I grabbed Marco’s arm as he lost it with the chief, as did Mel Stanton, a brawny fisherman who got in Marco’s face and said, “Man, calm down. Don’t do it.” The judge, standing right in front of him, said, “Back off, Marco. You won’t win with your fists here.”

“Stop stalking me,” I said to the chief. Marco’s jaw was so tight I thought he might break his teeth.

“I’m not stalking you. I’m enforcing the law, Evie,” the chief said, smirking again. “And you will follow it. See you soon.”

We watched the chief drive away. I was so mad I wanted to spit nails. I glanced at the amount of the ticket. It was another fortune. If you received a certain amount of tickets in one year, couldn’t they take your license? Couldn’t they cancel your insurance? I would not be able to drive my truck.

“Give that to me,” Marco said, and took it, seething.

“I like that pink halter shirt, Evie,” the judge said. “Is that a new style?”

“It’s such a soft material,” Maci LaFolette said. “Plus, the white mice are cute.”

“Thank you.” I felt the anger drain out of me. I didn’t look at Marco. If I did, I would have laughed. Probably half hysterically, but I would have laughed.

* * *

After everyone left, Marco said, “I thought you might need this.”

He handed me my red lacy bra and red ruffled shirt.

“I’ll follow you home, Evie,” he said, so gentle.

I nodded my head, then turned around and gave him a hug, because the truth was that the chief was creeping me out and Marco was my hero.

He followed me home down Robbins Drive and turned off at my driveway.

The cats missed him immediately.

* * *

Late that night I sat outside on my front porch and watched my mother and aunts’ flowers swaying in a slight wind, the darkness casting shadows. I tried to calm my anger. Sundance sat right beside me on the step, and Mars lay sleeping in my lap. I had a vase of Judi Dench apricot roses nearby, and their scent was sweet and pure.

Flowers are so delicate, intricate. They are natural wonders and miracles. How come daffodils look like the sun? Why are irises so elegant, a blend of colors that seem magically hand-painted? And peonies. Are they three flowers squished into one? So full, so perfumy.

I wiped away a few tears. Sundance edged closer to me.

“Oh no!” Mr. Bob and Trixie Goat ran over to me, their bells clanging in the night. I swear they were smiling. I laughed. “How did you escape again?”

That’s why I keep animals. I love them and they make me laugh, even when I’m crying.

* * *