I expected problems and I’d been instructed how to handle them. “Sir, I assure you I have no intentions of breaking any laws or rules. My intent is to live quietly and earn an honest wage.”

“Here’s my reminder that you gave up your Fourth Amendment rights as a condition of your parole. Expect me to be at your door often. This community and my family are important to me.”

“I understand, sir. So is my family.”

“Then tell me why your father called our office—worried about your release. Claims you threatened the entire family. Do this town a favor and leave on the first bus in the morning.”

3

My first day in prison, a spider skittered across my cell floor. I knew for sure it planned to attack me, and I had no way to escape. Now sitting in Officer Hughes’s cruiser until Edie Campbell arrived, the same panic threatened to paralyze me.

I’d survived the spider. A twinge of comfort rested there.

Why had the officer made such a ridiculous claim about me? “I have no intention of leaving, and I haven’t spoken to my family since the judge pronounced my sentence. My father has no reason to fear my release.”

“Ma’am, the sheriff told me about the call.”

I feigned interest in the dark street. One thing prison had taught me was to curb my actions and reactions. Right now, I wanted to wipe the smirk off Officer Hughes’s face. But losing control invited trouble.

“Do you have a job?” His voice broke through the steady tapping of raindrops against his windshield.

“I have a job at a café here in town, and I design jewelry.”

“Edie told me about your skills. You gotta be real good to make it in the arts and crafts world around these parts.” He frowned. “Folks might not be willing to buy your stuff since you’re—”

“I know what I am, Officer Hughes. My jewelry is unique, and it will sell.” Confidence and uncertainty exchanged punches on my ribs.

“Just sayin’ you might have to find other work too. The Winsome Horse Stables is always searching for someone to muck out their stalls.”

“Sounds like honest work to me.”

“Smelly. But I’m sure you’re used to that.”

“Is rudeness a way to protect your sister, or do you naturally oppose those who’ve made mistakes?”

“Fresh starts are for deserving people. I’m—”

A knock on the driver’s window stopped him. He slid the window down, the rain spattering inside. “You made good time.”

“My neighbor is a saint.” An attractive woman with shoulder-length brown hair and carrying an umbrella peered into the window. “Shelby, good to finally meet you.” Her smile broke through the gloom. “I’m sorry about my mistake. Has my brother been treating you with Southern hospitality?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I’m Edie. The ma’am stuff makes me feel like I’m a hundred years old.”

“Thanks, Edie.” I grabbed my bag from the floorboard and opened the door. “Thank you, Officer Hughes, for coming to my rescue.”