He strides in and tips his hand in respect. “Afternoon, Warden. Couldn’t help overhear your conversation with this here gentleman.” He points to me. “Guess I missed the memo ‘bout benders being outlawed.”

The Warden swipes back one of his slicked curls. He wags a finger at the young man like a naughty child. “Clay, this is not your business. Leave it alone.”

Clay’s boots click on the floor as he steps toward us, a dazzling smile on his face. “Now, see, here’s the thing. Sheriff’s off to see about a horse and he left me in charge. I know you won’t go ’gainst Sheriff’s orders.”

Hatred creeps up the corners of the Warden’s face, the crease between his lips showing those sharp, white teeth.

Clay ignores the Warden’s grimace and points at me. “What’s the kid here for?”

Eyes snap back to me. When Clay’s meet mine, my face flushes. I got no words.

Arn answers from his cell. “Posted my bail.”

“That so?” Clay stops and crosses his arms over his chest. His blue eyes deepen in hue the closer he gets.

I nod. I want to pull my bandanna up over my face to hide the blush that’s burning up my cheeks.

“Well then, let’s get ‘em on their way.” Clay winds his hand in a hurry-up motion.

The Warden holsters his gun. He begins cranking his neck back and forth like a ruffled chicken. Black curls escape their grease mortar and bob back and forth. “This … this is outrageous. When the Sheriff learns of this—”

“He’ll be pleased as punch we dealt with our neighbors without shootin’ holes in ’em this time.” Clay’s face carries a hint of mischief. This boy, no more than eighteen, must be somebody around here.

The Warden stomps out the door, spitting curses. Clay watches, a smirk at the corners of his mouth.

I’m too shocked to move. Just a minute ago, I was being locked up. Now a handsome boy keeps smiling at me. I let a tentative smile creep onto my face until I remember how guarded I have to be. Clay’s the Sheriff’s right-hand man. One good deed and a handsome smile can’t erase all the people they’ve hurt, all those women sent to the Breeders.

Clay’s crisp button-down shirt tightens around the muscles of his arms as he stretches out his arm. “You got bail for this man?”

I wring my hands and force myself to focus. “I was gonna trade my quad.”

His palm is smooth, clean. I wonder what he thinks of my grimy fingers as I dig the quad key out of my pants pocket and drop it in his hand.

He closes his hand over the key. “All set. Darrel, unlock the cell.”

Darrel lurches forward and unlocks Arn’s cell. Arn shuffles out and I slide myself under his arm for support. As we head toward the door, I gather the courage to meet Clay’s eyes.

“Thank you,” I say. “I hope I can repay this kindness.” More blush. My cheeks will catch fire if I don’t get out now.