Sit tight (alternate)

You stay where you are, afraid of the shotgun. Two deputies arrive, cuff you, and put you in the squad car.

You watch the female deputy talk to Loretta and the male deputy talk to Loretta's father. Once the female deputy finishes, she talks to Connie. Somewhere along the line, the girls got dressed. After several minutes, the male deputy comes toward the squad car.

"Busy night tonight. So would you tell me what happened?" he asks.

You tell him about having car trouble and staying the night at the farm. Then you tell about waking up to see Loretta head to the barn and following her. You tell about finding Loretta and Connie there. You tell him that the sex was consensual.

"Okay, let me check the other stories with the deputy. Sit tight."

He leaves and meets with the deputy. Connie and Loretta hold each other. After a few more minutes, he talks to Loretta's father, and then Loretta and Connie. Loretta goes inside the house and brings out your suitcase from the bedroom. She gives it to the female officer. The male deputy spends some time on the CB radio. In a few minutes, you see flashing lights coming from the road. You strain to see what's happening and you see a tow truck hooking up to your car. Your stomach sinks.

Connie and Loretta go inside, hugging each other. Loretta's dad follows behind them, carrying his shotgun. The deputies get in the car and drive off. They don't talk to you.

They drive into town. They drive into town. It feels like the longest drive you've ever taken, even though it couldn't have been more than ten or fifteen minutes. You think about jail and prison and all the trial TV shows and movies you've ever watched. Your life is crumbling.

In the parking lot of the sheriff's office, they take you out of the car and unlock your cuffs.

The male deputy says, "Sir, I'm sorry for the interruption of your lovely evening. Your story matches the stories of the two women. We took you in to defuse the situation. Pa Jenkins might've gotten upset if you were released on his property. Your car has *not* been impounded, but has been taken to the car repair place down a block with instructions to fix the tire. It should be done tomorrow. You are free to go. I recommend the motel across from the bar a block the other direction." He points toward the main street and to the left. "You are very lucky that the sheriff didn't take this call, because he's Connie's father. And Pa Jenkins has shot at Loretta's 'visitors' in the past. We decided that we don't need a police **** on the department's record. Here's your effects. I hope the rest of your trip is less eventful." He hands you the suitcase.

"Thank you, officers. I truly appreciate the assistance and discretion." You shake their hands. The female deputy even winks at you.

You head in the direction the deputy indicated. You find the motel and get the clerk to open the door. The room is cheap and decent.