Chapter 177

Awakening when he heard keys in the door, he stayed where he was but had his weapon drawn. Only Tom and Ronnie had keys, so please let it be Ronnie, he silently prayed.

The lights brightened up the drab jail cell somewhat but not enough for his liking. He needed wide open spaces and fresh air. He wasn't used to sleeping in a room without windows. He wouldn't exactly call what he'd done sleeping, either. More like being on a rotisserie, tossing and turning while holding his eyes closed.

Deputy Tom stuck his head in the room, surprise lighting up his face when he saw the sheriff. "Hey, good morning," Tom said. "What happened? You get kicked out of Travis's?"

"You could say that, I guess?" Mitch sat up and ran his hands across his face; he needed a shave, that was for sure.

"No, for real? I was just kidding."

"For real, Tom, and I'm not proud of it, so if you could keep this to yourself, I'd appreciate it. Did you make coffee yet?"

"Nope, I'm doing it now." Tom left the room,