But then I remember what Leelee said about Sierra’s nephew getting into trouble. There was no way that was his first fight. Maybe the drink was to buy me off. The muffin to butter me up.
I didn’t know what these people wanted, but I did know that every time I crossed their path my resolve wavered, making me susceptible to breaking the rules. Rules that were created for a reason.
The next morning, Leelee stands over my bed with her hands on her hips. I blink back the sleep and realize it’s light outside, not the normal predawn hours I’ve been waking up. “The deal for staying here is school and work. Your online summer program doesn’t start until next week but you’ve lost a day’s work. I’ll give you a break since yesterday was a little unusual, but that’s it. Show up in an hour or we’re going to have to reconsider this arrangement.”
I rub my face. “Okay. I’ll be there.”
I shower quickly, knowing I’ve pushed my luck. When I get to the office fifteen minutes early she’s on the cushioned stool by the front desk, cup of coffee in hand, talking to a woman at the counter.
Not just a woman.
Sierra.
“Well, he had a good run,” Leelee says, not realizing I’ve walked in the back door. “How long has it been since his last fight?”
“About six months. Things have been better and he’s kept his temper in check, but something about that guy made him snap.”
“But it seems like the counseling is helping.”
“I guess, or I thought so until yesterday. He hasn’t said much to me about it, but something must have triggered that reaction, you know how he is.”
“Mmhmm.” My grandmother takes a sip of coffee. “He’s not the only one not talking. Starlee mustn’t have told her mother, because if she had she’d be on a plane right now to pick her up.”
“If Dex’s probation officer finds out, they’ll toss him back in juvie or worse, since he’s eighteen now.”
“I’m not ready for her to go,” my grandmother confesses. “I really think I can help her.”
The two women sip their coffee and I feel awkward and rude hiding in the back, so I clear my voice and step into the room. Both of their eyes sweep over me. Leelee’s, I assume, is making sure I’m in one piece. The other woman? Probably trying to figure out who the girl is that her brother risked going to jail for.
“Starlee,” my grandmother says, breaking the silence, “You’ve met Sierra
, right?”
“Not officially,” I say, “but you’ve helped me at the coffee shop and well, yesterday morning.”
“I’m Dexter’s sister,” the woman said. I get a better look at her in the light. Similar dark hair, although hers is long and two pigtails, and their eyes are the same color gray. She’s probably in her early twenties. “I’m sorry you got caught up in that. I came over to apologize.” She pointed to a paper coffee cup and a wrapped muffin. “And to bring you that. I had a feeling you may not be too keen on coming over any time soon.”
“You didn’t need to do that,” I say, touching the side of the cup and feeling the warmth of the drink. “That guy wouldn’t leave me alone and your brother, Dexter, stopped him.”
“That guy was bothering you?” Sierra asks. Leelee’s expression turns concerned.
“He wanted money and when I told him I didn’t have any, he pulled out a knife.”
“That backpacker threatened you?” Leelee pales. “Why didn’t you tell us that yesterday?”
“I don’t know. I guess I figured Dexter would say something, or the guy.” I fight back the slow rise of emotions.
“Oh, Starlee,” my grandmother says, reaching for me and pulling me close. “It’s so unusual for something like this to happen here. Crime and violence in particular are very rare.”
“It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have gone out alone like that.”
“No, that’s not true. Lee Vines is a safe place—normally—that was an oddity. I don’t want you to be afraid.”
I believe her, except I also knew what I said was true. It was my fault. My mother told me over and over not to go out alone. The world is scary. Men are awful. Sure, Dexter came to my aid, but the beating he gave that man was not about me. I have no doubt about that. He obviously has a history; didn’t his sister say he has a probation officer?
“Where is he now?” I ask. “The backpacker guy?”
“Once they stopped the fight, Tom drove him to June Lake, where there’s a clinic. They probably called the police, except neither you nor Dexter said what happened, so they may not be looking at it like a crime. Depends on what he said.” Sierra studies me. “If the police come around, they may need a statement from you.”