Songs for Cricket by Laine, E. (best books to read in your 20s TXT) 📗

“You should,” I snapped, but the door closed, and Hastings was gone from view.

Cooper moved the chairs again, and August held open the door we entered so we could exit.

The main area wasn’t large, and Shepard wasn’t there. I didn’t go to the waiting room but held back by one of the empty desks, waiting for Shepard to come though the only other door in view.

23

finley

When Shepard was finally ushered through the door, I flung myself in his arms.

“You’re okay,” I whispered, feeling tears prick at the back of my eyes.

I knew even more than my brothers how the idea of ever going to jail was a death sentence in Shepard’s mind. We had a few candid moments after everything went down with his father where he’d spoken openly about his fear of being associated with anything his dad had done.

“I’m happy to see you,” he murmured.

Then I realized I’d hung on a little too long and stepped back, bowing my head some, unable to meet Shepard’s eyes. August moved in and bro hugged him, one hand between them while the other clapped his back. Cooper was next before Finn waved us out.

“You guys should go to class. I hate that you missed the first day because of me,” Shepard said.

August gave him an incredulous look. “No way, bro. We stick together. We’re family.”

Cooper nodded, and I was grateful when no one turned in my direction. I loved Shepard, but not how I did my brothers.

“I have a class later I have to teach. Who’s riding with me?”

Finn’s family was rich, way more than my family. His car was designed for use with his disability, and I wouldn’t doubt he’d have a car that drove itself.

“You guys go ahead. I’m going to skip class today and head home,” Shepard said.

“Me too.” When my brothers looked at me, I shrugged. “There’s some new reporter stalking me. Besides, I have the car and can take Shep home.”

“I can skip too,” August offered. “If you want some company.”

Shepard shook his head. “Go ahead. I’ll see you guys later.”

Cooper said, “Finley, don’t forget Coach said you had to be at afternoon practice.”

I nodded. Finn then gave us instructions on how to use the garage in the back of the house if a TV crew was there waiting on us.

“Where will you park?” I asked.

“I won’t be back before you leave in the afternoon,” he said.

Then they were gone, and Shepard and I hustled to my car. I had a feeling if the TV crew wasn’t at our place, they would be on their way back to the police station.

As I drove down our street, I spotted the news van.

“They work quickly,” I muttered.

“That’s what they do,” Shepard said.

Then again, he would know. There had been a media circus surrounding his family when the news had broken about his dad’s arrest.

We drove down the narrow alley, and it was clear it would be a tight squeeze for the TV truck. Shepard got out and opened the garage with a code. I pulled in and found the two spaces empty. It gave enough room for Finn to use a ramp to get into his van.

We locked up and entered the backyard. I found myself looking up for the cameras based on what we saw.

“Those cameras saved my life,” Shepard said.

“You’ve seen the footage?” We stopped short of the backdoor.

“No.”

Of course he hadn’t. They hadn’t taken the tablet from Finn.

“Miller, one of the detectives—” I nodded, letting him know I knew who that was. “—he made a point of telling me that I wasn’t off the hook. Once they prove the video was faked, he’ll be back to arrest me.”

I reached up to cup his face as I stared into his blue eyes. He caught my hand and glanced at the camera again.

“We should get inside before that reporter decides to nose around.”

I agreed and used my keys to enter the house. We didn’t stop on the lower level. The front picture window was wide open, luckily, no one was peeking inside yet. They were probably searching the street for our point of entrance.

We hurried up the stairs, and before Shepard could slip into his room, I said, “I never doubted for one moment you weren’t innocent.”

His hand dropped from the knob, but the door having been released swung open.

“Thank you.”

I started to turn and stopped. I thought about how Lacey’s claim had so easily taken Shepard away. And if Finn didn’t have that footage, how long might it have been before I could talk to him again. There was something I needed to know.

“Shep,” I faced him again and watched as he did a slow turn.

“Yes.”

His voice was barely above a whisper. Was that fear I heard coating his tone?

“There is just one thing,” I said.

He lifted a hand as if reaching for me, but it stopped. “I’m sorry about Friday night.”

Slowly, I let my head shift side to side. “Who is Cricket?”

His head dropped, and he took several deep breaths before pivoting and moving to sit on his bed, hands clasped in front of him.

It seemed like miles between us, and I thought about running. Would the truth hurt or set me free? I closed the distance, stepping just inside his door.

“You don’t have to tell me, but is she a real person?”

He nodded, but he didn’t meet my gaze.

“But the gold and fire doesn’t describe Lacey?” I asked. He shook his head. “Tori?”

His head jerked up, and I saw the confusion on his face. “No, not Tori either.”

Though it may not have been the best time, I wanted to demand he tell me so I could give up my illusions that his “I love you” had been real. I was afraid if I didn’t ask now, I might not ever have the courage to.

“I wasn’t describing the color of her eyes in the song, but rather what I saw in her soul.”

My breath caught at the poetic nature of his