Free Shattered by Dani Pettrey

Kayden asked.
    “I’ll push it as long as I can.” Landon opened the door to confer with Thoreau.
    “I brought you some things.” Piper handed the package to Reef. The package Landon had searched. He’d claimed it was protocol, and she understood his needing to follow the rules, but seriously, what’d he think—that she’d slipped a shiv in there? How absurd. She wasn’t a criminal, and neither was her brother.
    Reef pulled out the red-and-white snowflake-patterned quilt that always adorned the family room couch at Christmas. If he couldn’t spend Christmas at home, she’d bring as much of it as she could to him.
    Next he pulled out the tin of cookies. She’d been sending them to him every Christmas since he’d left Yancey. Praying one year he’d finally make it home. And now that he had, he was spending it behind bars.
    “Thanks, Piper.” He cracked the lid. “Butterscotch.” A real smile curled softly on his face. “My favorite.”
    “I know.” She ran her hand through his hair. “Just like I know you’re innocent.”
    Deputy Thoreau opened the door a crack. “Time’s up.”
    Landon stepped inside. “Sorry, guys.”
    Reef stood, trying to put on a brave front, but she knew he was scared. She could see it in his eyes. Just like when he was a little boy terrified of thunder—every storm she’d find him cowering in the coat closet. She’d crawl in with a flashlight, a handful of books, and a warm blanket; and the two of themwould huddle under the blanket, reading by flashlight until long after the storm passed.
    Often their mother would find them there the next morning, still asleep. The first time, she’d nearly had a heart attack, thinking they were missing, but after subsequent storms, she knew exactly where to look. How Piper wished this storm would pass.
    She embraced Reef tightly as Thoreau stepped into the room to haul him away. “I won’t stop fighting until I get you out of here, Reef. You have my word.”

9
    Landon found Cole and Bailey waiting in his office when he returned from escorting Reef back to his cell. Bailey stood as he entered. “I’ll wait in the lobby.” She planted a kiss on Cole’s cheek and gave Landon a hug before leaving.
    “How’s Piper?” He was so worried about her.
    “She’s a lot stronger than she appears.”
    A family member’s guilt would test even the strongest of faith—it had flat out crushed his fledgling one.
    “But . . .” Cole sighed.
    “But?” Landon leaned forward.
    “It’s probably nothing.” Cole shook his head. “We’re all under a lot of strain, and so much has happened. . . .”
    “What’s going on?”
    Cole rubbed his hands along his thighs. “Piper thinks someone may have broken into the house the night of Reef’s arrest.” He relayed everything. The unlocked back door, the opened cupboard, and the deep-sleeping husky.
    “Anything missing?”
    “Not that we can tell.”
    “How’s Rori now?”
    “Fine. Look, I know Piper’s imagination can get going, but . . .”
    “Her gut instinct is usually right.” It was impressive, really, though he’d never admit it to her. It’d only fuel her antics.“What about yours? You think someone broke in and drugged the dog?”
    Cole sighed. “I don’t know what to think anymore. I’ve asked the girls to be extra diligent, but I’d say there’s nothing to be done for now.”
    “I’m sorry, man. Let me know if I can do anything.”
    Cole nodded. “Harland’s coming by the house tonight. I’d like you to be there.”
    Would that prove to be too much a conflict of interest? Would he have to pull back when the McKennas needed him most?
    “It’s cool if you don’t—”
    “No, I’d love to be there. It’s just I don’t think it’s ethical if I sit in on that discussion.”
    “Right.” Cole slid his hands in his pockets. “I hadn’t thought of that. Well, at least drop by for dinner afterward. Bailey’s making her Irish stew.”
    “I’ll be