Ghost River by Jon Coon (romantic books to read .TXT) 📗

fired without insurance or retirement. Ex-cops are always in high demand as night watchmen,” Bob said.

“Bob is right,” DA Carruthers added. “We need to be dead certain we’ve got proof before we make those kinds of allegations.”

“Okay, what’s next?” Captain Martin asked.

“Find Peterson, Rogers, and the wounded attacker. Get a team on McFarland and the connection to Congressman Conners. Zack Greenly says the owner of McFarland is the congressman’s brother. Let’s check it out,” Gabe answered.

Captain Martin chewed on his unlit cigar, thought of losing his pension, and said nothing.

Uneasy about the New Orleans conversation with Carol, and wanting to get back in her good graces, Gabe called her again on his way back to the camp.

“Did I ever tell you I have a thing for nurses?”

“Doesn’t every cop?” she fired back, still wondering why he’d called.

“I suppose, but I’m serious. Nurses are great.”

“Okay, I’ll bite, why are nurses great?”

“Most of us have to go out of our way to find ways to serve. If you’re a nurse, it’s right there in front of you every day. You get to be what all of us should be, and you get paid for it.”

“Cops too.”

“Not as much when I’m writing a ticket or making an arrest. I doubt the citizen realizes I’m doing it out of love. But everyone loves nurses. It’s almost not fair.”

“So you’re jealous?”

“Yeah, a little bit.”

“Did I ever tell you I have a thing for cops?” she asked.

“Really? Is that why you married one?”

“It’s those big guns and cool Ray-Bans. They get me every time.”

“How are Zack and Mickey?”

“Shaken, but doing better. Are you on your way home?”

“Just one stop to make on the way.”

“Will it take long?” she asked.

“Don’t think so; I just need new sunglasses.”

Next Gabe called Zack, who was grocery shopping with Mickey.

“Zack, we can’t find your mom or grandfather. Any idea where they might have gone?”

Zack paused to think and said, “Years ago the family had a compound in Cozumel. If they still own it, they might have gone there.”

“Can you get us an address or phone number? It’s important we find them.”

“Yes, I think so. I’ll drive over when we finish shopping. I had no idea how much it costs to feed all of us. Are you sure y’all can afford this?”

“Not to worry. Appreciate your help,” Gabe said and thumbed off the phone.

That night Carol and the girls declared a night off from galley chores and put the boys in charge. It was tenderloins and oven roasted potatoes with peppers and onions, garden salad out of plastic bags with avocado, and root beer floats for dessert. The dogs were allowed to rejoin the family inside and enthusiastically, appreciatively, were constantly underfoot.

With dishes done and dogs fed, the dogs moved to Gabe’s couch and fireplace space. Kids in the dining room, Carol led Gabe to the folding rocking chairs and the welcome comfort of grownup conversation on the porch.

“I ordered lumber to fix this porch today. It should be delivered tomorrow. It won’t take long get this done,” she began.

“I thought you were bluffing.”

“Not at all. It will be fun, and the kids can help. Good experience. But we need to go back to the house.”

“Do you mean move back?” I hope this isn’t about New Orleans.

“No, I mean to get tools. Why, are you ready to be rid of us?” she asked.

“Not at all. I just wondered. This is primitive.”

“I like it.” She paused then added, “I like us, here together. I like it a lot. I hope that doesn’t scare you too much.” She looked up at him waiting for a reaction, a response.

He turned to her and put down the empty root beer glass and said, “I like us a lot too. It’s just—”

Carol got up, kissed him full on the lips, and went to the door, leaving him alone with his panic. As she opened the screen door, she turned back and said, “I know it’s too soon, but it’s okay, we have time.”

She’s right about at least two things. I do like us, and it does scare the crap out of me. For reasons she can’t even imagine.

As she walked through the living room to the kitchen, she was startled by Paul standing in the dark, looking out the windows onto the porch.

“Good night, honey,” she said in passing.

Paul looked away and didn’t answer.

“I saw my mom kiss you last night. What was that about?” Paul asked. It was Saturday, and Gabe was driving him into the dive locker to do his court-assigned service. The morning had started tense and was rapidly moving to DEFCON 3.

Gabe chose his words carefully. “It was just a thank you, a friendly thank you, that’s all. We’d been talking, and she’s pretty lonely.”

“What were you talking about?”

“Mostly about how much we both miss your dad. Why?”

“Gabe, you’re a good guy. But you’re not my dad, and you never will be. So butt out and leave my mom alone, okay? We don’t need your help. We need to be left alone. That’s why.”

Gabe turned on his trooper stare and glared at Paul but refrained from saying the first thing that came to mind. He took a deep breath, exhaled slowly then said, “Paul, your dad was my best friend and, believe me, I’d never do anything to damage that friendship or hurt you or your mom. But you need to cut her some slack. She’ll make her own decisions, and you need to respect them and her.”

Paul started to say more, but the look on Gabe’s face must have convinced him to let it rest. He turned his head to the window and was silent.

Gabe looked at the back of Paul’s head for several miles before they pulled into the parking lot. What would Charlie do in this situation? But then, if Charlie were still here, there wouldn’t be this situation. No wonder Paul was frustrated.

CHAPTER 21

0700

Dive Locker

Overcast with electrical storms

Bob was waiting when they arrived at the dive locker.