Songs for Cricket by Laine Terri E

Author:Laine, Terri E.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-16T00:00:00+00:00

23

finley

When Shepard was finally ushered through the door, I flung myself in his arms.

“You’re okay,” I whispered, feeling tears prick at the back of my eyes.

I knew even more than my brothers how the idea of ever going to jail was a death sentence in Shepard’s mind. We had a few candid moments after everything went down with his father where he’d spoken openly about his fear of being associated with anything his dad had done.

“I’m happy to see you,” he murmured.

Then I realized I’d hung on a little too long and stepped back, bowing my head some, unable to meet Shepard’s eyes. August moved in and bro hugged him, one hand between them while the other clapped his back. Cooper was next before Finn waved us out.

“You guys should go to class. I hate that you missed the first day because of me,” Shepard said.

August gave him an incredulous look. “No way, bro. We stick together. We’re family.”

Cooper nodded, and I was grateful when no one turned in my direction. I loved Shepard, but not how I did my brothers.

“I have a class later I have to teach. Who’s riding with me?”

Finn’s family was rich, way more than my family. His car was designed for use with his disability, and I wouldn’t doubt he’d have a car that drove itself.

“You guys go ahead. I’m going to skip class today and head home,” Shepard said.

“Me too.” When my brothers looked at me, I shrugged. “There’s some new reporter stalking me. Besides, I have the car and can take Shep home.”

“I can skip too,” August offered. “If you want some company.”

Shepard shook his head. “Go ahead. I’ll see you guys later.”

Cooper said, “Finley, don’t forget Coach said you had to be at afternoon practice.”

I nodded. Finn then gave us instructions on how to use the garage in the back of the house if a TV crew was there waiting on us.

“Where will you park?” I asked.

“I won’t be back before you leave in the afternoon,” he said.

Then they were gone, and Shepard and I hustled to my car. I had a feeling if the TV crew wasn’t at our place, they would be on their way back to the police station.

As I drove down our street, I spotted the news van.

“They work quickly,” I muttered.

“That’s what they do,” Shepard said.

Then again, he would know. There had been a media circus surrounding his family when the news had broken about his dad’s arrest.

We drove down the narrow alley, and it was clear it would be a tight squeeze for the TV truck. Shepard got out and opened the garage with a code. I pulled in and found the two spaces empty. It gave enough room for Finn to use a ramp to get into his van.

We locked up and entered the backyard. I found myself looking up for the cameras based on what we saw.

“Those cameras saved my life,” Shepard said.

“You’ve seen the footage?” We stopped short of the backdoor.

“No.”

Of course he hadn’t.

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