by Burke, Dez
“No, it could’ve been a lot worse, I’m sure,” I say. “I certainly don’t want to come back though for a repeat visit. One time is enough for me. My life will be on the straight and narrow path from now on. I swear.”
“I can’t say I blame you,” he says with a chuckle. “Would you mind signing an autograph for my girlfriend before you go?” he asks. “She’s a big fan. It would mean a great deal to her. She’s been pestering me about it since she heard you came in last night.”
“Sure,” I say, taking the pen he’s holding out and scribbling my name on the notepad he pulls from his pocket.
He’d been kind enough to sneak me a pack of peanut butter crackers and a soft drink during his overnight shift. Signing an autograph is the least I can do in appreciation.
“You’re lucky to have found a bail bondsman working late on a Sunday night,” he says. “You must’ve pulled some strings. Usually things move along much slower.”
“To tell you the truth, I don’t know how I’m getting out. Just thankful that I am.”
Thirty minutes later, the contents of my pockets have been returned to me and I’m a free man. The lady at the desk told me my rental truck was impounded. I need to find out where the hell it is and try to get it back.
And then call Annie.
I don’t know how I’m going to make up for last night.
All I know is that I’m going to try my best. Begging and pleading for one more chance might be a good place to start. At this point, I’m on my third or fourth chance and don’t know when my luck will finally run out.
“Levi!” a voice calls out as I’m walking down the hallway of the police station.
I turn to see Cole leaning up against the wall with his arms crossed. There are dark shadows under his eyes, clearly showing his exhaustion.
Shit!
I’m not in the mood for another lecture from big brother about how I’m a disappointment to the family. He’s the last person I wanted or expected to see this morning.
“Are you ready to go?” he asks, falling in step beside me. “Sorry I couldn’t get you out sooner. I’ve been working on it all night.”
I stare at him, speechless. “Wait! You’re the one who got me out of jail?”
“Of course I did,” he says with a curious stare. “Who did you think it was? The sheriff contacted me as soon as he heard they brought you in last night. He was at his lake cottage doing some fishing when he got the call. The two of us go way back. We were on the same football team in high school. He was pissed as hell at the two dumbass officers who arrested you. And for disturbing his fishing weekend.”
He shakes his head and chuckles.
“I would hate to have been those boys once the sheriff got ahold of them. Anyway, all charges have been dropped and he sends his sincerest apologies for his guys’ colossal fuck up. There’s not much going on in this town and they’re quick to jump the gun. No pun intended.”
“You mean it’s over? The charges were dropped already?”
I’m stunned. All night, I’d sat there in my cell going over a plan to smooth things over with my fans, the record label, and Harry.
Not to mention Annie.
“You’re a free bird now,” Cole says, grinning. “Just don’t let something like this happen again. The sheriff might not be so understanding next time around. Though he did seem quick to want to put this behind him and the sheriff’s department.”
“Thank you,” I say. “I didn’t want to bother you with this shit. I thought Harry had pulled some strings to get me released.”
“Oh, I’ve talked to him too,” Cole says. “He’s a hyper little fellow. He’s calling everyone in town trying to do damage control. Telling us what to say and not say to the media.”
“Who is ‘us’? Who else did Harry call?”
“Annie.”
I stop walking. “Harry called Annie? Now why in the hell did he do that? It’s none of his damn business what goes on between us.”
“I agree,” Cole says. “Apparently the press doesn’t though. There’s a whole pack of hungry reporters sitting outside the police station waiting for you. They’re staked out around back too, and from what I heard have been there all night. Otherwise we’d sneak out that way. I’m sure you want to avoid them if you can.”
“Damn! I’m beginning to hate those assholes, always lurking in the shadows.”
“That’s not the worst thing,” Cole says. “I spotted one sneaking around the far side of the barn out at the farm this morning with a zoom lens. He just about pissed his pants when he turned around and found a shotgun pointed at him. He won’t be back anytime soon. I can promise you that. Annie said they were parked in front of her house too.”
“What the fuck? Why on earth are they so interested in my life? I’m just a guy with a sick dad and a girl I’m trying my best to get back with. I’m sure there’s plenty of more interesting guys in this world to stalk.”
“Beats me,” Cole says. “It might be a big problem now that they’ve found you. We can’t have strangers roaming around out at the farm. Not with Dad’s condition and his delusions. There’s no telling what might happen. It’s not safe for him or them.”
“Should I hire security to walk the farm? The thought of reporters harassing Dad or causing him anxiety makes me furious. People don’t understand boundaries anymore.”
“No, don’t worry about the farm,” Cole says, waving a hand at me. “I’ll protect my family the best way I see fit. There’s no need to hire security. I’ll take care of it.”
I glance over at Cole. He has a determined expression on his face that I recognize. There’s a side of him not many people know about. They see the solid, hard-working father, son, and farmer.
I know there’s a whole other side. A dark, dangerous side. A side that won’t stop at anything to protect the people he loves. If Cole is pushed, he’ll shove back hard, and the outcome won’t be pretty.
“Maybe I should hire security to protect the press from you,” I joke. “If you shoot someone, make sure they’re on your property first. Or whatever the law is. I’m honestly not sure.”
“I’ll shoot first and ask questions later,” Cole says, winking at me. “Are you ready to wade through the mess of people waiting outside? It’s a zoo.”
“I’m used to it,” I say. “I deal with it every day. Privacy is a luxury I never have now.”
We reach the door to the police station. Through the plate glass, I can see the crowd of reporters and fans gathered out front in the parking lot like hungry hyenas ready to jump on a pile of meat. To them, I’m just a tasty morsel ready to be ripped apart by their teeth and shredded until there’s nothing left but bones.
“This life of yours is total bullshit,” Cole says as he slams the metal bar and pushes the door open. “Honest to God, I don’t know how you stand it. My truck is parked in the first row, right past the handicapped spots.”
I tuck my head down and follow him through the crowd. Fans reach out to touch the fabric of my shirt while reporters shout their questions at me, each one trying to be louder than the other.
“You’re right,” I say to Cole when we both reach the safety of his truck.
“About what?” he asks, turning to me.
“This life is shit,” I say.
33
Annie
Unable to sleep knowing Levi is sitting in jail, I give up at four am and dress for work. Arriving at the pharmacy before any of the other employees, I jump right into work to keep my mind busy.
I’m on edge, waiting for any word from Levi.
His manager had called me twice last night warning me not to talk to the reporters. Not that I would’ve anyway. He told me to be careful and not let down my guard around them.
I appreciated the warning. Last night I noticed photographers parked in front of my house, watching my every move. They spent the night and were still there this morning when I walked to my car.
After turning on the lights in the drugstore, I
walk into the back breakroom to put on a pot of coffee for the employees. My cellphone buzzes with a text from Cole letting me know he’s waiting to pick up Levi from jail and that all charges were dropped.
Relief floods through me.
Thank God!
Levi will be out soon. I couldn’t bear the thought of Levi sitting in a nasty jail cell all night. I text Cole back quickly and ask him to please let me know when Levi is free.
Against my better judgement, I’d kept my word to Levi and not contacted Cole to ask for help. Obviously, he’d found out some other way. He’s probably ticked off at me for not calling him. I can’t help feeling guilty about it, though I understood Levi’s reluctance to involve Cole.
Before the pharmacy opens at eight, my cellphone rings.
It’s Taylor.
“Have you seen the photos?” she asks right away, not giving me time to speak.
“No,” I answer hesitantly. “What photos?”
“They’re all over social media this morning,” she says. “There’s photos of you and Levi. First, in the church singing together. Then later when the two of you arrived at the police station.”
Dread settles in my stomach.
“You mean someone was waiting for us at the police station? I thought they didn’t show up until after the news about his arrest leaked out?”
“Somehow they knew and were waiting for you,” she says.
“What are people saying?” I ask, scared to hear.
Taylor hesitates. She’s trying to protect me.
“The fans are saying you’re the reason Levi left the tour. That his dad isn’t sick and that it’s all a big lie. That he’s screwing around with an old high school flame and has forgotten about his fans. They’re furious and are trashing him on social media. He’s lost over a hundred thousand fans since yesterday.”
“That many?” I ask. “This is bad. I want to see the photos for myself. Where are they?”
“Is that really necessary, Annie? There’s nothing you can do to change things at this point. It’ll make you feel bad to see them.”
“Tell me,” I say.
“I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this mess,” she replies. “You of all people shouldn’t have to deal with this kind of crap. You’re the sweetest, kindest person I’ve ever known. I’m always here for you if you need me. Okay?”
“I know you are, and I appreciate it. I also know you’re stalling and wasting time. Where are the photos?”
“Just type in Levi Hamby and the photos will come up at the top of the search listings,” she instructs.
I’m already typing. The first photo makes me catch my breath. Levi is being hauled out of the police car and into the station with his hands cuffed behind him. I’m walking alongside with a sheriff’s deputy holding onto my upper arm.
“I’ve found them,” I tell her. “We’re definitely not Instagram ready in these photos.”
“Look on the bright side. At least it’s not a sex tape, right? All they have is a few photos. Nothing explicit or too risqué. Sure your hair is a little messed up. No big deal. This isn’t the worst thing that could happen to you.”
I don’t dare share with Taylor my biggest concern. What if someone has photos on Levi and me making love in the meadow?
There is a real possibility a sex tape of us is out there being bid on at this very minute. What a nightmare that would be.
Hot bile rises up in the back of my throat. I close my eyes and will myself not to throw up.
I hate this.
“Hang on a sec,” I tell her. “I’m trying not to puke.”
I scroll down to the next set of photos. There’s Levi’s mugshot. He’s scowling at the camera. Then another one of me and Taylor while we’re trying to make our way through the crowd of photographers to her car.
“Why didn’t you tell me a weed was sticking out of my hair?” I ask her. “People might think I’m a meth addict.”
“Honey, you were a wreck,” she explains. “I was just trying to get you home asap. We didn’t have time to be fixing your dress or hair. Though now that I think about it, we should’ve taken the time. You’re a hot mess in these photos.”
“Thanks a lot.” I laugh despite myself. “I would say my date with Levi was worth it, but I’m not so sure now. Considering we were arrested and now this scandal.”
“What are you going to do?” she asks.
“Pray that my parents don’t see these before I get a chance to talk to them about it,” I reply. “Chances are they won’t. Neither one of them are big on social media. They’ll certainly hear about them though. My mom’s cousins love to spread gossip at every opportunity. I’m sure they’ve already tried to call her.”
I keep scrolling through the photos. There’s a grainy photo taken at the church with me and Levi singing together. I’m standing right behind his shoulder. A second closeup shot shows our hands discreetly linked together.
There are several photos taken afterwards at the church luncheon. He’s handing me a paper plate and I’m smiling up at him. Another one where we’re sitting together at a picnic table with Lily. All three of us are digging into a huge slice of the Mississippi mud cake I brought with our forks. There’s even a photo of Cole and their dad standing together underneath a big oak tree. Edward looks frail in the photo, while Cole appears sad and worried.
I feel a sudden urge to punch the person who took these photos in the face. It’s hard to understand how a stranger could invade our privacy and special moments to get their ‘likes’ up on social media.
“People are horrible,” I say quietly. “I can’t believe someone took these at church. Doesn’t anyone have any respect? We were at church for heaven’s sake! A sacred place. Not a social event.”
“You’re the most upset by the church photos?” she asks. “And here I thought the police station photos would be the worst.”
“They are,” I say. “I’m trying not to think about them. How can I face my boss this morning? Or my co-workers? I’ve tried so hard to project a professional image. I should leave and call in sick today.”
“How long will that work? You’ll have to face this at some point. Running away won’t solve anything. Keep your head up. You’re a good employee and general all-around great girl. Everyone loves you.”
“I’m embarrassed,” I say. “And mortified. I’ve never been involved in a scandal. I like my quiet, peaceful life. Levi will go back to Nashville soon, and all I’ll have left to show for our time together is a tarnished reputation.”
“These are modern times. By tomorrow, you’ll be old news. Don’t sweat it.”
“This is also a small town,” I remind her. “People talk, and they’re still old-fashioned here. I’ll be remembered as the girl who was arrested for doing ‘god knows what’ with that playboy Levi Hamby. I can hear the little church ladies talking about it now.”
“Oh, those old biddies need something new to talk about to liven up their day,” she says. “Stop worrying. I’ll call you later to check in. Keep your chin up, look people in the eye, and do your job. Don’t hang your head. No one will dare say anything to your face, so just pretend as if it didn’t happen. Eventually it will all be forgotten, I swear.”
“I’m sure you’re right,” I say. “Taking the day off won’t accomplish anything. Levi and I have a long history together, and I loved him. It’s not as if I picked up a random guy at a bar to rob banks with.”
“Love is the word, not loved,” she corrects. “Keep your facts straight and don’t talk to the media. Call me or text anytime if you need me. I’m only a phone call away.”
“I’ve got you on speed dial,” I say. “What would I do without you?”
“Don’t worry, you’ll never have to find out.”
34
Annie
Making it through the morning without letting my thoughts distract me is hard. I can tell by the way my co-workers are tiptoeing around me that they’ve seen the photos. They wan
t to ask me about them but have enough respect for me not to. For that, I’m extremely appreciative. One day when this all blows over, I’ll thank them.
My customers are treating me differently too, cooler than normal and not as chatty. Or maybe it’s my imagination that they’re silently judging me while buying dental floss and vitamins.
I try to bury myself in work, not giving myself a second to stop and think about the photos.
Meanwhile I haven’t heard a word from Levi.
Surely he’s out of jail by now? I was hoping to hear an update from Cole. By the time my lunch break rolls around, I can’t stand it any longer. I need to take a break to clear my head.
“I’m heading to the sub shop for a sandwich,” I tell Tina, my pharmacy technician. “I’ll be back in thirty minutes. Do you want anything?”
She waves a hand at me. “No, I’m trying to stay on a diet,” she says. “Don’t tempt me.”
I’m almost at my car before taking notice of the white van parked beside it. A guy with a camera is busy clicking away, taking one photo after the other of me.
I fight the urge to bang on his window and confront him directly. Instead, I turn around and hurry back inside the drugstore. Going straight to the snack aisle, I gather up crackers, a candy bar, a bag of chips, and a soft drink.
“I thought you were getting a sandwich,” Tina calls out to me when I hurry past her on my way to the stockroom.
“Changed my mind,” I say. “I’m having junk food instead. There’s too much work to do for a full lunch break.”
“What do you consider a full lunch?” she jokes back. “You have a day’s worth of calories in your hands.”
“I know, but I need it today.”
Hiding in the breakroom, I hastily gobble down my lunch. I’m almost finished with the candy bar when my phone buzzes with a text message from Levi.
“The jailbird has flown the coop. I’m sorry. How can I make it up to you?”
His joking tone tells me he doesn’t know about the photographs.