Chapter 43

I asked Mom to break the drive rule for our ATVs, and to my surprise, she said Bryce and I could go out the next day. I felt like I had won a gold medal in Four-Wheeler Begging. She said we had to go during daylight hours, and I said that was fine.

Leigh came in with Randy and offered to take me out for ice cream. I’m not one to turn down free food, so I hurried outside before Leigh changed her mind.

“Are you scared to go out with that kook still on the loose?” Randy said on the way to his truck.

I shrugged.

Leigh took Randy’s arm. “Big, strong football player like you can protect us, right?”

He rolled his eyes. “But what if the big, strong football player’s not around when the guy shows up?”

“You think he’s still around?” I said.

“One of my friends said the cops chased him this direction. He could be hiding out in your barn.”

Leigh slugged him on the shoulder, then looked behind her.