I shook my head while I was driving almost in a trance.
“She inspired me tonight in more reasons than one. To live, but to love life.”
“I can see where Breigh gets a lot of her foundation. Helen really is a joy to be around,” I said.
“Helen and I are going to have coffee one day next week. I’m looking forward to it.”
“That’s fantastic.” I smiled, glad she has a friend who makes her want to keep living and trying. Fighting. I saw her struggle far more than she knew. She was weak and had lost substantial weight. She was a private person and I was trying to respect that, but I still knew her better than anyone else did. Rhonda had always been the foundation for others, the one to call on when you need something. She didn't ever call someone for help.
“It isn't a lost cause, Wyatt, so don't look that way. You need to realize that what you did by listening to Cash was a mistake. Now do something about it.”
“I messed up big time.”
“She loves you; you can see it in her eyes. But she didn't grow up like you did; she was basically abandoned by her father, who’s a drunk. And she feels like her mother left her in a way, as well. She has to know whoever is with her, is there for good, to stay. You have to prove that. Yeah, love is what everyone wants, but there are so many other important things that go along with that.”
“I want to prove to her I can be all of those for her.”
“I know you do. But give her some time. Don't give up.”
“I won’t. I just don't know if I can handle if she refuses.”
“I doubt she will.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Her grandmother, and just a feeling I have.”
“Everything was really easy for y’all at first, y'all were falling for each other and didn't have any complications. Then life happened. Now you have to see if you can get past this test.”
“Yes.”
“And, Wyatt, did you ask her once what happened that night? It’s not my business, and if you know and just didn't mention it, that’s between y'all, but I just thought it would be a nice start if you had.”
“No…I didn’t.”
“Maybe you should have. Promising to stay and love someone, no matter what, is far harder than you think. I know your intentions have always been genuine. Even with April when she broke your heart. You would have married her and loved her the best you could. But make sure you are doing what your heart wants too.”
“Breigh is my heart.”
“Then you better act like it. Do you remember when I used to race you? I would tell you get mark, get set…”
“Go.”
“Exactly.” She smiled, confident in the message she delivered. “What are you waiting for?”
27
WYATT
Being a deputy, you learned to have a good intuition. Luckily, I had always followed mine. It had benefitted me some times, and hurt me others.
Breigh’s dad was up to no good, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I had hoped it would all end after me going to see him, but he had been spending all his time at Alibi, a bar that catered to the scum of Hilltop. That shithole was known for dope and drunks who ran up a tab they had zero intention of paying. I only knew because I had a few fight calls there and saw him. The bartender had commented that he had racked up a bill, and had spent all his time there.
“Galloway, when you get a second come to the tank, would ya?” Kevin walked by my desk frustrated.
Ten minutes later I met him there as he was talking to Greg. He was sitting on the bench outside of the enclosed jail bars, wearing a pair of jeans and no shirt. His odor was so strong; I almost needed to cover my nose.
“I tried calling Breigh, but she won’t bail me out.”
I raised my shoulders wondering what that had to do with me. “I’m sure she had a reason for that. Wouldn't you think?” I asked him, wondering if he ever thought about anyone but himself. I already knew the answer to my own question though. He didn’t.
“You don't know anything about my daughter and me,” he spat. “Kevin, just send him back up to the third floor. He isn't going to help me.”
Kevin rolled his eyes and walked over to me.
“He got picked up for public intoxication. Big shocker, huh?”
“Yeah, still not sure why I’m here. This has nothing to do with me.”
“I thought you might want to help him.”
“I don’t help people who don't help themselves. The only reason he wants to act like he knows me is because he wants something from me. He thinks I am rich.”
Kevin laughs. “Oh yes, I had forgotten. I guess that is why you work for the sheriff’s department. Because you are so rich.” He laughed again and I shook my head annoyed.
“Let him sleep it off. When I come back in twelve hours, and if he is still here, I’ll take him for a meal and home,” I told Kevin in front of Greg, but never actually speaking to him directly.
“I don’t have a home anymore. I got evicted. But you knew that already, didn't you?” Greg again talked with hate as if I had anything to do with that.
“Breigh used to help me, but now she won’t. I’m sure you are behind that.”
Now it was time for me to laugh. He clearly knew nothing about my character, or his daughter’s for that matter.
“If you knew your daughter like you said you do, you would know that no one could ever influence her to do anything she didn't want to do.”
He mumbled unintelligible words.
“Hey, Kevin, you think you can get him a hand mirror so he can take some time looking at his reflection while he sobers up? Maybe he
