Reno Runaway (Nevada Bad Boys 3)

“Wait, do you know her? Are you related to her?” I put my hand on the door to stop it from closing completely.

“You better leave right now or I’m calling Sheriff James!” She yelled so loud that it startled me and soon as I pulled my hand away, the door slammed.

Well, that was weird.

I got a similar response at the next house, and nobody answered the door when I got to the third one, despite the fact there were cars in the driveway. I got back on my motorcycle and started riding towards the last address on my list. Something wasn’t sitting right with me about the town of Dahlonega. Johanna described it was backwards, but she never described it as downright hostile. That didn’t make sense, even for a stranger. I turned down the street towards the last house and then I heard a siren. I looked in my mirror and saw a police car following me with lights flashing.

What the hell, the speed limit is thirty-five and I’m not even going thirty.

“Is there a problem, officer?” I pulled off my helmet as the man walked up to me.

“Maybe. I’ve been getting reports that you’re terrorizing people. I need to see your license and registration.” He put his hands on his hips.

“Sheriff James...” I looked at the name on his badge. “I see.”

“License and registration, son.” He held out his hand.

“I’m just in town for a wedding.” I pulled my license and registration out of my wallet. “One of my friends is getting married tomorrow. You probably know her. Johanna Vance?”

“Cody Smith.” He stared at my license. “Why does that name sound familiar?”

The sheriff walked back to his patrol car without waiting for me to respond. It was all but confirmed in writing that something was off about the town of Dahlonega. I watched the sheriff in my rearview mirror as he communicated with someone over his radio. He finally exited his vehicle and walked back towards me. I saw his hand move behind his back and he pulled out a pair of handcuffs. My heart started beating in my ears and I felt my jaw tense up.

“Mr. Smith, I need you to step off the motorcycle. I’m going to place you under arrest.” He waved his finger at me as he spoke.

“For what?” I didn’t move but I turned my head so I could look at him.

“Disturbing the peace. I don’t know why you’re here, but no invitations were sent out for that wedding. I think it is in the best interest of everyone here if you stay locked up until it’s over.” He moved his hand to his gun.

“No. Fuck you.” I let the engine roar to life and spun gravel before he could remove his gun from the holster.

I got a good head start before he could get back to his patrol car. It was a small town, but I was able to weave through several streets and get out of sight before he could find me. I was going to have to lay low and stay hidden. It was the only way I would make it to the wedding. If Johanna rejected me, then I was definitely going to prison. I might even end up there regardless after fleeing from the sheriff. I was going to have to put everything on the line for the one thing I believed in—love.

Chapter 13: Johanna

Reverend Brent’s words were like fire in my ears. I felt sick to my stomach and I thought I was going to throw up before we even got to the vows. I had accepted my future with Scott, but there was nothing that could make me like it. I closed my eyes and just waited for it to be over. I would have to say the vows, but there would be no truth behind them. Suddenly, Reverend Brent stopped talking. There was a loud roar and I heard noise from the crowd. I opened my eyes in confusion.

“What is this?” Reverend Brent took a step forward.

“Oh my god! Cody!” I practically screamed when I saw him.

It was like something out of a dream. He rode his motorcycle into the church courtyard with the engine roaring at full speed. People started standing and then they scattered when he didn’t slow down. He came barreling towards us and finally hit the brakes in front of me, causing the back tire to whip around. It sent chunks of grass and dirt flying at Revered Brent, who immediately stepped to the side to avoid being covered.

“I’m sorry, Reverend Brent. I’ll get him out of here.” Sheriff James ran past us and grabbed Cody by the arm. “You’re going to jail, young man.”

“Yeah, but not yet.” Cody grabbed Sheriff Brent by the back of the head and with one swift motion, he introduced the aging sheriff’s face to his knee.

Sheriff Brent collapsed on the spot and appeared to be unconscious. Scott stood with his eyes wide, as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His groomsmen seemed frozen in place like deer caught in the headlights. My father jumped in front of me and pushed Cody away. Cody shook his head and the next thing I knew, my father was on ground as well, courtesy of Cody’s right fist.

“Anyone else?” Cody looked around and then at Scott. “How about you?”

“No.” Scott shook his head quickly.

“You?” Cody roared at Reverend Brent, who immediately cowered.

“This is my son’s wedding day!” Reverend Brent held his hand out as if he was afraid of being struck, even as he spoke. “You’re interfering with God’s plan!”

“Johanna, you’re not getting married until you tell me to my face that it’s over.” Cody turned towards me. “I deserve that much. You left without even saying goodbye.”