Keeping the Peace by Linda Cunningham Read Free Book Online

these wrecks to Rick’s?”
    “Yeah,” John affirmed, “that’s as good a plan as any right now.”
    “What’d you do with that rock star?”
    “Rock star?”
    “Yeah, the guy that hit your daughter.”
    “Rock star?” John repeated.
    “Yeah, man.” Larry stained the snow with a random spit of tobacco juice. “The guy’s some sort of rock star. They’re supposed to be playing Winter Carnival up at Dartmouth this weekend.”
    The beleaguered chief gave one of his short, sharp sighs. He was beginning to understand.
    Larry snorted. “I can’t believe you didn’t know that, man. You gotta keep up with things. Your kid’ll know. Ask her. Apparently, he’s quite the heartthrob. From California. Can’t imagine what made him think he could drive in a blizzard like this, especially in that Mercedes. Stupid, I guess. Now, you wouldn’t see Toby Keith doing something like that.”
    “Hmm,” said John. “Thanks, Larry. I gotta get to the hospital.”
    The wrecker driver waved his hand. The wrecker-beast bounded forward into position. The newly enlightened police chief got into his Suburban and drove off.

Chapter Five
    J OHN C OULD S EE M ELANIE W AITING F OR H IM just inside as the hospital’s automatic doors slid open. They reached out and clasped hands in the gesture that was a habitual communication between them ever since they’d become a couple. It meant that everything was okay now because they’re together.
    Melanie said, “She’s over here, in the ER. They’re getting ready to X-ray that shoulder.”
    “So it might be broken?” he asked as she took his arm and guided him through the reception area. Ahead, past the curtain of one of the little cubicles, he could see his daughter lying on the bed. She wore a foam collar around her neck and her eyes were closed.
    “I don’t think so,” said Melanie. “She moved it around pretty good for the doctor. They just want to X-ray and make sure.” Gently, she pulled back the curtain. “Baby,” she said, “Daddy’s here.”
    Mia opened her eyes, then closed them again.
    “How’re you feeling, Mouse?” John approached slowly and sat on the edge of the bed.
    Mia’s eyes flashed open, and she raised herself on her pillow, grimacing a little with pain. Then she spoke with conviction and authority. “Daddy,” she said, “tell me you did not give Gabriel Strand a ticket or an injunction or whatever it is you give for this. I really hope not. It’s Gabriel Strand, Dad. What was Steve Bruno grilling him like that for? You should be handling this, Dad. Really. This is huge.”
    John’s first response was indignation, but he retained his passive expression and looked back over his shoulder at Melanie, who was standing behind him, a small smile on her lips. “Am I the only one who doesn’t know this person?” he said, trying to appear nonchalant. “Who the hell is this guy? What’s he doing here? And why the hell am I supposed to be impressed?”
    “Mom, you tell him,” said the girl with exasperation, falling back against her pillow.
    Melanie walked around and sat in the chair near the head of the bed.
    “It appears that we were lucky enough to have our car wrecked by one of the hottest pop stars of the day,” she said.
    “There’s no reason to be sarcastic.” Mia pouted, fluffing her thin hospital blanket peevishly.
    “And that matters why?” John persisted.
    This time, Melanie shrugged and wiggled her eyebrows.
    “Daddy, listen, I know you don’t know, but Gabriel Strand is the lead singer of Ragged Rainbow. It’s the hottest group out there. I love their stuff. I know you’ve heard it.”
    “Not that I know of,” said the chief. “Have you?” He looked at Melanie.
    “Yes, I’ve heard it. It’s pretty good.”
    “Pretty good!” exclaimed the teenager. “I guess it’s pretty good. It’s the best! And they’re going to be at Winter Carnival at Dartmouth.”
    “So Larry told me when he came to drag your mother’s car