Free Jimmy by Robert Whitlow

conversations you remember?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œDoes it happen a lot?”
    â€œSometimes.”
    â€œCan you tell me another example?”
    â€œOf what?”
    â€œA conversation you remember.”
    Jimmy reached down and patted Buster on the head. “Uncle Bart promised Aunt Jill that he would take her to Panama City. That one got me into trouble too.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œBecause I repeated the promise. He made it when we were eating dinner at their house before Christmas. He told her that if she got him a piece of apple pie with ice cream on it, he’d take her to Panama City.”
    â€œDid he admit it after you reminded him of the conversation?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œDid he say you were right?”
    â€œYes, sir. And Mama told me yesterday that Uncle Bart, Aunt Jill, and my cousin Walt are going to Panama City for a week as soon as school is out for the summer.”
    Deputy Askew chuckled. “Do you remember what we talked about last week when I took you to get an ice cream at the Stop-n-Go?”
    â€œNo, sir, but I ate a banana Popsicle, and you ate an ice-cream bar. I told you ‘thank you’ because you paid for it.”
    â€œThat’s right. We talked about fishing for carp at Webb’s Pond. You wouldn’t tell me the bait mixture your grandpa uses when he’s fishing in tournaments.”
    Buster put his front paws on the seat and looked up at Jimmy. “I don’t remember about the bait because he uses different kinds. When can I come back to the jail and help wash cars?”
    Deputy Askew shook his head. “I’m sorry, Jimmy, but your parents are right. It’s better for you to wait until we find out what’s going to happen with Sheriff Brinson.”
    Jimmy’s sadness felt worse than it had that morning. “See, I wish I’d kept my mouth shut and not gone to court.”
    â€œNo, you needed to tell what you heard. Not enough people come forward and tell the truth.”
    â€œBut what about washing the cars?”
    â€œI promise to let you know as soon as it’s okay to come back. You do a great job on my car. You don’t think I want to lose that, do you?”
    â€œI guess not.”
    â€œGood. I’ll give you and Buster a ride home.”
    When they pulled into the Mitchell driveway, Jimmy opened the door, and Buster jumped out of the car.
    â€œThanks for the ride,” Jimmy said.
    â€œYou bet.” The deputy paused. “Here, turn on the siren for a second.”
    Jimmy’s eyes opened wide. “Are you sure?”
    â€œYes. It’s my way of showing you that I’m not mad at you.”
    Jimmy flicked the switch, and the car wailed. It sounded strange so close to his house.
    â€œI’ll call you as soon as it’s okay to come back,” the deputy added.
    Jimmy got out of the car and leaned over. “And I promise to do a better job on the inside of your car.”
    Jimmy shut the door, and the deputy backed out of the driveway. Jimmy waved.
    â€œJ IMMY L EE M ITCHELL ! G ET UP HERE THIS SECOND !”
    Jimmy turned and saw Mama standing on the front porch with her hands on her hips and a frown on her face. He ran toward the porch. Buster joined him and jumped up the steps beside him.
    â€œWhy on earth did someone from the sheriff’s department bring you home and turn on the siren? I didn’t know what had happened to you. I knew I shouldn’t have let you walk over to your grandparents’ house by yourself.”
    Mama paused for a breath.
    â€œIt was Deputy Askew,” Jimmy began.
    â€œI would have thought your grandpa would bring you home in his truck.”
    â€œHe was soaking his feet in water.”
    â€œThat’s what towels are for. Where did the deputy find you?”
    Jimmy hesitated, then took Mama by the hand. She initially pulled away but then allowed him to guide her down the steps.
    â€œWhat