The Lying Season (Seasons #1) - K.A. Linde Page 0,28

and down with the attention of someone who knew my history with Lark before he took my hand. “And you’re Sam. The Sam.”

My eyes flicked to Lark’s once, and she just shrugged guiltily.

“Yeah, I guess I am.”

Penn’s eyes darkened. Oh, he didn’t like me. He had definitely heard Lark’s side of the story.

“I hear that you’re working for the campaign now.”

“Legal counsel. That’s why I’m here.”

“And you’re just friends,” Penn said in a way that made it seem like Lark had told him that.

“Penn,” Lark said with a sigh, “it’s really not the time. We’re dealing with your brother.”

“We’re just friends,” I told Penn even though he didn’t believe me. “But I agree with Lark. We’re not here to discuss the past. We’re here because your brother was arrested. Have you heard what’s going on so far?”

“Leslie stormed back there a few minutes ago with another attorney,” Lark said. “They wouldn’t let Penn or me do anything. We’ve just been waiting.”

Lark had barely finished her statement when the door burst open, and Mayor Kensington sauntered out of the police station as if she owned the place. Which, as mayor…it wasn’t too far off.

Behind her was a diminutive man with almost completely white hair in a boxy suit, who must be their attorney.

And behind him…was Court. His shoulders were back, and he looked like he was on top of the world. But I could see the strain behind his eyes, the forced set of his shoulders, and the way he walked like he was going to collapse at any second. It was there, and it wasn’t. As if he were two people overlapped. The real Court and the fake Court.

The mayor stalked right over to where Penn stood with Lark and me. “We’re putting this ridiculous mess behind us. Court did nothing wrong, except perhaps act with some stupidity. They’re not going to file any charges. We’re leaving. Are you coming with us?”

Penn nodded. “Yeah. Of course.”

Leslie’s eyes shifted to Lark. They softened in a way they hadn’t quite for her sons. “Thank you for everything.” She reached out and gripped Lark’s hand. It was then I realized the mayor was trying to keep herself from trembling. “Could you call Shawn and get him caught up? We’ll need everyone in the office bright and early. This is going to be a circus.”

“Yes. Yes, of course. I’ll call Shawn,” Lark told her. “I’ll take care of it. Go be with your boys.”

Leslie nodded once and then released her. Like a hurricane, she left as quickly as she’d arrived, sweeping everyone else out with her.

Slightly delirious, Lark and I hustled out in the wake of the crowd, avoiding the reporters who were camped out front. Without a word, we started together down the sidewalk. Away from the media circus that Leslie had already predicted.

This whole thing wasn’t really in my job description. I primarily did campaign finance law. I didn’t even know if I would have been able to get Court released. The mayor had so much clout. I should have considered that. But instead, at the sound of Lark’s shaky voice and the knowledge that my friend had been arrested, I’d bolted.

Even though…it was clear that I hadn’t ended up being needed, I didn’t feel like this was a waste.

I walked side by side with Lark as she clutched her phone, trying not to lose it. I’d seen her exhausted and sleep-deprived and sobbing from anger at the election. But I’d never seen her like this. She was so strong. This was…unnerving.

“Are you okay?” I finally asked.

She nodded. “Yeah,” she lied. “I mean…I have to call Shawn.” She stopped and turned to face me. Her hands were visibly trembling now. She looked down at her phone and tried to get it to work. “I have to…tell him what happened.”

“Hey. Hey,” I said. I put my hand over hers. She flinched, but I didn’t let go. I pried the phone from her hand. “How about I call Shawn?”

“No, I need to do it. Leslie told me.”

“Yeah. And you’re delegating.” We passed a bench, and I veered her toward it. “Have a seat. You’re shaking.”

“Am I?” she whispered.

“Yes.”

“It’s just that…I’ve never seen Leslie upset before. Not really,” she admitted. “I don’t know why I’m so freaked out.”

“It’s okay. It’s normal. Just sit.”

So, she sat. She sat the entire time I was on the phone with Shawn, explaining the situation and why I was talking on Lark’s phone. It didn’t take long, but now, Shawn