Chapter 22
Gray was fuming by the time he exited the police station. It was almost midnight when they finally released him, though he’d
passed the Breathalyzer test long ago. “ Paperwork ,” the jailer had said with a smirk. Clearly the department was happy to help Remington pressure him to leave Grandville.
Nice having a firsthand look at the American justice system at work.
Gray hadn’t seen Remington since being placed in a holding cell with nothing but a steel toilet and a hard cot. With bars
on two sides of the room, he couldn’t help feeling like a caged animal at the zoo.
Or like his dad, who survived each day in a similar environment. Of course, his dad actually deserved the punishment. Still,
Gray made a mental note to send him an email. He’d been a little distracted since arriving in town.
Shadow trotted at his side. At least the officers had been kind to the dog. Shadow received plenty of attention and treats
from the watch commander and jailer.
Gray shot the happy canine a wry look. “Could’ve used a little loyalty in there, pal. Those guys are not our friends.”
Shadow seemed unconvinced.
Gray came to a stop at the edge of the parking lot.
He couldn’t even walk back to his vehicle—Mason had gloated about having it towed.
Gray fished his phone from his pocket. Three missed calls, a voicemail, and two texts—all from Patrick.
He returned the call and his friend answered after only one ring.
“Hey, is everything okay?”
“It’s fine. Sorry to stand you up tonight. I’ll explain later. Listen, I hate to ask for a favor when it’s so late, but I
could really use a ride.”
Rustling sounded through the phone. “Sure, of course. Where are you?”
“The police station.”
A beat of silence carried over the line. “Okay. Be right there.”
Gray pocketed his phone as warmth spread through him. That was the sign of a good friend right there, coming without a single
question. Too bad more people couldn’t be like Patrick.
His allegiance was almost enough to push away the dark feeling that had set up camp inside him tonight. The whole incident
had unleashed that old sense of shame. The shame of being poor. Of having an alcoholic father. Of being viewed as less than.
Once again he felt as if he were walking around with a neon Loser sign over his head. He shouldn’t allow anyone to make him feel that way. But being back here, being subjected to all those
old judgments, all those accusers, had brought those feelings to the surface again.
Cars passed by as he walked Shadow in front of the station. The area was well lit and near the road. He should’ve asked Patrick
to pick him up down the street. Anyplace but the police station. But nothing was open this late except the bars, and he didn’t
want to be seen hanging around there either. There’d been enough speculation that he’d turned out just like his old man.
Ten minutes later Gray’s rescue came in the form of a white Audi. The interior light flashed on as Patrick threw open the
passenger door. “Hop in.”
Gray surveyed the pristine leather seats and carpeted floor mats. “I forgot to mention I have Shadow with me.”
“My dogs are in here all the time.”
A minute later they were settled and leaving the parking lot. Gray was so relieved to get off the property. He wanted to forget
this night ever happened.
“So...” Patrick said as he pulled onto Main Street. “I can hardly believe it.”
And here came the questions.
Patrick arched a brow his way. “You finally got around to naming the dog.”