Chapter 7

When Jodie came into the diner at 7 am the place was already buzzing. Zara was hustling back and forth between the kitchen and the tables, taking orders and delivering plates of eggs and sausage and french toast and pancakes. 

But above everything else, Jodie could hear the name Branson being repeated frequently. She knew what had happened.

In the kitchen, Jacob was hustling behind the grill while Dayson was working the fryer. 

“Need a hand?” Jodie asked.

“Heck ya. If you could just deal with the toasters for a little bit that would be great.”

Jodie grabbed an apron and started buttering toast and putting new slices of bread in the toasters.

After about 20 minutes, the last order went out.

As they started cleaning up after the rush, Jodie asked Jacob, “So – Branson got arrested I take it?”

“Yep. Saw the police car taking him in as I was coming to work.”

“Has he said anything?”

“Haven’t heard much. Just that he’s not talking at all. Waiting for a lawyer to get there.”

“I wonder if they’d let me see him.”

“I don’t know. You could try.”

Jodie took off her apron. “I have to. I am sure Branson could not have done anything.”

After washing her hands, Jodie left through the back door and grabbed her bike that was locked up behind her suite. 

At the police station, she asked if Chet was around. She sat down and waited. When he appeared, she said, “I heard Branson was brought in. Has he been arrested.”

Chet shook his head. “Not yet. But unless he has something significant to say, he will be. He lawyered up so I’m guessing he thinks he needs a lawyer.”

Jodie sighed. That didn’t sound good. “Can I see him?”

“Well…”

“Please Chet? Just for a few minutes?”

He looked around. “Ok. Five minutes. I shouldn’t be doing this Jodie.”

“I won’t tell a soul. I’ll be quick.”

Branson was sitting in a cell by himself.

“Branson…you shouldn’t be here should you?”

He shook his head.

“You know who they should be looking at?”

This time he nodded.

“Who?”

Branson shrugged.

“Come on Branson. I only have a minute. What if I guess and you just shake your head if I’m wrong.”

He shrugged.

“Hank?”

Branson shook his head.

“Jake?”

Again, he shook his head.

“Faron?”

Branson looked at the floor. But he didn’t shake his head.

Jodie nodded. “I’m going to make this right, Branson. I know you’re innocent.”

Branson looked up, thanked her with his eyes, and then looked back to the floor.

When she came out, Chet was looking at her. 

“Did he say anything Jodie?”

“Not a word. Sorry, Chet.”

“Oh well. If you find anything out, come see me. Let me do my job.”

“Will do Chet.”

Jodie was going to tell Chet if she knew anything. But first she had to find out something worth telling him.