by K. Langston
Liv walks back in and hands the sheriff a steaming mug before returning to her seat next to her grandfather.
“Well, don’t let it eat at ya, it’s unfortunate, but what’s been done is done. It wouldn’t have happened if the kid hadn’t been breakin’ the law.”
I watch Liv tense at how casually he talks about it. Walter, however, nods in agreement. “That’s true, but I still hate it had to come to that.”
“It’s definitely going to fire things up even more around here, that’s for sure,” he replies.
“What do you mean fire things up?” Liv asks curiously.
She may not know where he’s going with this, but I do. The kid that Deputy Prichard brought in for the prior break-ins had a broken rib and a major head contusion. He claims the deputy abused him. Until just recently, the department was under scrutiny for use of excessive force. There are some who are not happy about it though, and I have a feeling this case will only spark even more fury among the residents of Harmony Falls.
“Well, considerin’ tension is already runnin’ high over that Baker kid who was arrested a few weeks ago, and supposedly mistreated by one of my deputies, this is only going to fuel that fire. It was even brought up in the press conference today.”
“How is that even the same thing as this?”
“Because they’re both black.”
She rears back and Walter’s face twists with anger. “Now let’s get one thing straight. I shot him because he reached into his pocket after he told me he had a goddamn gun. I was protecting my Livy. That was my only concern. I don’t care if he was black, blue, green, or white. Those bastards doused my barn in gasoline. They would have killed Rosie, and that shit would have spread like wildfire and destroyed my crops. I have the right to defend my property. I have the right to protect my family.”
“I agree. The case is open and shut, Walt. The DA won’t be chargin’ you with nothin’, so don’t worry about it. We just need to follow up to make sure we have all of our ducks in a row, that’s all,” Dixon says.
“Well, just as long as we’re clear this ain’t about color.”
Liv lays a gentle hand on his forearm. “Of course, Pap. Anyone who knows you knows you would never callously take someone’s life. Especially not for the color of their skin.”
Dixon grunts. “Most people do know that, it’s them that don’t.”
“And who is them, exactly?” Liv asks, her brown eyes sharp and narrow.
For the first time in my life I watch Willie Dixon shift uncomfortably. I have to admit his comment didn’t come out right, but I know him. I’ve known him my whole life, he was best friends with my father, and the man doesn’t have a racist bone in his body.
He clears his throat. “All I meant was tension is running high right now. My deputy did nothing wrong, but people are trying to blame him instead of placing the blame where it belongs. I meant no disrespect.”
She relaxes. “I’m sorry, I took it the wrong way.”
He nods at her apology.
“When is the funeral?” she asks.
“Thursday,” Dixon replies.
“I’m thinking about going.”
She can’t be fucking serious.
“I’m gonna have to advise against that, Miss Olivia,” Dixon says.
“He was my student. I would like to pay my respects.”
His eyes meet hers over his cup of coffee as he takes a leisurely sip.
I take the opportunity to cut in. “We understand that, but I doubt his family will want you there.” She flinches, and it makes me feel like an asshole. “I’m just saying it may be too soon for everyone involved.”
Her gaze falls to her small hands with a sigh of defeat. “I’ll wait and go after everyone is gone.”
“Again, I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he urges with caution. “I don’t want you gettin’ hurt.”
“He’s right, Livy,” Walter agrees.
“You can’t expect me not to go at all. I…I can’t not say goodbye to him.”
Dixon grumbles, tugging at the back of his neck. “Fine, but make sure you wait until after the services are over, and at least let me send one of my men with you.”
“Do you really think that’s necessary?”
He shrugs. “Better to be on the safe side.”
She concedes with the lift of her chin. I debate offering myself for the job but decide to leave it up to Dixon.
“Got everything we need, Taylor?” he asks, standing up.
“Yeah, I think so.” I stand and give both Walter and Liv a handshake, holding Liv’s a little longer than necessary before following Dixon out the door.
It’s a scorcher today. Not unusual for central Texas in mid-May. I’m used to it, but it’s the humidity that’s so fucking stifling. Pulling my aviators from my shirt, I cover my eyes against the blazing sun.
“That damn woman is out of her mind. Why the hell would she want to go to that funeral? She’s just askin’ for trouble,” he bites out, pulling a pack of Marlboros from the pocket of his shirt and lighting one up.
I agree with him to an extent, but I also understand why she wants to go. It’s clear she thought highly of Jamal. I went to school with Jamal’s older brother, Darius, he was a good guy. I feel for the family’s loss, the unfortunate part is, it all could have been prevented.
“I want you to take her, son, but keep it brief. In and out. Got it, Taylor?”
“Got it.” I nod.
“This is gonna be a shit-storm. You know that, right?”
I sure fucking hope not. I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything that’s happened over these past few months. From all the break-ins, to the department being under investigation for excessive force. I’ve lived in Harmony Falls my whole life. Aside from the rare domestic call or traffic stop, it’s always been a quiet place to live, a peaceful place to settle down and raise a family. But now our tiny farm town, located just seventy-five miles east of Dallas, is plagued with crime.
After saying goodbye to Dixon, I get into my patrol truck and ease onto Highway 9, taking the five-mile route back to the station. A million thoughts run through my mind, one standing out more than others.
Olivia Bradshaw.
Fuck, she’s beautiful. Back in high school she was always quiet with her nose stuck in a book, but she never went unnoticed—not by anyone and most certainly not by me. Even though we went to the same school our paths never really crossed since she was two grades behind me. She never came to the football games and that’s where I lived, on the field. My entire life throughout high school was centered around football, my teammates, and bringing us home the championship.
Over the last few years I’ve seen Liv around town here and there, most recently selling her handmade jewelry at the farmer’s market. But again our paths hadn’t crossed, not until today and under the worst circumstance.
Right now I need to keep my head and focus on this case, but after things settle down I think it’s time I get to know a little more of sweet Olivia Bradshaw.
CHAPTER 3
Olivia
My heart grows heavier with each passing mile as we drive to the cemetery. Yet, I can’t deny the way it thumps wildly and it’s all because of the man next to me.
Grayson Taylor.
Of course it had to be Harmony Falls’s golden boy, also known as the sexy as sin deputy, who escorted me today. Because I didn’t make a big enough fool of myself the other day during our awkward introduction. I was shocked when I walked in to see him sitting in my living room, the boy I’ve always had a crush on from afar.
Heat invades my body when I think about how many times I’ve thought about Grayson Taylor. He was definitely the star of my teenage dreams. With messy, brown hair cut short on the sides but longer on top, deep blue eyes that hold you captive with just a glance, and a tall, lean, sculpted body that no amount of clothes could hide, it’s easy to see why he’s the epitome of every girls’s fantasy.
I�
��d pondered many times what I would say or do if I ever got the chance to speak to him, and it didn’t turn out the way I’d imagined at all. Though, in all fairness, it was under terrible circumstances, and it was hard to think of anything else but the pain and guilt I’ve felt since Jamal’s death. Just the thought has tears stinging my eyes all over again.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how different this situation would be if I had pressed harder and dug deeper to the small changes I saw in Jamal the past few weeks. I never would have guessed he could be capable of doing something like this. He had such high hopes for his future. As did I. His dream was to one day make it all the way to the Olympics. I have no doubt in my mind he would have done it and done it very well. The way he could tear up a track was something I’ve never seen before.
So what changed? Is he responsible for the other break-ins? Who was he with that night? Has he been hanging out with a new crowd?
These are all questions I can’t stop thinking about. Everyone I’ve seen him with at school are good kids like him. Kids who have always been respectful and worked hard to get good grades.
Why didn’t I dig deeper? Why didn’t I reach out to him?
I know my guilt doesn’t even come close to Pap’s. I can tell this has been killing him, even if he doesn’t admit it. It didn’t help that we woke up this morning to see murderer spray painted on our barn. The pain and anger I saw in Pap’s eyes has left a burning ache in my throat all day.
“Why blue?”
Grayson’s question snaps me out of my tortured thoughts. I swing my attention to him, heat inching up my cheeks as I take in his incredible good looks.
Lord, I’m pathetic.
“Pardon me?” I ask, confused about his question. He nods to the plant on my lap. “Oh.” I shake my head, feeling silly for not catching on. “I got him a peace lily because it represents peace and innocence after death. I asked Peggy from the flower shop to dye the flowers blue because it was his favorite color. He wore this blue hat every single day to school. He hated to part with it and carried it with him everywhere, even when he wasn’t allowed to wear it. One day I asked him why he was so attached to it and he told me it was his lucky hat, and that it helped him score all the ladies.” I giggle as I think about it, yet my heart hurts at the memory. “He didn’t need it for luck though. His personality was enough,” I add softly.
“What do you teach?” he asks.
I’m thankful for the topic change. “Literature.”
A sexy smirk tilts his lips. “Now that doesn’t surprise me one bit.”
“Oh? Why?” I ask curiously.
“Because anytime I saw you in school you usually had a book covering your face.”
He saw me? In high school? Like for real?
That thought has a million butterflies fluttering low in my tummy, but I try to push them aside and play it cool. “I’ve had a love of reading for as long as I can remember. I love getting lost in a story, to take a break from reality and live in another world. There’s no feeling like it. I’ve read so many books that it feels like I’ve lived a thousand lives,” I admit wistfully then realize what a dork I sound like. “Uh, yeah, so anyway.” I shift uncomfortably. “I’m really passionate about it, and I love sharing that passion with others, even if a lot of my students don’t share it with me,” I add with a smile.
“Why did you choose Dalsbury?” he asks, talking about the school where I teach.
I shrug. “Why not?”
“Well it’s not very close to you and…” He trails off and clears his throat. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s a low-income school in a bad part of town where the risk of danger is higher. So I’m curious, out of the schools you could have chosen, why there? Why not Glendale where we went?”
I think about his question for only a second before I tell him exactly why I chose it. “My best friend Tania worked there first. When she told me they were looking for an English teacher I jumped at the chance. Not only because I would get to work with her, but also to experience something different. To give back to kids who get so little. The funding there is awful. Together, Tania and I have raised a lot of money for that school. I always donate a portion of my jewelry sales from the farmer’s market. It’s not much, but every little bit helps.” I shrug, feeling uncomfortable with how he’s looking at me all of a sudden. “We’ve also started a reading program that’s had a lot of success. You would be surprised how many children get shuffled through grade to grade and can’t even read,” I tell him with a shake of my head. “And that danger part is nonsense. I mean sure, there are some dangers, but all schools have that.” I turn to face him now, feeling myself getting fired up like I usually do when I talk about this. “I did my practicum at Glendale and you know what? Some kids there were real assholes.” I admit, not caring about my language. “Not all of them but some. I even had a student hit on me as part of a bet he had with his buddies. The arrogant little jerk. Can you believe that?”
He lifts a brow, a grin curling his lips. I can’t return the gesture because just thinking about it has my blood boiling all over again.
“And let me tell you something else.” I shake my finger at him without meaning to. “Most of the kids I teach now care more about their education than any of the kids I taught at Glendale. Care to know why?” I don’t give him a chance to answer. “Because most of the kids at Glendale are spoiled. They don’t realize how good they have it. They’re only worried about partying and football.” I hold my hand up. “Now don’t get me wrong, football is a great sport, I’m sure, and I know a lot of athletes rely on it for college but what good is that going to do if you can’t read? A lot of the kids I teach now bust their butts, hoping they will get good enough grades for a scholarship. They know what it’s like to not have everything handed to them so they work hard for it, which is more than I can say for half of the kids I taught at Glendale.” I collect a breath before continuing then shut my mouth when I realize I’m on a full rant.
Grayson glances over at me, looking amused but also looks a little caught off guard.
“Uh, so anyway, yeah, that’s why I chose Dalsbury,” I say lamely, before turning in my seat to face the front again.
He chuckles, making me wish the ground would open up and swallow me whole.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get carried away.” My cheeks flame with humiliation as I apologize.
“Don’t be. You sound like a good teacher, Liv, and those kids are lucky to have you.” Warmth flows through me at his words and eases some of my embarrassment. “I really was just curious. I didn’t mean anything bad by it.”
“I know you didn’t. Believe me, you aren’t the first person to ask me that question. It’s actually one of the reasons my ex and I split up, so I get a little heated when I talk about it,” I admit quietly.
And also the fact that he’s a lying, cheating bastard, but I keep that part to myself.
“Larson didn’t like you working there?”
My gaze snaps to him in surprise for knowing who my ex is. “No, he didn’t. But he was a jerk anyway so…” I shrug, deciding to leave it at that, or else I’ll end up going on another rant.
“The guy is an arrogant prick, but we can use jerk if you want.”
A smile teases my lips. “I take it you don’t like him?”
He grunts. “That’s an understatement. We’ve never gotten along. I was pissed when I found out that asshole got in with the DA’s office, because it means I have to see his smug ass on a regular basis.”
“I’ll bet. Even I was worried what it meant for Harmony Falls when I found out he was brought in to work with the DA.”
Clint Larson is not only arrogant but he’s also manipulative. It’s what makes him a good lawyer, I suppose. Unfortunately, I saw his true colors a little too late; it would have saved me from a lot of humiliation.
“How the hell did you end up with an asshole like him anyway?” Grayson asks.
“I d
idn’t know at the time what he was really like and, well,” I pause, feeling uncomfortable to admit this, “he noticed me and asked me out. That doesn’t happen often, so…” I shrug, feeling no need to elaborate further.
“You’re fucking crazy, Olivia, if you think you go unnoticed.”
My breath catches and my heart pounds wildly at the sound of his husky voice. For the second time I’m wondering what he means by that.
Has he noticed me before?
I find it hard to believe since he has women throwing themselves at him constantly, and back in high school he had Mandy Whitmore hanging all over him like a dog in heat. She might be good-looking on the outside but her soul is ugly. She’s never been a nice person.
I don’t think I’m unattractive by any means. I actually look a lot like my mama just not as beautiful, but no one is. She was in a league all on her own. Outgoing and audacious, people were drawn to her. Whereas, I’m…quiet—boring for lack of a better word. And quiet girls are often overlooked. I’ve had a few boyfriends, nothing too serious. I hate to admit it, but other than one guy I dated back in high school, Clint was my most serious boyfriend and that ended almost a year ago. Tania is always telling me to get out there and date more, but after what happened with Clint I needed time to pick up the pieces of my pride. Besides, I keep busy at the farm with Pap and making my jewelry.
I’m content right now.
“Thank you,” I whisper, not really knowing what to do with the compliment.
The easy moment evaporates and reality sets in as we pull up to the cemetery. I make no move to get out. I sit frozen, staring out of the windshield as dusk settles on several headstones ahead, my limbs feeling as heavy as my heart.
“You don’t have to do this, Liv.”
I look over at Grayson. He’s watching me carefully, concern burning in his deep blue eyes. “I know I don’t, but I want to pay my respects.”
He nods even though he doesn’t seem convinced it’s a good idea. Exiting the car, he comes over to my side just as I’m stepping out and grasps my elbow to help me. Just like yesterday, his touch is like branding heat, igniting my blood. I like the feeling. It’s something I’ve never felt before.
