Wright In Danger

Chapter Twenty One

As she knew she would be, June was immediately worried once she'd answered. Loraine had to quickly reassure her that Beau had been a complete gentleman. That he had acted in no way to upset her. Once she was placated, telling her the real reason for calling her had her going quiet a moment. When she spoke again it was to tell her she was on the way. Loraine watched as everyone cleared out, except Beau. His eyes had been fixed on Ina. Most likely thinking she would try and stick around to chat. Not that he would have any of that.

When she was gone, his attention returned to the spot Allison's body had been. She was worried for his state of mind. How hard he was being on himself. June pulled up a short time later. Loraine took her eyes off Beau just as June engulfed her in a hug. "Are you okay?" Pulling away, she kept her hands on her shoulders. The concern in her gaze pulled at Loraine. "Truthfully, not really. I will be though. Thanks for coming." Letting out a sigh, June turned her eyes in Beau's direction, the concern not leaving her face. "Having had Colson come here must have been difficult. Is he beating himself up over it?"

Her sisters intuitiveness never took her by surprise. "He is but I'm not commenting on it. He needs his space and I'll respect that." Beau looked over just then. Laying eyes on June, he lifted his hand in greeting, making his way over. His expression had relaxed by the time he reached them. "Thank you for coming by to get her. Much appreciated." She shook her head. "I'll always come when she calls. I'm sorry your night took this turn." His brow flicked up at her apology.

"You have nothing to apologize for. The job has a tendency to take any amount of turns at any and all given moments." Pressing her lips together, she merely nodded. "We should get going. Not hold you up," Loraine said. Though what that would be she didn't have the slightest idea. "If it's okay with you, I'd like to swing by when I'm through here, say a proper good night." She nodded. "That would be fine." Giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze, she headed for June's car. Once she'd shut her door, she leaned her head against the seat. Letting out a sigh, she realized June hadn't started up the car.

Turning her eyes on her, the returning gaze she received was searching. "What do you need from me?" She was just going to give the simple answer and say take me home. Seeing how focused she was, she wouldn't do that to her. "I want to change into my pajamas and drink a cup of peach tea." June's smile was brief. "I'll make that tea for you and stay awhile. That okay?" She nodded. "That's fine." Walking through her front door, she didn't wait to make it to the bedroom before kicking off her heels. 

The immediate relief had her groaning. Rubbing each heel, June started past her to the kitchen. "What were you going before I called?" Pausing at the threshold, she looked back. "Nothing interesting. Watching some terrible reality show. I was just about to turn it off when you called." She felt slightly better knowing she hadn't kept her from sleep. "Thank you for tonight. Really. I appreciate it. You." A tentative smile touched her lips. "As I said. Anytime. Now. Go change and I'll get your tea." Picking up her heels, she made her way into the bedroom. She wasted  no time stripping down and letting her hair loose.

Looking at her reflection there were no tell tale signs of what type of night she'd had. Not wanting to dwell, she shifted her attention to getting comfortable. Pulling a pair of grey sweats and matching shirt, she dressed quickly. She was looking forward to her tea as she left the room. Stepping into the kitchen, June was pouring the hot water into the cup. When she turned, she startled slightly. "Gosh! I didn't hear you come in." Approaching with an apologetic smile, she picked up the tea, inhaling the scent.

She felt better without having taken the first sip. June turned her, guiding them back into the living room and onto the couch. "I didn't fully realize how much I needed this." June sat with her legs tucked under her. "Tea always has a way of coming to the rescue. Hopefully it'll help you achieve better sleep tonight." That would be nice. As this had to be one of the longest nights she'd endured. As she continued to sip her tea, her mind turned to Beau. Wondering how long he was going to stay at the cemetery. 

He hadn't looked hard enough. Even now as he stood in the empty cemetery, he was lost as to where he wasn't looking. This was on him. No matter the expression on Loraine's face that told him it wasn't. When Colson was ready to talk again, he was going to grill him for answers. As he was the one person that knew her best. In the meantime the people of Clairview were going to want to know their next steps going forward. Which meant another press conference. Tomorrow was going to be trying. The other question aside from how had no one seen the body dropped off. Why did the kidnapper/murderer choose the cemetery. 

There was no use standing there going in circles with questions. He needed to get on with his night. Loraine was owed a proper good night and he was going to give her one. Pulling up to the house, he noted June's car. It made him feel better knowing that Loraine wasn't alone right then. Climbing from the car, he made his way to the porch. He only managed two knocks when the door swung open to June. She didn't immediately speak as she took him in. "Sorry. Come on in."

Stepping in, he turned towards the living room. Loraine was sitting on the couch, a mug in her hands having already changed into pajamas. He looked forward to going home and unwinding himself. When she made to get up he held up a hand in a stopping motion. She didn't need to get uncomfortable for him. Making his way over, he eased down beside her. From the way her shoulders hunched he could tell she was tired. They didn't say anything for a moment. Only gazed at each other. "I'm going to head home now," June announced. With a terse wave, she was through the door.

"I won't stay long. I know you want to get to bed. Before I say good night. I want to say thank you. For helping me out with Maple and Colson. There are times like those I wish I had the ability to split myself to help everyone. Having you there though to jump in the way you did..." Setting down her tea she placed her hand over his. "Of course I was going to help you. I'd feel awful if I hadn't. Having seen the look of utter devastation on Colson's face though." 

Yeah...No doubt the guy was going to be in a state of shock for the rest of the night. It would be best if he stayed the night at the station. The idea of him being alone right now didn't sit well with him. "He's going to need all the support he can get in these coming days." She nodded, eyes falling to their hands. "Tomorrow is going to be a lot. I take it there's going to be another press conference?" He nodded. "I don't relish the ways the phones are going to ring off the hooks. 

No. She didn't think he would. All the questions were going to be pertaining to him and how he didn't catch the kidnapper now turned murderer in time. She hated to think about it. Even more she hated that he had to think about it. "Hey. I'm going to be alright. I've been through this more than a few times. I know how to talk to the people. Ease their worries. Trust me." She did. "Will you stop in tomorrow? If you don't think you can spare the time, I completely understand." Waiting until she lifted her eyes to his again, he pressed his forehead against hers. "I'll make the time for you. I will."

Arriving back at he station, the chief was just coming out of the break room with a coffee. Seeing Beau, he started in his direction. "Tanner. How is Loraine?" Rehashing their conversation, his lips turned down at the mention of the press conference. "Can't say as I'm looking forward to it but it's already being put together. The mayor and I have agreed it's best you don't speak this time. Ina will no doubt be int he crowd and she'll want to go for your throat. I'm not giving her the chance."