Read Online Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts - Free Book Online

okay?” The woman’s brow dipped in concern.
    He considered the two girls, and how their actions would affect those around them. “Everything’s under control. But I might borrow your husband for a while, if that’s okay.”
    â€œSure, whatever you need to do.”
    Back at his desk, Jared set the receiver in its cradle and frowned at Dan Trevor, having informed him of what had happened. “I managed to contact your parents, Sarah, but no one answered at your house,” he told Chelsey as he studied both girls on the couch. “What were you thinking? Where did you get the beer?”
    Sarah looked close to tears, but Chelsey’s gaze didn’t waver. She stared right through him, as though used to interrogation. Neither answered.
    â€œI’m sure your folks will want to know the answer to that as well. It might be better if you tell us now,” Dan added.
    Sarah’s face cracked, and the tears began to fall as she doubled over onto her knees. “My mom’s going to kill me. I can’t believe I let you talk me into this, Chelsey.”
    Chelsey shot arrows at the girl’s head, and her lips pressed even tighter. “It was your dad’s beer, and you were the one who insisted we go to this stupid meeting. If you hadn’t acted so dopey, we wouldn’t have gotten caught.”
    â€œMom would have found out if we’d skipped. She knows everything that happens in this church.”
    â€œYeah, well, she knows about this now.” Chelsey shook her head, contempt oozing from her expression.
    â€œOkay, so the two of you thought you’d have a little fun.” Jaredstepped in to mediate. “You stole some beer and now you have to pay the price. How are you going to make this right?”
    Blank faces stared back at him.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Sarah’s voice quivered as she rose from her stooped position.
    â€œYou’re both minors. Unless you walked here, which I highly doubt, you were driving under the influence, which is a Class C misdemeanor. The law didn’t catch you, but you did get caught. Now what are we going to do about it?”
    Sarah shook her head vehemently. “We didn’t drive. Honest. Chelsey’s boyfriend dropped us off.”
    â€œYou gonna turn us in?” Chelsey chewed her thumbnail.
    Jared exchanged looks with Dan. “That’s up to Natalie and your parents.” He decided to let the girls stew for a few minutes and waited at the entrance for the Sanders’ arrival. When he spotted their car, he took a deep breath and prepared himself for the next round.
    Mr. Sanders went directly to his daughter and pulled Sarah up by the arm. “Pastor Logan said you’ve been drinking. Is that true?”
    Tears gushed down Sarah’s cheeks as she nodded.
    The man’s abashed face turned to Jared. “I apologize for my daughter’s behavior and for my wife not joining us. I’m afraid she’s not accepting this news very well.”
    â€œI understand.” Jared imagined Mrs. Sanders would have a difficult time facing the members of the congregation once word got out about the situation.
    â€œWhere do we go from here?” Mr. Sanders asked.
    â€œI have a suggestion.” Dan spoke from the other side of the room. “My wife and I could use some help with a project we’re working on. The girls could assist us with that, under Pastor’s supervision, of course.”
    Jared nodded, wishing he’d thought of the idea. “They could helpwith Vacation Bible School as well. Does twenty hours of church service sound fair?”
    â€œI don’t go to church,” Chelsey boldly stated.
    Jared looked the girl square in the face, up for the challenge. “Well, maybe it’s time you start. Either that, or we can turn you over to the authorities.”
    To this, she had no response.
    â€œThey have two more days before summer break begins. Shall we