The Terms of Release Read Online Free PDF Page B

drinking, sir?” The guy was all business, but Sage knew that tone of voice—embarrassment mixed with anger. Prison guards who had been told to rough up a prisoner used that same tone.
    “Just coffee, Officer.” Just like last night. And the night before.
    “Step out of the vehicle, please.”
    “Yes, sir.” He counted backward from one hundred as he got out. God, he was tired of this shit.
    “Step away from the door for a sobriety test, please.”
    He gritted his teeth, his feet moving even if he didn’t want them to. The second set of lights going off behind the first made him want to scream. It was going to happen, one day there’d be something, no matter how hard he’d try, and he’d be back in jail again. It was inevitable. But please God, don’t let it be today.
    “What’s going on here, Bill?” a new voice asked, and Sage knew it, which surprised him—the cop from the diner.
    “Just making a routine stop. DUI.”
    “Yeah?” Win walked into the circle of light, peering at him. “Funny, I just saw him leave Wilma’s, and you know she doesn’t serve booze.”
    The cop shrugged. “I got…. Sheriff said to.”
    “Well, you’ve done your part. Now, move on.” Win’s voice cracked like a whip.
    “Yes, sir. Win.” The kid handed Sage his driver’s license back.
    Sage stood there. Was this where the man was going to start whaling on him?
    “Go on, Bill. You get any flack, you tell the sheriff to talk to me.”
    “Night, Win.” The lights went off, and the black-and-white headed away, leaving Sage standing there.
    Waiting.
    “You okay, then?” Win stood five feet away, almost as still as Sage was.
    “Yes, Officer. I don’t drink.” Ever.
    “No, I don’t imagine you do.” Win stepped closer, and Sage tensed, his muscles pulling in, ready for the blow he expected. So long as he could get home, that was all he needed.
    “I’m not out to hurt you, Sage. Believe it or not, I’m on your side.”
    “I doubt your uncle or your boss would approve of that.” Oh Christ, Sage. Shut. Up.
    “Teddy and Jim are both my uncles, believe it or not. They don’t much approve of me.” The sudden grin Win gave him made Sage want to smile, almost.
    “No? They’re not my biggest fans either.”
    “I know.” Win shook his head, lips pressing tight. “Look, I’ll do my best to keep the department off your back.”
    “I’d appreciate that. I am keeping my nose clean. I see my parole officer. I do my piss tests. I’m good.”
    “Yeah. Yeah.” Win sighed. “Look, I’m sorry, okay? Just, from someone who knows better about Angel and all.”
    Sage’s eyes went wide so fast they pulled on the corners. No one but Momma had said that, ever. He wondered for a moment if it was some kind of trap, trying to get him to say something stupid, but Win just grimaced.
    “I know it’s shitty to talk ill of the dead, but he never did live up to his name.” Win pulled out a card. “You call me if you need help. Okay?”
    He took the card, surprised to see his hand shaking. “Thank you.”
    “No problem. I mean it.” Win’s grimace turned into a warm and genuine smile. “It took guts to come back here.”
    “My folks need me. I owe them.”
    “Well, remember there’s more than them in your corner.”
    “I appreciate it.” He just didn’t believe it. “Have a good evening, Officer.”
    “You too, Sage.” Win stood there, though, staring.
    He didn’t know quite what to do. “You… you done with me?”
    “I—Yeah. Yeah, I’m sorry.”
    “No apologies necessary. I… I’m sorry your cousin died.”
    “Thanks.” Win stepped forward, thrusting a hand at him. “I—Thanks. It’s been good to meet you.”
    “Shit, man.” He shook. “I’m just glad you didn’t shoot me.”
    Win laughed, a short, surprised sound. “Not me. I’d be aware of how tall a hat I wore, though, if I were you.”
    “I know. Thanks for the warning.” Sage backed off, feeling about ten thousand years old and