“The biggest story to ever hit Killington just exploded, literally, in the high school gym, and you were the only student in the school who didn’t see it. Now you wanna use me to play catch-up for your little news article. God forbid you lose your position at the Ears and Whiskers.”

“It’s the Paws and Whiskers, and how did you know I missed the pep rally?”

“Because if you had been there, you wouldn’t have been so shocked to see my hand. Plus, we both know there’s no way in hell you’d have me in your car right now if you didn’t want something from me, and I got a feeling you’re not looking for a date to the homecoming dance. Well, you can forget it because I’m not gonna be your goddamn news story.”

His next exhalation sent smoke in her direction.

“Okay, Cole, you got me.”

“So it’s Cole now? What happened to Mr. Logan?”

“Look, are you going to tell me what happened to you, or are you going to sit there and be an asshole?”

“The asshole thing has always worked for me in the past.” He pointed through the windshield. “Turn left up there.”

“But the hospital is to the right.”

“Exactly. Hang a left.”

She hit the brakes hard.

Cole’s head somehow missed the dashboard, but the sudden jolt sent his cigarette flying from his lips. He was still flailing in his seat, slapping at his lap, when she got the car pulled over to the shoulder.

“Jesus!” He brushed sparks off his jeans. “What the hell are you trying to do?”

She put the car in park. “All right, here’s the deal, Logan. I know that even if I drop you off at the hospital, you’re just going to walk right out when I pull away. So your choices are simple: you either answer a few questions while I drive you to wherever it is you want to go, or you keep silent while I drive you to the police station.”

“So that’s the deal?” A grin crept over his face. “You know something, sweet tits, you’re kinda hot when you’re demanding.”

Savannah’s knuckles went white on the steering wheel, but she kept her calm. “What did you say to me, Cole Logan?”

“I said, you’re dreaming, sweet tits, if you think I’m gonna answer any of your questions.”

“One more time . . .”

“What are you, deaf? I said I’m not . . .” He stopped. The color drained from his face. “Where’s that damn tape recorder?”

She smiled. “What do you think my father—your coach—will say when he hears the way you’re speaking to me?”

Cole searched the car—under the seats, beneath the floor mats, in the glove compartment and console.

When he reached into the backseat and started rifling through her purse, she told him to give it up.