Page 83 of Robin and Marian
The sheriff’s hands rested on his belt as he stared down the little group, a little tiredly. “You said you were going to stay out of trouble. Then you go making viral videos? Isn’t that what they call negative attention seeking?”
As if surrendering, Robin circled and put up the only hand that made a difference. “It’s not what you think.”
“I have a feeling it is,” the sheriff said. “And stop putting your hands up every time you see me. Let’s just take you in until we get this all sorted out.”
“That isn’t necessary,” Guy cut in. “Richard would like to see Robin put on house arrest at my estate. That way he won’t be far from his family—Scarlett especially—she seems to keep him in line. Those are the terms of my cousin’s parole, after all.”
The sheriff treated Guy to one of his classic stare-downs. “Have you turned into a lawyer now?”
“No, but I have plenty of them just chewing at the bit if you’d like to discuss the matter?” The sheriff’s brow shot up into his hairline, and Guy broke into an amused chuckle. “I’m only expressing Richard’s wishes. I am happy to open my house to my cousin.”
As his prisoner.
“After he did that to your eye?” the sheriff asked. He turned to the other officers with a laugh. "Next thing you know he’s gonna be saying he gave it to himself.”
Guy wasn’t amused.
The sheriff sighed and his hard stare went from Robin then to Scarlett. Marian’s fists tightened, hoping that he’d see through this. The sheriff knew very well that Robin suspected Guy of attempting her life—even if the sheriff hadn’t believed it, this looked suspicious. But his hands would be tied without evidence or some complaint. “Is that what you want, Robin?”
Robin’s eyes went to his sister, and his lips flattened into a line. “Sure.”
What did Guy have on Scarlett?Whatever it was, it didn’t seem smart to let Guy get further control over them. On the other hand, Robin could keep a better eye on her while he was on house arrest than being locked away where he couldn’t do anything… but why wasn’t Robin outing Guy now?
The sheriff pulled away in frustration. “Come with me. I’ll take you to Guy’s estate.”
“Wait!” Scarlett cried out in sudden anguish. “Wait for me. I want to ride with him.” At the sheriff’s nod, she ran to gather Midge from his rock collection at the lagoon.
Robin grew agitated the longer she was gone. The sheriff motioned to one of his men and they pulled out an ankle monitor. “Get that on him. Robin?” He snapped at him, forcing him to meet his eyes. “If you go anywhere you’re not supposed to go, I’ll know. That has a tracker on it.” The sheriff’s gaze slid over to Guy, and Marian wondered if Robin understood that warning was meant for his cousin too.
Robin seemed to breathe easier when his sister came back with the small boy, and he allowed the sheriff to take him. Marian hesitated with her bags, and Robin peered over his shoulder at her. There was a look in his eyes that she didn’t like—a stark desperation—until it was gone, replaced by hollowness. He was shutting off from her and from everyone else.
Guy touched her arm. “Come with us too.”
“No,” Robin cut in. A flash of anger sparked through his sudden coldness. “Just go to Elinor’s.”
Typical Robin! She had no intention of going with them, but if he thought he could push her away, he’d have to think again. He wouldn’t face this all on his own. He had friends. She would see what Little John had to say about this. Tuck too!
She noticed that Alan held back, his face flushed. “Robin?” he said. “Just for the record… I don’t think you deserve this.”
Robin’s shoulder knocked him back as the sheriff led him away. It was as if Alan hadn’t said anything by how little his words affected him.
Chapter 22
Richard looked years older than he had two days ago when he’d left for his emergency business deal. Then again, his grandkids had been up to a lot of mischief while he’d been gone. He’d come in from a flight that morning, his black suit pants baggy, wearing a fleece jacket and long blue scarf under his trench coat. His hair wasn’t combed. He met Robin as the sheriff brought him into the vast foyer of the estate. Robin hated how his grandfather watched him with wary eyes. He felt dirty, like a prisoner again.He was.
“Where’s Guy?” Richard asked.
Scarlett flushed with shame, squeezing her bags closer to her. “He’s coming up in his own car.”
Midge ran between them, hugging his father and exclaiming how much fun they’d had in the forest.
Richard patted his back, his attention on the sheriff. “Are we done here? Can I have a word with my grandson?”
The sheriff’s jaw clenched and he nodded. His whole demeanor had changed on the ride over in the patrol vehicle; he’d been digging for answers and didn’t like he was coming up emptyhanded. Robin knew the sheriff didn’t trust Guy either, but Robin couldn’t confide in him yet, not until he figured out how to keep Scarlett safe. She was in trouble on all sides and he had to get her alone to warn her. The sheriff studied Robin’s face. “You know where to find me.”
Robin nodded, his eyes on the floor. “Thank you.”
That wasn’t the answer the sheriff was looking for, and he looked frustrated, slamming the ancient oak door behind him when he left.
