Page 31 of Always Mine
“You have to let it go. For your sanity.”
“All right, all right. I’ll think about it.”
Will stood. “You know what? I have furlough coming from my job. I think I’ll take it now, until this whole thing is settled.”
“You don’t have to babysit me, Will.”
“Hell, I’m not. I’m spendin’ time with my buddy. The drill sergeant outside is the one babysitting you.”
“Hmm. A pretty one at that.”
“Really, I think she’s kind of plain.”
“Then you need glasses. But if you want to stay, I’d like that. Mom and my sisters and Annie can’t come over, so I appreciate the company…and the help.”
Diego listened as he made the call. “The White House, please. Badge 49890, Will Kirkland calling for Special Agent Lawson.”
As he waited, he said, “Go on into the living room and turn on the golf match?”
“Seriously. That’s like watching grass grow.”
“I think some baseball pre-games are on.”
“I love baseball.” They both played in high school.
As Diego headed out, he heard Will say, “Yes, sir. I need to talk to you…”
That Will would stay with him lightened up his whole day and briefly helped him forget about the flashbacks.
* * *
“What’s wrong, Annie?” Maisy Shepherd asked as they ate lunch in the café at Pathways.
Annie put down her ham and cheese sandwich. And waited to answer. Finally, she said, “My relationship with Seth. Please keep this to yourself, but I’ve seen Diego a few times.”
“Diego Rodriguez?”
“Yes. Did you know he got shot?”
“Of course, everybody in town does. This is Westwood so a police shooting is a big deal. He was the only survivor! Makes you think how life can just be snuffed out.”
“I’ve visited him a few times.”
“You two had a long and real relationship.” Maisy studied her. “What happened?”
“He was thrilled to see me. He asked me to visit him again.”
“Did you?”
Her face flushed. “I’m afraid so.”
After Annie recited how far her relationship with him had gone, Maisy squeezed her hand. “So, this explains the sudden hiatus from Seth.”
“Yes.”
“Does he know?”
“Nope. Stuff with Diego has been on the down low. Especially now, after a brick smashed through the room where he was staying with his mother. The police think the Cobras did it.”
