it.”Jesse slumped in his seat and massaged the bridge of his nose.“That son of a bitch.”

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