Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 76780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
My head is spinning.
Your son?
The guy, Terry, is Atlas’s dad?
Terry, the man in question, sneers my way. “You let me worry about my son. And you let me worry about these bullshit arrests. I’m the best attorney in this town. I’ll take care of it.”
Wallace, who I can tell is a copy of his jerk-off son, stands, squaring his shoulders. “Maybe I’ll handle things the good old-fashioned way instead.”
Cormac shoots me a worried look. Wallace is bigger than the two of us combined.
I seriously doubt the mayor will let one of his buddies hurt me in a restaurant full of people, but it doesn’t make me feel any better. Their intimidation tactics work because my palms are sweaty, my heart is hammering in my chest, and I’m suddenly queasy.
“I’m going to make sure you feel safe in this town. I don’t care if I have to arrest every goddamn homophobic asshole I run across. I’ll get my point across.”
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I put this promise to the test and text Atlas.
Me: Martha Joy’s. Mayor, Ned, your dad, and Jeremy’s dad. Help.
Atlas
“No,” I grumble to Cato. “I don’t want a cat.”
“You’re no fun,” he sasses back. “There are so many precious furballs that need homes. Just one? Would you want to foster?”
My phone buzzes in my pocket, saving me from Cato’s puppy dog eyes that obviously work on both Jax and my sister. As soon as I read the text, dread washes over me.
Callan’s at Martha Joy’s, and he needs help.
My father’s there too.
Fucking great.
I grab my coat and yank it on as I rush out the door, yelling over my shoulder on the way out for Cato to lock up after me. The trip up the road is quick because I haul ass to Martha Joy’s within a minute. Something about Callan’s text sounded alarmed and panicked.
I promised him I’d keep him safe.
Storming into the restaurant, I search the busy crowd, hunting for the beautiful boy. He’s sitting in a booth, his face bright red as he stares straight ahead at his friend I’ve seen before. A man towers over his table, back tense as he gestures at them.
“Hey!” I boom, my loud voice carrying over everyone. “Is there a problem here, sir?”
The man swivels around, a furious glare shot my way. I can feel my dad’s disgusted stare on me, but I don’t look at him. I’m more interested in the motherfucker saying shit to my guy.
Mine.
“Yeah, there’s a problem,” the man snarls under his breath as I approach. “Some of us don’t want to dine with prissy little bitches.”
Callan flinches and drops his head. It takes everything in me not to punch this dickhead in the mouth.
“Take a seat,” I growl. “I won’t ask again.”
“Or what?” the man taunts. “You’ll arrest me? On what grounds?”
“Harassment and stalking,” I bark out. “You’re intimidating these young men.”
“Faggots,” the man snaps, his accusatory eyes cutting through me like a blade. “Just like the damn sheriff.”
Two-thirds of the police force if we want to get technical. Of course, he doesn’t know that.
“Wallace,” Dad says in agitation. “Not the time or place for this.”
“Yeah, Wallace.” I point at his seat. “Step away before I place you under arrest.”
Wallace’s jaw works furiously. He points a meaty finger at me. “Watch your back or—”
Not putting up with this shit.
“Threatening an officer,” I boom as I grab him, maneuvering him to the floor that’s littered with peanut shells and discarded napkins. “You have the right to remain silent.”
I can hear my dad trying to get Wallace to shut his mouth as I read him his rights. Once I’ve officially placed him under arrest and have him cuffed, I haul him to his feet. The man snarls and resists, but I’m bigger and much meaner too.
“Let me make something very clear,” I bellow to everyone in the damn restaurant. “Bigotry, discrimination, and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. There’s a reason Sheriff hired me. It’s because this town is full of hatred. Many citizens don’t feel safe. I’ll be damned if I don’t do something about it. The BFB PD will no longer be putting up with this heinous behavior. We’ll be cracking down with the fullest extent of the law. No one is immune. Any questions, you can take it up with the sheriff.” I glance over my shoulder at Callan. “You okay?”
“I think so,” he says, voice low and shaky.
“The three of you can either dine on the other side of the restaurant or leave completely, but you will not sit here and retaliate on behalf of Wallace here.” I pin my father with a hard glare. “Test me.”
Dad’s face is nearly purple with embarrassment or rage, though I’m not sure which is winning. Finally, the three of them rise to their feet, storming out of the restaurant ahead of us.