This was a new low: Emma couldn't believe she had a nun in the back seat of the sheriff's car. It was unreal; she was convinced that when they finally reached the sheriff's station, she was going to be struck by lightning.
"All right, Sister?"
"I'm fine, Sheriff," Astrid said as she hopped out of the back seat. "Just take me in before somebody sees me."
"Right."
They ran into the station; Emma unlocked the doors to her office to get a few things while Astrid immediately ran to the jail cells.
"Astrid!" Leroy said, very surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, Leroy, I'm so glad to see you're OK," Astrid said. "I'm posting bail for you."
"Really? But the convent, its budget?"
"I have an old savings account from before I…" She shakes her head. "It doesn't matter. I'll bail you out, Leroy, but you have to promise me something. No more public drunkenness."
Leroy smiled his most charming smile. "Anything for you, sister."
"All right." She smiled back just as sweetly. "I've been praying for you, you know."
The appropriate payments and paperwork done, Emma unlocked the cell door and let Leroy out.
"Want a ride back, Sister?"
"No, I'm fine. I think Leroy will walk me back."
"Sure thing, Astrid."
He held the door open for her to walk through, then turned to Emma and stuffed a twenty dollar bill into her hand.
"Here."
"Leroy, you can't—"
"Take it."
"It could be considered a bribe!"
"It's not," he said, staring right into her eyes. "It's a thank you. Buy yourself a drink, sister, because I owe you one." He stared after Astrid. "Naw. I owe you ten."
The next time Emma saw Leroy in the diner, she bought ten hot chocolates and sent them over to him. She was strangely delighted when she saw him split them with Mr. Clark, Harold, and some other men; if Leroy could make friends, anyone could.