Ain't Shady Baby, I'm Hot

90

"And you're sure you're fine? Just let me dri-"

"Rafe." I cut him off, unfastening my seatbelt and turning to face him. "If you want your precious alibi to work, then I need to get my bike from where I left it."

I started leaving but was yanked back into the truck by Rafe. His face over the console. The guy who'd just offered to take me to the station gone.

To anyone looking, we appeared to be two people saying goodbye. Rafe's hand grabbing my chin to keep eye contact.

"You screw me and you'll have screwed yourself." I grabbed Rafe's hand ripping it from my chin. My eyes darting out to see the curious stares as people walked past. My eyes back on his as I spoke. Gaze never straying.

Just two people saying goodbye.

"I've been told to go fuck myself quite a lot, haven't been too keen on the idea." I brushed my lips over his knuckles as if I was kissing his hand. "Don't worry, Cameron. This isn't a game to me." The words hung in the air.

This was life. And I'm walking a fine line with a gun at my back.

I'm just waiting for the gunsman to blink.

"Don't miss me too much." I taunted mood shifting as I pulled on my mask. Easily slipping into my roll of acting like the Xena Tallen people expected.

My house of cards now a fort of steel.

I had work to do.

"Xena." I turned back around as I slid free of the truck, my feet on the ground. "You forgot something." I cocked an eyebrow my eyes rolling as I crawled back in, knees on the seat.

"Not gonna happen, tough guy."

"You scared?" He taunted getting closer to my face.

"You should be."

I was out of the truck before he could notice that it wasn't just a playful taunt. A double-edged threat I'd happily deliver if I needed.

"Good morning, Mia! Could I get a peach-mango smoothie to go?"

"Course, Xena. I saw you left your bike overnight. Everything, okay?"

"Yup, had a friend drop me off." I handed over the cash, her hand stopping me from pulling away as she looked at the ring. The African American woman gave me a look I could only deem meant-

"Bullshit." Yup, definitely what she was conveying, "some friend. He also drop that off."

"You caught me. But you can't say anything." I caught one of the kitchen staff peering into our conversation. "It was a birthday present." I whispered loudly fidgeting with the ring.

"Don't worry. I ain't gonna tell no one. It was that Cameron boy, though wasn't it?" I nearly laughed knowing I had her hooked.

Mia loved a good story, but she loved a good secret. Wasn't good at keeping them. But that's what I needed. More people talking to keep Ward and Rafe satisfied.

"Peach-mango, to-go, with a punch of protein for the beautiful rose in front of me." I grinned grabbing the drink with my right hand.

"Thank you, Trev. You always make me feel special."

"Happy birthday, Xena." Mia called out as I left the small smoothie stand. My hand raising and waving as I already started to drink my breakfast.

Mia and Trev would be gossiping like nobody's business. It was perfect.

Until it wasn't.

On the telephone pole in front of my bike there hung a wanted poster. And John B was smack dab in the center.

_______•*•*•*•________

"Where's Deputy Shoupe?" I asked, trying to smooth my hair down as I held the creased paper in my hand.

"He's right back in the office. Xena-"

I left the front desk pushing through the door to the back and made a beeline for Peterkin's old office.

"Shoupe-"

"Xena? Are you al-" he stood up from behind Peterkin's desk.

"What is this?" I shut the door behind me and raised the paper up.

"Xena, listen. I need you to breathe." He came around the table.

"Shoupe- this, John B?" He didn't shoot Peterkin is what I should be saying. I should be coming to Shoupe with the truth.

I was there. I saw Rafe shoot Peterkin. John B is innocent. Sarah Cameron is a witness. I have all the information. I- I also have a hammer ready to drop on my family and friends.

Damnit Xena!

"Xena. I know this is probably very shocking. But I need you to sit down. And I need you to breathe." I did as he said. My hand crumpling the paper as I slid my backpack to the floor.

"Sheriff Peterkin was shot yesterday on a private airstrip. Ward Cameron called it in. He was eye witness to John B sho- shooting her." I watched his face shape into a mask hiding his emotion. But his eyes weren't as easily concealed.

He was pained. Mourning. But he had so much rage burning inside of him.

"I don't believe that. Do you have the murder weapon?"

"No. I'm assuming it's still with him. Or he took it and disposed of it elsewhere. Xena, have you had any contact with John B? With any of your friends?"

"No. I haven't. Not in about four days." Shoupe nodded, believing me as I spoke with confidence. Bristling at the idea of Shoupe using me to get to my friends.

"Look. Xena. I understand if this is too much for you and you need to take a break from this internship at this time. No one would blame you. Your friend just killed a sheriff. It's a lot." He folded his hands over his chest reclining back in her chair.

we think you should take a break

do more with that brain of yours

You're a smart kid, Xena. You're quick. Thorough.

Intern file, 13-23

"Okay. But only a week. I, I won't be able to just sit still." I conceded, "I just, don't believe John B is the one behind it."

"Damn it, Xena." I took a deep breath fear grabbing at my tongue as I looked up at the older male.

"I. In a week, I'm coming back. I- I am going to go home." I pushed my chair back standing up. "Thank you, Sheriff Shoupe." He sighed as I stood up. The air slowly clearing from the hostile jolt I felt prior.

"Xena." I turned to face Shoupe. Eyes wide as I forced a breath in. "Happy Birthday."

I gave him a weak smile resting my hand on the door handle.

"I'll be back in a week." And hopefully by that point I'll have figured out a way to clear John B and- and bag Ward for killing Big John.

But in the meantime.