Ma put an arm around her shoulders. "You go ahead and cry. Lawd knows you got reason enough."
Another arm slipped around her shoulder and Billy Ray kissed her temple. "I'm sorry, Mary Jo. Please don't cry."
She sniffed and tried to control the sobs. "I know. I'm just tired." She stood. "I'm going to lie down for a while. If Barrett comes, will you wake me?"
"Sure," Ma said, and Billy Ray echoed her words.
In her room, Mary Jo cried until she could cry no more. Ma and Billy Ray had tried to comfort her. In spite of all that she had done, they were on her side. That felt good - for her, but Barrett didn't have anyone. He must have been as scared as she was - probably worse. At least her life wasn't in jeopardy at any time.
Sirens grew louder and three police cars passed their house, blue lights flashing. They went down the road a piece and after a few minutes they all stopped. They heard nothing more, but that was probably a good thing.
It was nearly daylight when a car stopped at the house and dropped off Barrett.
Mary Jo leaped off her bed and ran out into the family room as Ma let him in. She didn't even pause before running to him. He took her in his arms and kissed her soundly right there in front of Ma, Billy Ray and God. She didn't care who was looking.
Finally she drew back and looked up at him. "I was so scared when you fell."
"I didn't fall. I can't run, so I decided to drop into the brush."
It had never occurred to her that he wouldn't be able to run. Of course he couldn't. It was difficult enough for him to walk on uneven ground or in the brush. And yet, he made sure Billy Ray got out of there.
He slid his hand down her arm and took her hand in his, lacing his fingers through hers. "Officer Ryan told me how you got away from the other officer - Lucas. That was pretty clever. As it turns out, Lucas was under investigation. He has been covering for the Hudsons - for a cut of their profits. Logan suspected someone at the department was involved. So did Officer Ryan. He had him under surveillance when you came down the road. I heard enough from the thugs to implicate him. Officer Ryan thinks one of them will talk to clear themselves." He looked at Ma. "It looks like your husband was right. Of course, they will still have to prove it, but your son's case will be reopened as a possible homicide."