“Mason, you were still in shock.”

He shrugged. “After I saw you in the jail cell, I was determined to get you out.” Releasing a bitter laugh, he glanced up at me. “Imagine my surprise when I got a call from Joe Simmons, who happened to be your boyfriend. How in the world could that happen?” He sank back into the chair. “But I’d vowed to get you out, and the fact that your boyfriend is in the state police helped your case. Still, we weren’t getting anywhere. Until Joe called his father and you were suddenly released within thirty minutes. And that’s when I knew. Joe’s father had gotten my charges dropped and had me exiled here to Henryetta. Did he send us both here to punish us?” He shook his head. “I have no idea.”

“You could leave,” I whispered. “If you hate it here so bad, you can get enough experience to put on a resume and leave this stupid town.”

His smile wobbled. “I know, but I’m not ready to leave yet.”

We sat in silence for several seconds.

“How’s your mother handling all of this?”

“Better than I am, strangely enough.”

“I like her. She seems very sweet.”

“She is.”

I twisted my hands. “Joe’s parents are insisting they meet me. Joe says he can’t put them off anymore. We’re going to have dinner with them after his assignment is finished. I hope they’re as nice as your mother.”

Mason laughed. “No one is as nice as my mother.”

“That’s probably true.”

“But don’t get your hopes up. I don’t know them personally, but after I figured out how I ended up here, I did a bit of investigating. Joe’s from a powerful family, and they expect big things from him.”

I sighed. “Joe says his father is upset because he wants him to join his family’s business, the law firm.”

Mason’s eyebrows rose. “Is that what he told you? Sure, they’re attorneys, but they’re really grooming him to run for political office. They have big plans for him. They expect Joe to be the JFK of southern Arkansas.”

My head felt fuzzy. “They want him to run for president?”

“Not at first, but that’s their end goal. They’ll settle for the state senate position that’s about to become available.”

Joe’s father’s big favor. “And they expect him to run. Even if he doesn’t want to.”

“They own him, Rose. Especially after what happened to Savannah. There was an internal investigation with both the Little Rock P. D. and the state police. Not to mention Joe was drunk when the police showed up at the scene.” He took a deep breath. “They found his car a couple of blocks away and were going to file DUI charges. Those were dropped and buried too.”

I felt like I was going to be sick. “They’ll never approve of me,” I whispered.

Mason remained silent for several seconds. “I’m sure they have certain…expectations.”

I stood, suddenly feeling claustrophobic. “Violet was right.”

“Right about what?”

“She told me his family would never accept me. That I wouldn’t be good enough for them. Joe was so furious, I almost thought he was going to hit her.” I started to pace.

Mason stood and grabbed my shoulders, staring me in the eye. “There is no doubt in my mind that he loves you. It’s obvious to everyone. But you have to admit, he’s caught between a rock and a hard place. He’s going to have to ultimately choose—you or his family. And his family is hard to say no to.”

My knees buckled, and I felt like I was going to pass out. Mason must have realized it because he helped me sit down. I gulped big breaths, irritated at myself. I thought I had grown past the almost-fainting stage of my life.

“What am I going to do, Mason?” I whispered.

Determination steeled his jaw. “You’re going to go meet his parents.”

My eyes widened in exasperation. “They’re going to hate me.”

“Maybe. Probably. But don’t you dare let them intimidate you. They’re bullies—rich and powerful ones—but definitely bullies. If I recall correctly, you don’t back down to bullies.” He smiled softly as he quoted my words when I told him off outside his office during Bruce Wayne’s trial.

I shook my head. “I’m not sure I can stand up to them. They’re too powerful.”

“You can and you will. Say what you want, but you are not a coward, Rose Gardner.”

I stared at him in amazement. “Why are you helping Joe?”

A frown pulled down the corners of his lips. “I’m not helping Joe. I’m helping you.”

I covered my mouth with my hand. What had I gotten myself into?

“People only have the ability to make you feel badly about yourself if you let them. Remember that.” He stood up. “I should probably go. I think I’ve said too much.”

I tilted my head to look at him. “No. I need to know what I’m facing. Thank you for preparing me.”

“If you need me for anything, don’t hesitate to call. Okay?”

I nodded, then followed him to the front door. “Thanks.”

He pulled me into a timid hug, kissing my forehead. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

I offered a weak smile. “I’m fine. Quit worrying about me.”

“Maybe we can meet for lunch again one day this week.”