Chapter 7

I heard the patrol car crunching gravel before I saw it in my rear view mirror. It pulled up behind me and parked.

"I'm guessing this is official, so I should say, 'What can I do for you deputy?' instead of how you doing Dan?"

"It's official," he confirmed. Dan Boyd walked around the car and got in on the passenger side. "We got a complaint that you refused to leave school property."

"I'm just waiting to pick up Tam."

"But you've been suspended?"

"Yep, about twenty minutes ago. Apparently there are several words you're not supposed to use when referring to your vice principal."

Deputy Boyd look surprised, but nodded. "You do know that when you're suspended you can't be on school grounds?"

"School's out in ten. I'll pick up Tami and be on my way."

Deputy Boyd hesitated. After all, I was trying to be reasonable. "I can't let you stay," he said after a few seconds. "The school complained."

"I see. Just out of curiosity, who complained?"

"Charlie Parker called the sheriff."

"What happens if I don't leave?"

"I arrest you." He sounded like he'd regret that.

"If I didn't mind leaving Tami stranded, I'd let you. Could be fun."

"Tony, this isn't a joke. Getting arrested and getting a record is no laughing matter."

"Dan, do you know where you are?"

"I... of course."

"Really? You're sitting in Bob Sorrenson's pasture. He lets the school use it for overflow parking. That's why it isn't paved."

Dan nodded. It was one of those things you knew but never thought about. Sorrenson had been letting the school use it longer than I'd been alive.

"I know Mr. Sorrenson. I doubt he has any problem with me parking here, but if he does, I'll move."

Deputy Boyd nodded with a hint of a smile and started getting out. "What exactly did you call Charley?"

I shrugged. "You'd have to ask Luke Hastings. It's a little fuzzy to me."

Tami came out of the school and looked around. I had to honk three times before she saw me, since I'd parked next to the school that morning.

"Why are you over here?"

"I decided not to wait until March."

"March? What does March have to do with anything. I... Oh, Tony, not again." I nodded. "What happened?"

"Long story. Can you wait until Robbie comes over to beat me up."

"Again?"

I nodded.

We drove to the middle school and picked up Traci and Kelly, then dropped them at the gym. I hadn't told Gary that I wasn't doing football yet. I was kind of enjoying having some free time.

Just before dinner I suggested to Tami that she spend some quality time with her future sister-in-law. One thing about Tami, she takes hints really well.