Page 55 of Finding Parker

“When?” she asked.

It sounded as if someone was juggling broken glass in the background. I held the phone at arm’s length, and the noise remained audible.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Oh, sorry. Looking for bobby pins.”

The noise stopped.

“When are you thinking?” she asked.

“It’s up to you. Whenever you’re up to it, I suppose.”

The broken glass sound began again.

“Pick me up in an hour?” she asked.

I rotated my wrist and glanced at my watch. 4:30. Leaving her house at 5:30, we would arrive at Kenton’s house by 6:00, which should work well for Kenton.

“Sure. 5:30?” I asked.

Over the sound of crushing glass, she responded, “Sounds great. I better get ready.”

I shook my head as I wondered where she kept her bobby pins. “I’ll see you in an hour.”

“Paaaaarkeeeeer?” her voice trailed along as she said my name.

I smiled, “I love you.”

“That’s better. I love you, too.”

“Goodbye, dear,” I said.

“Ta-ta.”

I hung up the phone and scrolled to Kenton’s name and pressed send. The phone only began to ring, and he answered. Odd, considering he doesn’t even carry a cell phone. I heard a faint breeze and seagulls in the background. He must have been sitting outside on the deck with it clutched in his hand.

“How does six o’clock sound?” I asked.

“Tonight?” he asked.

“Yes, if that’s alright.”

“Alright? It’s my idea,” he laughed.

“Well?”

“Sounds great. Now, we’re not going to tell her tonight, right?”

“No, we’re not.”

“Downes, get Karen busy cooking something special, but not that special,” his voice was muffled somewhat as he spoke.

His voice changed to a more serious tone, “Well, as much as I’d love to, I don’t have time to talk all night on this damned phone, Parker. I’ve been sitting here staring out at my ocean for the last four hours. I have to prepare for tonight, get cleaned up and such. Have you anything else?”

“No sir,” I chuckled, “I sure don’t.”

“Very well. I’ll see you in a bit.”