Chapter Eight

Brenna and Beau lounged on opposite ends of the couch. Her feet rested comfortably on his lap.

"Feeling warmer now?" she asked.

"Yes, my toes were nearly frozen while trudging through the snow. But I can finally feel them again."

"I was only outside for a short time and even my feet were cold."

Beau reached out to touch her foot and when his thumb grazed the sole, she quickly pulled it away. He raised an eyebrow curiously. "Are you ticklish?"

"No," Brenna replied.

"No? Are you sure?" He playfully ran his finger along the bottom of her foot and when she tried to escape, he grabbed her ankle.

"Beau..." she attempted to sound serious but couldn't hold back her laughter.

"What? You said you weren't ticklish." He grinned.

"I'm not. It's just that—" She couldn't finish her sentence as he began tickling her foot. The more she squirmed and squealed with laughter, the more he continued to tease her.

He held onto her ankle tightly as his fingers danced across the sensitive skin of her foot until she kicked him in the face by accident.

"Ouch!" He let go of her foot and rubbed his cheek, shooting her a glare.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" Brenna apologized between giggles.

Beau grunted in pain, still holding his cheek. "I'll probably have a bruised face tomorrow."

Feeling guilty, Brenna sat up straight and removed her feet from Beau's lap.

"I didn't mean to kick you in the face, Beau. I was just trying to get away. Let me make it better." She leaned forward and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"It's fine," he reassured her as he pulled her onto his lap and planted a kiss on the top of her head.

"I'll get you some ice, maybe it will help with the swelling," Brenna offered.

"Don't worry about it. It's my fault for tickling you like that. I never expected such a strong reaction." Beau chuckled.

"But I bet you'll feel it tomorrow. The ice will definitely help," she insisted as she got up to retrieve some ice.

Beau grabbed her wrist. "Just stay here with me, please. It's okay, I promise."

"Alright, if you're sure." She settled back down beside him on the couch.

"I am, but maybe if you kiss it again..." He raised an eyebrow.

Brenna smiled and leaned in to give him another kiss on the cheek, then traced her lips across his cheek to his mouth and kissed him tenderly.

Beau wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, deepening the kiss before pulling away slowly to look into her eyes.

"I've missed you," he whispered.

"It's only been a couple days, Beau."

"Am I not allowed to miss you after just a couple days?"

She laughed. "Of course, you can. And I missed you too. At first, I was hoping the snow would stop so we could be together, but now I don't care how much it snows because you're here with me. School has already been cancelled for tomorrow, but you'll have to get to work, won't you?"

"I seriously doubt I'll make it to the office, but I am going to try to get home tomorrow. Tonight, I'm not going anywhere, unless it's to bed with you." He kissed her again, and she moaned against his lips.

Brenna stood; her hand entwined with his as she led him to her bedroom. The room was bathed in a soft, seductive glow from the single candle flickering on the nightstand. Its flame danced in time with their heavy breaths, casting shadows across the walls and igniting a deep desire within them both. As they undressed each other, their bodies became illuminated by the warm light, revealing every curve and muscle.

The air was thick with anticipation as their hands roamed over one another's skin, tracing lines of passion and need. Their fingers dug into each other's flesh, leaving marks that served as reminders of their intense desire. With each touch, they ignited a fire within themselves that could only be quenched by the other.

As they fell onto the mattress, their hips ground together in a desperate dance for pleasure. Brenna kissed him deeply, her tongue exploring every inch of his mouth as his hand slid up her thigh and under her panties. His teasing touch against her clitoris sent shivers down her spine, and she moaned into his mouth, urging him to go further.

Her body squirmed beneath him as he pressed his knuckle against her sensitive bundle of nerves, driving her wild with pleasure. While his other hand found one of her nipples and rubbed it, eliciting gasps of delight from deep within her throat.

With each gentle tug and pull on her nipple, Brenna arched her back off the bed in response to the mixed sensations of pain and pleasure coursing through her body. Her hands fisted in his hair, pulling him closer as she grinded herself against him, craving that ultimate release.

"Beau," she whispered between ragged breaths. "Please." Her plea was met with even more intensity as he leaned down to take a nipple into his mouth, sucking hard while rolling it between his teeth. Brenna's entire body trembled with pleasure as she gave in to the overwhelming ecstasy that consumed her.

"Let go, baby. Let go," Beau murmured against her lips, his hands gripping her tightly as they moved in perfect rhythm. She cried out as she reached her peak, her body trembling in ecstasy.

He rolled off her and quickly grabbed a condom, putting it on before slowly inching into her wet heat. They both groaned as he stilled, then started to move his hips in a steady rhythm. She wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, pulling him closer as he thrust deeper inside of her.

Their moans and cries filled the room as they moved harder and faster against each other, their bodies connected in a primal dance. The world fell away and there was only the two of them, lost in the heat and passion of the moment.

When another orgasm rushed over her, she cried out again, and Beau groaned as he came.

Beau rolled over onto his back and pulled her close to him. They lay there, panting and tangled in each other's arms, their skin still glowing with the remnants of their lovemaking.

"Sex has never been this good, Brenna, and it's because of you," Beau said as he kissed the top of her head.

"Same here. I'm so glad we got together."

"I am too, baby." He moved away from her. "I'll be right back. Don't move."

Brenna laughed. "Couldn't if I wanted to."

He chuckled as he disappeared into the bathroom.

****

Beau disposed of the condom and stood at the sink, washing his hands. He stared at his reflection and hoped this was going to continue with her. He liked her. A lot, and he couldn't seem to get enough of her.

He glanced at the door. Did she want the same? He hoped so. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and entered the bedroom to see she had pulled the blankets back and was waiting for him.

"I'll be back. Don't go anywhere," she said with a smile, as she got out of bed.

"Yes, ma'am. Wasn't planning to." He got into bed and waited for her.

She returned in no time, crawled in beside him, and placed her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and held her as they drifted off to sleep.

It was two days before he was able to finally make it into the office, but it seemed like hardly anyone else had managed to do the same. He settled into his desk chair and began filling out a report on the horse that had been found.

"Morning, Beau," Dave greeted as he walked past, heading toward his own office.

"Morning, Dave. Looks like not many people made it in."

"I'm honestly surprised anyone did. Most of you live outside of town. I live near the edge, and it was bad enough for me."

"Mr. Barton was out yesterday with his backhoe, clearing up most of the snow." Beau grinned.

"It's good he does that. Not sure I'd be up for it at his age."

"That man will outlive us all." Beau chuckled.

"No doubt about it. What are you working on?"

"I found the Lawrence's horse."

"Alive?"

"Yeah, but she's really thin. But at least she'll get proper care now that she's back home."

"What about the kid?"

"He's still in juvie. I made him wait until I saw how the horse was doing before deciding if I'll help him or not."

"And will you?"

"I'm not sure yet, Dave. That poor horse could have died from starvation or gotten attacked by wolves. It makes me so angry that those kids didn't seem to care at all about her well-being. To them, it was just a harmless prank."

"I really hope this doesn't become a trend now."

Beau leaned back in his chair. "I'm hoping for the same thing, but you know how kids can be. They always try to one-up each other."

"That's the last thing we need. They don't understand that their actions could take valuable resources away from more important cases."

"How will we ever stop them if we don't make an example out of a few?"

"I see your point. Hopefully, it's all over now." Dave let out a heavy sigh. "I suppose we'll find out soon enough." Dave tilted his head. "Where did you get that bruise on your cheek? Were you in a fight?"

Beau chuckled. "No. I was kicked by a woman. I guess you shouldn't tickle a woman's foot. Who knew how ticklish she could be?"

Dave laughed. "My wife is so ticklish, all you have to do is touch her side and she's laughing, but she's never kicked me."

"Well, in all honesty, she didn't mean to kick me. She was trying to get away. Lesson learned."

Dave laughed. "Good thing. I'll be in my office if you need me. I have a lot of work to catch up on."

Beau nodded as Dave retreated to his office and closed the door behind him. Beau couldn't help but wonder how Brenna's day was going so far. School was back in session, so she must be busy trying to catch up after two days off.

He thought about asking her to spend the weekend at his place. He just couldn't get enough of her, in every sense of the word. He loved her sense of humor and her personality; the amazing sex was just an added bonus. He grinned as he picked up his phone and sent her a text, inviting her to spend the weekend with him and go to Dewey's Saturday night. Her immediate response of ‘yes' made him chuckle.

"Hey Beau," Killian greeted as he walked over to his desk and took a seat.

"Killian, I wasn't sure you'd make it in today."

"I would've found a way. I was going crazy being cooped up inside for two days."

Beau chuckled. "I bet you were."

Killian raised an eyebrow. "You weren't?"

"Not really, I had company." Beau smirked.

"Well damn, I need to find myself a woman." Killian laughed.

"Are you going to Eli's wedding?"

"He invited me, but I'm not sure yet."

"It'll be a great opportunity to meet some single women at the reception." Beau grinned.

"You know what, you're right. I think I will go."

"I knew that would change your mind." Beau sighed. "I still have no idea what to do with that boy."

"Good luck, I don't envy your position. It's a tough call." Killian shook his head. "On one hand I'd want to teach him a lesson and leave him there, but on the other, that could make things worse when he gets out. But honestly, I'd let him stew for a week or two. Let him see what he has to look forward to if he doesn't cooperate."

"My thoughts exactly." Beau stood up. "Have a good day, Killian."

"You too."

Beau put on his coat and hat before leaving the office and heading to his truck. He dreaded going to see Donnie Simpson at the detention center; he was still unsure of how to handle the troubled teenager, but for now, he wasn't going to do anything.

Saturday evening, Beau drove his truck to Dewey's. He could smell Brenna's light perfume and he wanted to say, screw this, let's just stay home, but he knew she wanted a night out since being kept indoors for days.

"I am so ready to get out," she said.

"Me too. Getting out to go to work isn't the same as getting out after being stuck indoors for a while."

"The kids were rambunctious after the last two days of being cooped up. They told me their parents didn't let them out to play in the snow." Brenna chuckled.

"It was too deep for that." Beau nodded.

"I'm so happy that Mr. Barton loves getting his backhoe out."

Beau grinned. "He does seem to enjoy it, doesn't he?"

****

Brenna nodded as Beau maneuvered the truck into a parking spot at Dewey's bar. The lot was full, a sign that many others were also suffering from cabin fever.

"Looks like we'll have to walk a bit," Beau said.

"That's alright, I just want to let loose and have some fun," she replied with a smile.

"Rough couple of days?" he asked sympathetically.

"Thursday and Friday were exhausting. My students were unusually energetic and hard to control. I think next time it snows, I'll call all the parents and tell them to let their kids play outside so they don't bring all that energy back into the classroom." Brenna sighed.

Beau chuckled. "I could never be a teacher. I don't have that kind of patience."

"Oh, you definitely need it," Brenna replied with a laugh, then she looked at him with a grin. "I'm glad to see the bruise faded. People would think of you as a battered man."

"I know I won't be doing that again for sure." Beau chuckled.

They walked hand in hand through the parking lot toward the sound of lively music coming from inside the bar. Beau held open the door for her and they entered a crowded but vibrant atmosphere. He leaned close to her ear.

"Do you want to sit at the bar or try for a table?"

"I think our chances are better at the bar," she replied with a grin.

He nodded and led them through the crowd toward an empty spot at the bar. They settled onto two stools and Beau signaled for the bartender. He ordered a soda since he was driving, while Brenna got her usual drink and took a sip as she observed the energetic crowd. She couldn't help but smile as she watched people line dancing and she planned to get in a few of those, and slow dance with Beau.

Suddenly, the cheering of the crowd near the entrance caught everyone's attention. Brenna grinned as she spotted Grant and Jessa Hunter, accompanied by Kay and Landry Yates, making their way through the throng of people.

"I hope he sings," she said excitedly.

"He probably will," Beau replied.

As Grant approached them, Beau shook his hand in greeting. "Hey Grant, how's it going?"

"Good, good. How are you two?" Grant asked with a smile before turning to Brenna. "And as beautiful as ever, Brenna." He hugged her, then Jessa did.

Beau exchanged handshakes with Landry and a hug with Kay. Brenna also embraced the happy couple.

"It's great to see you all," she exclaimed.

"We were just about to get a table. Would you like to join us?" Grant offered.

Brenna looked at Beau who shrugged and grinned, indicating his willingness to change plans.

"That sounds like a great idea," she responded, and they all walked over to an open table where they could catch up properly.

As the night went on, Brenna's cheeks began to hurt from laughing so much. Grant loved teasing Jessa, while Landry seemed to enjoy playfully teasing Kay. When the band played The Best of my Love, a song by the Eagles, everyone at their table got up to slow dance. Brenna rested her head on Beau's chest as they swayed to the music.

"I'm having such a wonderful time, Beau," she whispered.

"Me too—damn it," he swore.

She looked up at him questioningly. "What's wrong?"

"Liz and Eric are here."

"Where?" She scanned the room.

"Over by the stage, dancing. Why do they always seem to end up wherever we are?"

"I have no idea, but we'll just ignore them. I refuse to let them ruin our night."

"Okay." He pulled her closer and rested his chin on her head.

Brenna was thinking the same thing as Beau; why did Liz and Eric always show up wherever they were? She meant it when she told him she wouldn't let them ruin their night.

When she caught Liz glaring at her, she couldn't help but smirk back, causing Liz to quickly look away and say something to Eric. His gaze turned in their direction with a cold expression before settling on Beau. Brenna knew that look; Eric was trying to provoke Beau.

"Let it go, Beau," she urged him. "He's just trying to get a reaction out of you."

"He's pushing it."

"He knows you won't do anything in here."

"We can go outside if he wants."

Brenna laughed. "Please, he'd back down in a heartbeat."

Beau chuckled along with her. "You're probably right."

"They act like we're the ones who did something wrong."

"I'd love the chance to punch him. Not because he slept with my wife, but because he was supposed to be a friend and I trusted him. Both of them would just look us in the eye and lie. I despise liars."

"I know, Beau. But we have each other now, right?" She gazed into his eyes, searching for any trace of doubt.

"Yes, we do," he confirmed.

"Then let's just ignore them."

"Okay. But if he ever speaks to me, I won't hesitate to shut him up."

Brenna couldn't help but ask, "Are you really over Liz?"

Beau looked at her with surprise. "Why would you even ask that? Of course, I am."

She shrugged nonchalantly. "You just seem so upset with him."

He paused before responding, "Tell me you aren't still angry at Liz."

Brenna let out a heavy sigh. "Yeah, I see your point. I'm not a violent person, but I could definitely slap her and feel good about it."

Beau chuckled in agreement. "That's exactly how I feel."

When the song ended, they returned to their table and ordered more drinks. An hour later, Grant and Kay took the stage and the crowd cheered as they started singing together.

"I want to get in this line dance," Brenna said excitedly as she got to her feet.

"Me too," Jessa chimed in and stood up as well.

They joined in on the dance and had fun until Brenna noticed Liz getting in line next to her. She ignored her and focused on dancing. After the song ended, she returned to her seat next to Beau.

"Did she say anything to you?" he asked cautiously.

"Nope, and if she had, I think I might have thrown a punch."

Beau chuckled again and said jokingly, "Go for it."

Brenna couldn't help but laugh. "I'd end up in jail."

"Nah, you know Sam well enough. I'm sure he'd let it slide… at least once," Beau replied with a smirk on his face.

"I'm sure."

They stayed a little longer then when she saw Beau trying to hide a yawn, she touched his hand, making him look at her.

"If you want to leave, we can. You look tired."

"I'm beat. Since I was out of the office for two days, I had a lot catching up to do."

"Then let's go."

"If you're sure."

Brenna stood and pulled him to his feet. "I am. I'm tired too."

After telling the others they were leaving, Beau took her hand and led her through the crowd, and then outside. They walked to his truck, climbed inside, and after starting it, Beau drove them to his place.

The following Saturday, Brenna stood in front of her bedroom mirror, making sure everything was perfect for Eli's wedding. Her navy-blue dress hugged her figure and flowed elegantly to her knees, completing the look with matching heels. She let her hair down, cascading over her shoulders, and her makeup was flawless.

After giving herself one last glance, she took a deep breath and walked out to the living room to wait for Beau. He would be picking her up soon.

When he knocked on the door, she opened it with a smile. "You look very handsome," she said.

Beau's lips twisted into a grin. "I hate suits."

Brenna ran her eyes over him. He wore a western-style black suit with a white shirt, bolo tie, black cowboy boots, and a black felt cowboy hat perched on his head.

"But you look nice in it," she said.

"Not as nice as you, darlin'. You look beautiful." He flashed another smile. "Can I take that off you later?"

"If I say yes, you'll want to leave the reception early. If I say no, you won't have a good time."

"But we'll have a good time when we come back."

"Stop. We're staying for a while. I love weddings."

"Okay." He sighed.

Brenna laughed and Beau picked up her coat before holding it out for her. After she slipped her arms into it, she grabbed her purse, and they headed outside. Beau held her hand as they walked down the steps and opened the door to his truck for her. After helping her inside, he walked around and climbed into the driver's seat before starting the engine and driving them to the church in Clifton.

As they walked across the parking lot, Brenna grinned at the crowd of people standing outside the church. It had become a tradition when Jake Stone married Becca Daniels years ago. It didn't matter what the weather was; hot, cold, raining, or snowing; the crowd was there. Today, even though cold, was a beautiful day with the sun shining down and not a cloud in the blue sky.

Beau led Brenna up the steps, opened one of the wooden doors, and nodded for her to go inside, then he followed her.

Since there were no groomsmen, just Creed as Eli's best man, they walked to a pew themselves, and slid in beside Brett and JoJo Watkins.

"Hey, you two," Beau said in a low voice.

"Beau, how are you?" JoJo asked.

"Great. You look beautiful, JoJo. Do you two know Brenna?"

"Yes. Hi, Brenna. You look gorgeous." JoJo smiled.

"Thank you. Same to you, JoJo. Brett, you look very handsome." Brenna and JoJo laughed when Brett mumbled about being in a suit.

"Beau, do you mind if we squeeze in here?" Trick Dillon asked.

"Oh, hey, Trick. Rayna. No problem." Beau said as they all slid along to the pew to make room for them.

JoJo leaned over and whispered to Brenna. "That man is just gorgeous. I mean, I know our men are too, but if you mention Trick's name to any woman, they all say he is so—"

"Devastatingly handsome," Brenna and JoJo said together and giggled, then sobered when Beau and Brett frowned at them. Once they turned away, the two women laughed.

"A lot of men around here are. Do you know Logan Townson?" Brenna asked JoJo.

"Oh, God, yes. He's just gorgeous. Too bad he moved away," JoJo said with a sigh, then gasped. "Oh, and your brother. Good Lord!"

"My grandmother calls Jack devilishly handsome. He's my brother but even I can see how good-looking he is. When he was just a boy, Grandma used to say he was going to be a lady-killer when he grew up," Brenna said.

"Your grandmother was right. I had a huge crush on Jack."

"Who is this Jack person, and do I need to worry?" Brett asked, causing all of them to laugh.

"Never, baby." JoJo kissed her husband's cheek.

"Colt Monroe, too." Brenna nodded toward him as he walked past with his fiancée, Chelsea, who happened to be Eli's sister.

"You two need to stop checking out all the men," Beau murmured, making them laugh again.

"Beau, do you mind if I sit with you?"

Brenna and JoJo looked at the man, then each other and widened their eyes.

"Of course not, Killian." Everyone moved along the pew again.

"Who is he?" JoJo whispered.

"No clue." Brenna nudged Beau, making him look at her. "Who is he?"

"Oh, sorry. Killian, this is Brenna Lawrence, JoJo and Brett Watkins, and Trick and Rayna Dillon. Everyone, this is Killian Doyle. He works with me."

Killian shook everyone's hand. Brenna laughed when JoJo fanned herself with her hand.

"Yowza," JoJo whispered, making Brenna snort out a laugh. "He tells us to stop checking out all the men, and that one shows up. Whew ."

Beau looked at them with a frown. "Am I going to have to separate you two?" But he chuckled when they looked at him with wide innocent eyes.

"Eli doesn't look nervous at all," Brett said.

"Why would he be? He loves Lorna very much. You know, like you love me," JoJo teased Brett, making him grin.

When the music started, everyone stood and faced the back. Abbie McBride, Lorna's only attendant glided down the aisle wearing a gorgeous pink gown, with a smile on her beautiful face. The people laughed when Lily, Lorna's daughter from her first marriage, walked behind her tossing rose petals into the air. Brenna was pretty sure she was supposed to just drop them, but she was having way too much fun throwing them.

Lily stopped, raised her hand, and yelled. "Hi, Daddy!" causing everyone to laugh. She looked around, giggled, and continued along the aisle until she reached the altar and sat on the step. Abbie smiled, leaned down and said something to her, and she nodded.

"Okay, Aunt Abbie." Lily got up, and climbed the step, then stood next to Abbie. Brenna smiled when she saw Abbie take Lily's hand, no doubt to keep her in one spot. Then everyone turned to watch Lorna walk down the aisle in a beautiful cream-colored gown. Her smile beamed behind her veil and Brenna wiped a tear away. Beau took her hand in his as they all sat and watched the couple say their vows.

Once the priest announced them husband and wife, everyone applauded, then laughed when they heard the cheers from outside.

Eli picked up Lily, took Lorna's hand, and they walked along the aisle, grinning from ear to ear. Creed and Abbie followed behind. It was a beautiful wedding.

****

Beau sat at his desk on Monday morning, sifting through paperwork for a new case. Around the room, his co-workers were busy at their own desks.

"Hey Beau, what's up with Simpson?" Dave asked as he walked over to Beau's desk.

"I had planned to see him right after I found the horse, but it started snowing and I didn't want to risk getting stuck."

"What's your plan?"

Beau let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair. "I'm thinking of starting with some community service and seeing how that goes." He shook his head. "But every time I think about that poor horse almost dying, it makes me want to press charges for animal cruelty."

"It's your call. Keep me updated."

"I will." Beau stood up. "I'm heading out now. I'll let you know how it goes."

Dave nodded and went back to his office, closing the door behind him.

Beau grabbed his hat and coat before leaving the office. Outside, the sun was shining but it was still freezing cold. He drove to the detention center and entered the building, informing the woman behind the glass that he was there to see Simpson. She unlocked a door for him, leading him to an interrogation room.

A few minutes later, Donnie walked in and glared at Beau. Beau fought back the urge to laugh.

"Have a seat, Donnie," he said as he watched the kid roughly pull out a chair and plop down.

Beau took a seat across from Donnie and observed as the teenager folded his arms and refused to look at him.

"I found the horse." Donnie's head snapped up. "You're lucky she was still alive because if it had been any later, she might not have made it."

Donnie shrugged. "I did my part, but you still left me in here. You promised to get me out if the horse was okay. I've been here for two weeks!"

Beau shook his head, denying Donnie's accusation. "That's not what I said."

"Yes, you did," Donnie insisted.

"What I actually said was that we could discuss making a deal if the horse was still alive and healthy." Beau leaned forward; his eyes fixed on Donnie. "But the truth is, that horse wouldn't have survived much longer. It was suffering and would have died in a few days if wolves didn't get to it first. What you did was animal cruelty," he growled.

"I didn't know," Donnie's voice trembled with emotion.

"I don't know how to handle this situation. Even if you do community service for theft, there is still the charge of animal cruelty. And you also hit me."

"I was angry."

"You need to learn to control your anger and stop acting like a little punk," Beau scolded. "I can't understand why you thought stealing a horse was a good idea. It's not a harmless prank; it's a federal offense . Do you understand that? If I let you stay here, you'll remain until you're eighteen and then go straight to prison. Horse rustling is a serious crime." Beau sighed, shaking his head. "The problem is, if I keep you here, I worry that once you're released, you'll commit even worse offenses. But if I give you community service for the theft, you might think it's a minor punishment and continue with your reckless behavior."

"I won't! I promise! I've learned my lesson!" Donnie pleaded desperately. "I hate being in here."

"It's not meant to be a picnic," Beau retorted sharply. "Fine, I'll allow you to do community service for the theft. I'll drop the charges of animal cruelty and assault on me. But let me make one thing clear: if you mess up even once, I will send you back here without a second thought. Do we have an understanding?"

"Yes," Donnie replied.

"Don't you dare mess up, Donnie. If you do, you're on your own. If you thought two weeks were bad, try being here for years." Beau stood up. "I'll inform the authorities and you can probably leave tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Can't I leave now?"

"No. There's paperwork to be completed, and one more night in here won't hurt you." Beau opened the door but turned back to Donnie before leaving. "I never want to see you again."

"Yeah, same here," Donnie muttered under his breath, but Beau heard him and chuckled.

"At least we agree on something for once. Good luck, Donnie. Make better choices."

"I will." Donnie stood up and extended his hand for Beau to shake, which he did. "Thank you, Agent McCallister."

Beau nodded in acknowledgment. "Stay out of trouble."

He exited the room and spoke with the person in charge, instructing them to arrange for Donnie to serve community service based on his recommendation. Then he drove back to the office to finish his work for the day.