Emily watched them leave and then sank onto the porch steps. Her legs wouldn’t support her anymore. She pushed in 0858 and then hit his contacts button. Her fingers were shaking, and she couldn’t compute what was happening. Could Jeff really be dead? Why would anyone blame Caleb if he was? Yes, the fight had been pretty much one-sided, but it shouldn’t have killed him.
She had to get ahold of one of Caleb’s brothers. What was the name? Luke? She scrolled down to the Ls and pushed on Luke Jewel’s number with trembling fingers. She only had to wait two rings.
“Caleb!” An exuberant voice greeted her. The happy sound of his brother’s voice was so out of place that she felt mute. “What’s up, bro? Eve told me you’ve fallen in love. It’s about time. When do I get to meet the certifiably insane lady who would fall for the likes of you?”
Emily’s stomach pitched happily when he said Caleb had fallen in love, but then it took a nosedive as the situation pressed around her. Would his family hate her for the nightmare she’d put Caleb in? Once again, he’d done nothing wrong but be there for her.
She cleared her throat and said, “Um, Luke …”
“Who is this?” It was asked in a nice tone, but she didn’t quite know how to answer him.
“This is Emily Housley, Caleb’s … girlfriend.” It seemed weird to give herself that title, but she didn’t know how else to explain. The cold steps chilled her legs and rear as she sat, but the crisp weather helped clear her brain. Her heart was beating a little slower, though it was still far too elevated.
“Oh!” Luke chuckled. “Well, my intro’s a little awkward, then. Nice to meet you, Emily. I didn’t meanyouwere certifiably insane.” He cleared his throat. “But Caleb …” He gave another uneasy laugh. “Where is that crazy brother of mine?”
“Um, that’s why I’m calling you. You see … Caleb’s been arrested.”
To her shock, Luke laughed, this time louder and more genuine. “Finally,” he hooted out. “Oh, he so deserves to be arrested. What did he blow up now? That dang kid, he thinks he’s the king of bombs and fireworks. I swear he’s never going to grow up and settle down. Do you need my lawyer to come sort it out? You’re just south of Denver, right? My lawyer’s right in Denver. Great guy. You’ll like him.” He paused and then said, “So what did he do this time? Was it one of his pranks?”
Emily’s gut was rolling. Did Caleb have a record with the police for bombs and fireworks? This was worse than she’d imagined. She also wanted to tell his brother that though Caleb liked to joke and tease, he was the most mature and settled man she’d ever known. He was so patient, kind, and devoted to her and Krew it made her heart melt. He was her hero.
“Mama, Mama.”
Her gaze darted up. Krew was standing on the sidewalk with Mylee right behind him.
Emily opened her arms, and Krew scurried up the walk and snuggled against her.
“Where’s Caleb, Mama? Why did the cops come?”
“Emily?” She heard Luke’s voice through the phone line. He sounded a little less jovial now. “It was for a bomb or fireworks. No big deal, right?”
“No.” She cleared her throat and said, “I’m sorry. Just one second, please.” She pulled the phone away and beseeched Mylee with her gaze. “Can Krew have a sleepover tonight? Caleb needs some help.”
Mylee nodded and mouthed, “Call me.”
Emily nodded back. She kissed Krew’s cheek. “You’ll have so much fun with Harley.”
Krew stared at her. “I want Caleb.”
You and me both. “I know.” She forced a smile. “You’ll see him soon.”Hopefully not in prison orange.“Go with Mylee, and I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“C’mon, buddy.” Mylee put her arm around Krew and drew him against her side. “You and Harley can have a campout in the theater and watchClone Warsand eat popcorn and treats. Then in the morning we’ll make Vance take us to Denny’s.”
“Denny’s?” Krew’s eyes got wide. “Can I get bacon?”
“Yes, sir.” Mylee led Krew away.
He turned back once to wave and yell, “Love you, Mama! Tell Caleb I love him!”
“I will. I love you.”
Emily stood and pressed the phone to her ear, hurrying back into her house to get her coat, shoes, and her purse. She was going to that police station and fighting for Caleb. This was wrong, and she wasn’t going to sit by and let it happen.
“Caleb has been wrongly accused of murdering my ex-husband,” she informed his brother. “I need your lawyer to meet me at the Cherry Hills Village Police Department as soon as possible.”
“M-murder?”
“Yes.”
Luke sucked in a breath. “He’ll meet you there. And I’ll be right behind him.”
Emily blinked back tears. She appreciated Caleb’s brother’s kindness and support, but right now she needed to be strong, for Caleb. He wasn’t getting arrested for the false murder of her lousy ex-husband. Not on her watch.