“Sure. What’s the number?”

I gave him the numbers, and he pressed them in while I feigned interest in a candy display, my focus somewhere between lemon sours and bitter chocolate. When he returned the phone to me, it rang twice and a woman answered. “Mrs. Campbell?” I said.

“Yes.”

“This is Shelby Pearce. I’m at the bus station—”

“Oh, my goodness! I thought you were arriving tomorrow night. I’m so sorry.”

“That’s okay.”

“Hold tight, hon. I’ll be there. Just need to make arrangements for my kids. They’re asleep.”

“I can call Pastor Emory.” My number two contact per the parole guidelines.

“Not a good idea. His whole family has the stomach flu.”

“Can you recommend a place where I could spend the night? I’d hate to inconvenience you.” I’d earmarked the little money in my jean pocket for groceries.

“Heavens, no. This is my fault, and I want to show you the cabin. Give me about thirty minutes. I’ll be driving a white Ford SUV.”

“I’ll be looking for you. And I appreciate all you’ve done.”

“Glad to help. See you soon.”

I clenched my belly to stop this unwanted worry. I was made of stronger stuff than this. After gathering my composure, I placed the phone on the counter and thanked the young man.

“Need anything else?” He pointed to a clock on the back wall. “We close in ten minutes.”

“A restroom?”

He pointed to the left rear.

The lights in the building dimmed, and I stepped outside. Rain splashed onto the concrete. The second time today I’d been drenched.

A police car pulled in front of the store. The headlights seemed to shine through my soul as though examining the detestable part of me. An officer exited his car and walked toward me with deliberate, heavy steps. He seemed to be in his forties and losing his hair at the crown, but I could tell little else with his head bent low in the rain.

Heat rose from my neck. Did he plan to arrest me for something? Logic told me cops weren’t the enemy, but I still trembled.

“Are you Shelby Pearce?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’m Officer Hughes. Edie Campbell called me. She’s on her way. Asked me to look after you until she arrived. Want to sit in my car out of the rain?”

“I appreciate it.” My shoulders relaxed.

We hurried to his cruiser, and he opened the door for me. A first. He rushed around to the other side, bringing the rain with him. Once seated, he eyed me squarely. “I speak my mind, Ms. Pearce. Edie is my sister. She’s a widow raising two kids by herself while working full-time. I don’t agree with her renting out the cabin to an ex-con, especially a murderer. But she has a mind of her own. Believes she’s doing the right, Christian thing. As the only family left since her husband passed, I look out for her. The bottom line is, if you break one condition of your parole, I’ll escort you back to prison myself.”