Chapter 8

As I continue to cry, I hear the voice of Mr. Montgomery. They are eager to find out the outcome once Cash comes face-to-face with the magistrate. Wasting no time, they call Cash’s lawyer and make their way to the police station.

Dad wraps his arms around my shoulders and hugs me close. He guides me to the truck, leaving my four-wheeler, and we drive in silence back to our house. When we arrive, we don’t get out. Instead, Mama and Tessa meet us and get into the truck. It’s time to talk to a lawyer about the situation with Dylan. The sooner this is over, the better.

There aren’t but two sets of attorneys within Grassy Pond. As we arrive at the small brick building, I notice the place looks pretty well maintained, unlike several of the offices in town. We get out, and Dad tells the receptionist that we are here to see Becky Horn. She picks up the phone, and we take a seat for what feels like an eternity. Finally, we are called back to Mrs. Horn’s office.

Walking into the office is very intimidating. There is fine furniture around, perfectly placed books, chairs, and the smell of dominance permeates the air. I think I like her already. I know someone strong is going to have to be up for this battle, and Becky Horn is it.

We take our seats around the long table as she takes out my file. Without saying a word, she reads it quietly and then removes her reading glasses. She places her hands in her lap and begins to speak.

“Miss Rice, I’m Becky Horn. I’m glad to meet you, but not under the current circumstances. I’m sure you do not want to hear this from me, but before you got here, I was on the phone with the district attorney. We will be working together on the case. He informed me that Mr. Sloan has been arrested as well. He’s getting booked as we speak.” Panic fills my eyes as I look at Tessa. She knows what I’m thinking. Cash is getting booked, too. Now, if that ain’t some shit, I don’t know what is. As if she can read what I’m thinking, she continues, “They aren’t going to be near each other if that is what you are worried about, sweetheart. That has been made sure of already.”

Relief washes over me, and I’m able to actually listen to what she has to say. “Charley, I wish you would have come to the police about this sooner, but I do understand why you didn’t. These four walls are completely confidential. You need to tell me everything that you can and not hold back any information. I know that we have solid evidence, but the Sloans have big money and are going to do what they can to make you look like the bad guy. No matter what, we are coming out on top. So, are you ready for this?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I answer.

Mrs. Horn informs us of everything that will happen once Dylan goes before the magistrate. She believes the judge will not go lightly on him. Even if he has bond, she thinks it will be high with a lot of restrictions. He will most likely not be able to leave the county. I am able to do pretty much what I like, and she believes that I should return to school and keep things as normal as possible until the hearing. My parents, Tessa, and I agree, but I know I don’t want to leave Cash. I ask what might happen to him, and she explains the worst-case scenario. Needless to say, I’m hoping the judge sees that he was defending me.

Once we discuss a few more items, we shake hands and leave. We won’t have to do much until the court date is upon us, but that will be like a huge cloud lingering above my head. I don’t say much as we get into the car. Tessa takes my hand and just holds it. That’s enough right now. Honestly, it’s not enough. I need to know what is going on with Dylan and Cash.

Rather than driving back to the house, Dad stops at the general store for a few items for the farm. Tessa and I don’t get out. I stare out the window unaware of my surroundings. I’m brought back to reality when Tessa gets a phone call from Dustin.

I wait anxiously for her to hang up. She gets very quiet on the phone, and I’m unsure what type of conversation she’s having with him. Uneasiness fills my veins. I know that I will get a few answers, but in my heart of hearts, I’m uncertain if I want to hear them. She hangs up, and I give her no time to process her conversation with him.

“What did he say?” I question.

She looks at me, and tears form in her eyes. “He said that he can’t see me right now.”

“He what?” I ask as I snap my head toward her. “What the hell? It’s not your fault.” Realizing I need to push my emotional roller coaster to the side, I know it’s time to let Tessa lean on me. I slide close to her and let her cry. “Ya know, maybe it’s his parents. You know he loves you, and y’all are perfect together. Just let this pass and see what happens.” She nods, but the tears continue to stream down her face. I don’t bother asking about Dylan or Cash, because right now, my sister is what is important.

Mama and Dad are taking their time, and I’m glad. Tessa begins to brush away the tears. “I know that’s why; he’s doing what makes them happy. He used to tell me all the time he wished he wasn’t a Sloan. Hopefully, once this is over, things will be okay, but you have to know what else he told me.”

“You don’t have to, ya know.”

“Yes, I do. He said that they just got the verdict from the magistrate.” I listen carefully. “You want the good or bad news first?”

“Bad, I guess.”

“Dylan is being held on a $95,000 bond with a court date in a month. He can’t leave the county, though, so he can kiss his college career and swimming career goodbye.”

“Okay, but $95,000 is nothing to his family. I’d be surprised if he’s not on his way out already. So, what’s the good news?”

“They ran into Cash’s family because he was next in line. They hung out long enough to see what was going to happen to him. He got a $7,500 bond until his court date in a month because they have their own lawyers.”

“That’s awesome.”

“What do we do now, Char?”

“Well, it’s like this. We stick together because we always have and always will. You were my best friend before Cash, and I know that we will always be there for each other.”

“I love you, Char, even if I don’t say it enough.”

“You don’t have to because I know. I love you too, Tess.”

We wait until our parents return to make it back to the farm. I’m dying to hear from Cash or his parents, but I really want to talk to Dustin. I have to know if he’s pushing Tessa to the side because of his family. If so, I have to tell him to fight for her because she’s not worth losing.