Page 11 of Enforcing the Rules

“He did seem different, now that you mention it. When he left, he went out of his way to give Bethany a long hug. When he pulled back, there were tears in his eyes. The hug he gave me was longer than usual. It was almost like he was saying goodbye, like he might not come back.”

The worry in her eyes tugged at my heart. I knew what that feeling was like. I squeezed her hand again. “I’m sure he’ll be back. He loves you too much.”

She looked out the window. “Does he?”

“I should be the last person to defend him. And I won’t try. But the way he acts, it’s not your fault. You’re a good woman and a good mother to your daughter.”

“Thank you, Kate. You don’t know how much that means.”

“I’ll keep my eyes peeled for him. What kind of car is he driving?” I tried to get more information.

“He had a blue Ford Escort, but this time he was driving a silver sedan. I think it might have had a Chevy emblem on the grill. I asked, but he just snapped at me that his car was in the shop.”

I stood. “Well, I really need to get back on the road. But I’m so glad I got to see you.” I gave her a hug.

“You’re welcome to stay the night. I know Bethany would love it, and I wouldn’t mind the company.”

“I wish I could, but I have work tomorrow.”

“It’ll be late by the time you get home. Please call and let me know you made it safely.”

“I will, and I promise I’ll keep in touch more often. Let me know if my dad comes home. Now I’m going to worry about you.”

“I promise.”

“If you need anything, let me know, okay?”

“We’ll be fine.”

I hugged Bethany again. “Write me every day, okay, sweetie? I’ll send you a surprise next week.”

She hugged me tight, and her eyes lit up. A doll was in the wheelchair at her side. I took its hand. “Who’s your dolly?”

“Mandy,” she replied.

“She’s pretty.” I tugged at her curl. “Just like you, sis.”

She gave me a big grin.

Edina led me to the front door, and we hugged.

“Drive safe, and thank you so much for coming to see us. It means more than you’ll ever know.”

“We’re family, right?”

“I suppose we are.”

“I’ll always be here for you.” I knew there was probably more pain in her future, considering the poor decisions my father seemed to make lately.

As I stood in the doorway, I hesitated, tempted to tell her the truth. Dad had gotten drunk and killed two people. He’d missed his court date and skipped out on his bond. I aimed to find him and bring him in. She didn’t know I was now a bounty hunter. She didn’t know any of this. I would bet my life on it.

In the end, I didn’t have the heart to add another worry to her life, so I smiled and headed to my car.

Sliding behind the wheel, I stared at the worried woman at the front door waving at me. I didn’t know what life had in store for me, or what my future held, but I knew one thing for certain. I didn’t want a man like my father—a selfish bastard with no loyalty to his family.

CHAPTER FOUR

Utah—

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