I just made the wrong one today. Addie crosses the room and pulls her sister into a tight hug. Neither of them says a word for a long moment. When they finally step back, Addie studies her sister's face carefully. "You look tired, " she says.
"I am tired, " Josie admits. "But I'm okay. I promise. You didn't have to come, " Josie adds quietly. "I had it handled.
" "You always say that, " Addie says. "And you're always wrong about it. " I'm not wrong this time. I was one signature away from being fired. Or worse.
Addie says that sheriff had cuffs on you, Josie. I know. I felt them. Don't joke about it. I'm not joking, Josie says softly.
I just don't know another way to sit with it. Addie reaches over and takes her sister's hand. The way she used to when they were kids, scared of thunderstorms. We do this together from here, she says. No more solo missions.
I've been doing it alone a long time, Josie admits. Because it felt safer that way for both of us. Maybe, Addie says. Or maybe you just got used to carrying it by yourself. Dad would have wanted us doing this side by side, not you out front, me chasing paperwork behind you.
Josie is quiet for a moment, looking at their joined hands. Okay, she finally says together. Together, Addie repeats, squeezing once before letting go. The two sisters step outside a while later, away from curious eyes. They sit on the curb near Addie's car, same as they did as kids.
"You could have told me the plan wasn't going smoothly, " Addie says. It was going exactly the way these things always go. Slow. Slow. Almost got you arrested today.
I had it handled. Josie repeats. Softer this time. Addie sigh, leaning her head back against the car door. I got assigned to this district 3 weeks ago, she says.
I've been building a file on Whitmore construction the whole time. Fraud complaints, land disputes, a few things that don't add up. I know. Josie says that's part of why I came here first. I wanted to see them up close before you showed up with a badge.
See if the rumors match the people. And Addie asks, "They're worse than the rumors, " Josie says quietly. "And better in small ways, too. Not everyone here is like Grant. Some of them are just scared.
" Addie nods slowly, watching the diner lights glow through the window. "Dad used to say that. " She says, "Fear and cruelty aren't always the same thing. Sometimes fear just looks like cruelty from the outside. " Josie is quiet for a moment.