Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
“Mom, we can’t start this.”
“Start what?”
“You, wanting to know where I am at all times, or having twenty-four-seven access to me. I’m a grown man, and I’ve managed this long without having to check-in. Also, please do not call Sean to have him follow up for you. He has better things to do with his time.”
“I don’t expect to have twenty-four-seven access to you.”
Biting back a laugh, I replied, “You had Sean call me because you couldn’t get a hold of me yourself, Mom. You texted me a dozen times and left…” I pulled my phone away from my face to see that she’d left me three voicemails, just in the short time Harper and Brystol were here. “Three voicemails.”
“Are you sure I left three? I thought I only left two.”
“You know I love you, and I’m sure it had to be hard for you when I was gone all those years, but you really have to give me my space.”
She let out a long breath. “I’m just so glad to have you home, and I want to see you and speak to you as much as I can.”
I felt bad, but at the same time, I knew my mother. She had a way of manipulating people when she wanted things.
“I’m not going anywhere. And you need to stop calling Sean when it comes to me.”
“I called him one time.”
“Mom, he’s always had a hard time with the additional attention you’ve shown me.”
“You were in a dangerous job and in the military! I had every right to worry about you. I don’t love you any more than I do Sean.”
“I know that, but he doesn’t see it that way. If you can’t reach me, leave a message, and I’ll call you back when I can. But please don’t ask Sean to try to figure out where I am. That’s not his job. Okay?”
“I admit, that was a poor decision on my part. I won’t do it again.”
“Do you promise me?”
Another sigh came through the phone. “I promise. Now, the whole reason I called was to see if you’re free Sunday evening.”
“As far as I know, why?”
“Family dinner night.”
I closed my eyes and slowly shook my head. All of that over family dinner? “You could have just sent a text about it.”
“I could, but I wanted to hear your voice.”
I rubbed at the sudden ache in the back of my neck. It was slowly moving up, and I could feel one hell of a headache coming on.
“I’ve got to run, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you too! If you’re free, stop by the house. I made your favorite dessert, no-bake éclairs!”
“I’ll try, but I’ve got to head to the station.”
“And you’re set on the whole police officer thing?”
Letting out a frustrated sigh, I said, “Mom…”
“Right, right. I’m sorry. You’re a grown man.”
“Promise me you won’t do this again. I’m in the same town as you now, that has to be good enough.”
I could practically hear the frown I knew she was making.
“I’ll back off, I promise. Enjoy your day. Bye, sweetheart.”
“Bye, Mom.”
I hit End, tossed my phone onto the sofa, and walked toward the windows that overlooked Main Street. It was late spring, so there were more people than normal. Moose Village didn’t get as many tourists as Lake Placid, and the town was okay with that. The type of people who came to our sleepy little town were looking more for a place to relax. Step back in time to where everyone knows everyone, and life is at a slower pace.
I frowned when I saw a young guy stop and look into The Book Nook. I was pretty sure one of the Banks’ owned the bookstore, I just couldn’t remember which one. The last thing I wanted to do was call my mother back and ask her. I watched as the guy stared into the window, looked down the street, and then looked into the window again. He started to walk around the corner and leaned on the building as he surveyed the area.
“What in the hell are you doing?” I whispered.
When a couple walked by and no one else was walking toward him, he moved to the front door and looked as if he was trying to open the door. When it wouldn’t open, he peered through the windows again.
Turning, I grabbed my phone and hit James Quinn’s number.
“Don’t tell me you’re changing your mind and want to be an accountant now.”
I chuckled. “No, but are you on duty?”
“No, Gavin is. Why?”
I cleared my throat and said, “It may be nothing, but a guy in his mid-twenties is standing outside the bookshop.”
“The Book Nook?”
“Yeah. Does the Banks family still own it?”
“Yep. Aurora Banks runs it now, and her younger sister, Lou, works there. Granny Larson sold the bookstore to Aurora just a few years ago.”