Page 8 of Love in Overdrive

Chapter 4

The next morning, Cade parked his mother’s five-year-old Honda in the back of the lot. He’d sold his daily vehicle when he went to prison. No sense letting it sit around for two to five years while he did his time. He still owned his 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. His baby. She had been parked in the back of his father’s shop, waiting for him, but he couldn't drive her yet. She still needed a lot of TLC before she’d be roadworthy.

With a click of the locks, he headed for the metal shop door. The blue siding had faded some since he’d last been home. The sign over the main door read Busted Knuckle Auto Repair and Restoration. He remembered being home on leave and helping the day his parents moved the business out of the cities. Bryan and him hung that very sign. Cade smiled. He’d bet his dog tags the photo of them on ladders was still on the wall in his father's office.

Time to find out. He’d have been here sooner, but his mother and sister claimed he needed to “relax.” Cade chuckled to himself. In the last five days, he barely had time to pee alone, much less relax. He’d loved spending time with his family, especially his nephew. But now, it was time to get to work.

On a deep inhale, he opened the door. Heavy metal music and air-powered tools greeted him. Ah… sounds of his youth. And there was his first love. In the end stall, next to the metal bench, sat a cherry-red Snap-On toolbox. He crossed to it, pulled the key from his pocket, and unlocked it.

“Did you miss me?” He ran a loving hand over the top. With anticipation, he lifted it. His hand trembled ever so slightly as he slid open the drawers. A smooth glide. Perfect. Everything sat in its designated spot. Shiny chrome in molded holders.

“Morning, Cade. Cold enough for you out there?” The deep voice came from under the white Explorer on the lift.

“Leon?”

His father’s oldest friend rolled out from under the vehicle. In the years since Cade had seen him, his dark beard sported a few more gray hairs, and the ink on the man’s arms had multiplied. Cade’s own tattoo collection had grown, but not to the full sleeve like Leon’s. Cade could hardly tell where the man’s tats ended and his dark skin began.

“Great to see you, man. How are Tish and the kids?” Cade extended his hand.

“Good. Tish is busy. Tax time. And the twins are in tenth grade now. They made varsity. Gray Duck Grove has a chance at going to the state finals this year.”

“Just like their old man.” His dad’s stories of their state basketball win were legendary.

“Better. But don’t tell them that. I’d never live it down.” Pride beamed from the older man. He ran a hand over his beard. “Well, it’s good to have you back. Your dad really missed you.”

His lungs inflated. Did he? Probably, but that didn’t mean Dad wanted Cade to work here long term. In the last week, his father dropped more hints about continuing education than a school guidance counselor. “Well, I better get to work.”

“Speaking of your old man. He wants to see you first thing.”

“Thanks.” Cade bit back a cringe and headed for the office.

He walked through the door from the shop to the reception area, and the noise faded. His father’s receptionist smiled up at him. “Cade. So nice to meet you. I’m Becca.”

She stood and extended her hand. Cade took it, but his eyes dropped to her belly… A very pregnant belly.

She chuckled. “I know. We thought this guy was twins at first.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to stare.” He moved to the coffeepot in the corner and poured a cup.

“You’re not the first. I’m twice as big as when I was pregnant the first time around. This little one has three months to go,” she said, rubbing a hand over her belly.

Wow! Cade would have guessed she would deliver any day.

Her tinkling chuckle filled the office again. “Your expression is hilarious. Don’t worry. He won’t drop out this second.”

“Good to hear.” He’d done some triage while deployed, but didn’t wish to add delivering a baby to the list.

“Your father is on a call, but you can go in. He should be done soon.” She levered her body back into the chair and started typing.

“Thanks.” Cade glanced through the door to his father’s office.

Eric McBride sat behind his desk with a phone to his ear. He glanced up at his son and held up a hand, indicating that he was almost finished.

Cade slipped into the crowded space and took a seat in the small chair. His knees bumped the edge of the desk. The tiny space barely fit the desk and two chairs, but it still managed to hold shelves full of manuals and photos. The one of him and his brother still hung on the wall. He grinned. Some things never changed.

His father grimaced.

Cade held his coffee and listened.