Fortune and Glory (Stephanie Plum 27)

“George?” I asked.

“Oh jeez,” he said. “I know who you are. How did you find me?”

“You gave this as your address,” I told him. “It’s on your bond application.”

“Oh yeah. I forgot about that.” He stepped outside and closed the door behind him. “So, what’s up?”

“You missed your court date. You have to reschedule.”

“Did they tell you I have PTSD?”

“No. Were you in the military?”

“No. College. It was a bad trip.”

“Okay, but you still need to reschedule.”

“Here’s the thing. I don’t want to involve my parents. They’re sort of freaked-out about me. My mom won’t go to the bakery anymore because… you know.”

“I do,” I said. “I know. That was an unfortunate emergency.”

“Yes! OMG, you understand. That’s so amazing. Thank you.”

“Sure, but you still have to reschedule your court date.”

“I get it,” Potts said. “How do we do this?”

“I can take you to the courthouse and get you re-bonded.”

“That would be cool. That would be amazingly cool. And we don’t have to involve my parents?”

Here’s the dilemma. If I say his parents won’t be involved, it’s not a fib, but the reality is he won’t get out of jail unless he finds someone else to post his bond. If I tell him the whole story, he probably won’t get in my car.

“What do you want to hear?” I asked him.

“Something good. Like you want to come in and hang out in my room with me.”

“Not going to happen.”

“I have a PlayStation and a big tub of cheese puffs. They’re made from corn and the cheese dust is lactose free.”

“No. Never.”

“That’s harsh. Never is a long time.”

“Are you going downtown with me, or do I have to get your parents involved?”

“Wow,” he said, “you play hardball.”

I pulled cuffs out of my back pocket and clapped one on his wrist, and he squealed like a pig.

“Get it off! Get it off!” he said, jumping away. “I don’t like it. I’m feeling anxiety. I’m feeling panic. I’m feeling faint. Call 911. I need a doctor. I need a paper bag. I need a joint.”

“I haven’t got any of those things,” I said. “Do you want me to get your mother?”

“No! Not my mother. I’m feeling better. I just need a moment. You surprised me. I’m not good with surprises.”

“I should put the other bracelet on you,” I said.