She looked at him strangely, and then realization spread across her features. "Did you have something to do with that?"

"Where are you headed? Wrightsburg?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"How's your neck?"

"Fine. I'll be able to scream in no time. You didn't answer my question. Are you the reason they let me walk?"

"Maybe, though I feel more like a pawn than a full-fledged reason. If you're going to Wrightsburg, I'd like to hitch a ride."

"Why?"

"You're a smart lady, I think you know the answer to that."

As they climbed into her truck, Parks said, "It looks like you and Sean King have really struck up a friendship."

"I like him and respect him."

"Almost got you killed, though."

"That was hardly his fault."

"Yeah, I suppose so."

The way he said it made Michelle glance sharply at him, but the lawman was already looking out the window.