The Merriest Magnolia (Magnolia Sisters #2) - Michelle Major Page 0,50
“Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
Sam stayed stiff for a long moment then sagged against Dylan. “Sorry,” he whispered.
“I know.” Dylan pulled back. He placed his hands on Sam’s thin shoulders. “You’re also grounded for the rest of your life.”
“Why aren’t you yelling?” Sam asked, forehead wrinkling.
“That will come,” Dylan promised. “But right now I’m still basking in the fact that you’re okay. Don’t push your luck.”
A stricken look flitted across Sam’s features. “The noise was terrible. The brakes and the car skidded and hit the guard rail.” He sniffed and looked away. “Can you imagine how much worse it was in a plane?”
“Don’t go there right now. You’re here and you’re fine, Sam. We need to keep it that way.”
The boy nodded as he swiped the sleeve of his jacket across his cheeks.
“I’m going to go talk to the police for a minute and then we’ll head home.”
“Yeah.” Sam nodded. “I don’t want to see anyone right now. The other guys...”
“The car is unlocked.” Dylan gave Sam another hug. “I’ll be there shortly.”
Sam handed Dylan the blanket then started down the shoulder toward the Porsche. It was strangely difficult to watch him walk away. The hours Sam had been gone were the most terrified Dylan had felt in a long time. How was he supposed to keep the boy safe if he couldn’t even keep track of him?
He found the police chief talking to another man near the wrecked vehicle. A wave of nausea spun through Dylan as he took in the mangled front of the SUV. From what he understood, there’d been five kids in the car, so they were extremely lucky no one had been seriously injured.
The officer turned slightly as Dylan approached. “I’m Sam Scott’s guardian.” Dylan reached out a hand. He ignored the other man, who appeared to be the owner of the wrecked car, which meant his kid had been the one drinking and driving. Dylan knew if he engaged with the guy, it would go badly. He needed to focus on Sam. “If there’s nothing else you need from him we’re going to head home.”
The chief, whose name badge read Drew Garrison, nodded. “There was a lot of stupidity today, but the other boys were quick to tell me that Sam hadn’t been drinking with them. He made a bad decision getting in that car, though, when the driver had been.”
“Khale doesn’t drink,” the other man interjected. “Your test must be screwed up.”
The officer held up a hand to silence the angry father. “In a minute, Mr. Morris.” He returned his attention to Dylan. “I hope Sam understands how serious this is.”
“His parents died in a plane crash a year and a half ago,” Dylan said tightly. “He gets it.”
Chief Garrison blew out a breath. “No wonder he seemed especially shaken. If you need anything, reach out. He’s new to the high school, right?”
Dylan nodded.
“He’s the student who vandalized the school before Thanksgiving,” the dad offered. “My son has never been in trouble and suddenly this juvenile delinquent shows up and I’ve got a totaled car. Coincidence? I don’t—”
Dylan spun on the man and grabbed his shirtfront, pulling him close. “Not another word about my kid.”
“He’s not even yours,” the dad muttered.
“Hey, Kevin,” Garrison said, “don’t be more of an ass than you already are. Khale was drinking and driving. That’s on him and it’s for the two of you to deal with, no one else.”
“Sam is my responsibility,” Dylan said, enunciating every syllable. The rage coursing through him made his voice tremble. “He’s a good kid who’s made some bad choices. We’re working on it.” He forced himself to calm down and released Kevin. “I’d advise you to do the same with your son. Because if I hear one more word about how today was Sam’s fault, you and I are going to have issues. I guarantee you don’t want that.”
“Are you threatening me?” Kevin demanded, flicking an imploring glance toward the officer. “Did you hear that?”
“Nope,” the chief said. “Not a word.”
Kevin threw up his hands then turned and stalked toward the tow truck that had just pulled up to the scene.
“Thanks,” Dylan said to the lawman.
“Take care of your kid,” Garrison answered. “Gray Atwell told me about how he came to be in your care. I’m new to Magnolia, but a few guys at the station have been talking about your return.”
Dylan blew out a soft laugh. “That can’t be good, but just know Sam isn’t like me back