Brett scanned the photos and said, “Yes, these are definitely my things. What happens now? When can I get my stuff back?”
“First I’ll need you to sign some forms that identify these items as belonging to you. We’ll need to keep everything for a little while longer, but as soon as they’re released, someone from the precinct will call you.”
Once they’d completed their business, Brett left the trailer, and Ash looked at Ker, smiling. “It was an unexpected pleasure running into you today.”
“Ditto,” Ker said. “And a bonus to see you in a suit. You clean up good, Detective.” There was mischief in his eyes. “I’m just glad you weren’t here to arrest anyone.”
“Do I need to get my handcuffs out?” Ash teased.
“I don’t think that’s necessary.” Ker was enjoying the banter more than he cared to admit. “Are you still volunteering on Thursday for Thanksgiving dinner at A Helping Hand?”
“I am. Then I’m heading to my mom’s for our family dinner. It’s gonna be a busy day, but that’s okay,” Ash said. “And don’t forget, we’re going to Cuppa Joe’s on Friday night.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
CHAPTER
ELEVEN
Ash
As Ash drove away from the jobsite where Ker was working, he realized that this encounter had changed how he thought about Ker. Sure, he was still the same guy Ash had spent time with on Saturday mornings, volunteering at the community kitchen, but after seeing Ker at work, he’d gained a new perspective.
Today he’d gotten to see Ker as a confident, knowledgeable guy who clearly knew his job. He wasn’t wearing a suit but nonetheless looked quite professional in chinos, work boots, and a long-sleeved navy polo with the company logo stitched on the left breast.
Everything that he and Hank had chatted about not all that long ago suddenly clicked. Yes, Ker had some issues with opioids, but he was so much more than just that part of him. This chance meeting at Ker’s workplace had opened Ash’s eyes, and he was a much better person for it.
Ker was absolutely someone he wanted to have a deeper relationship with, and based on how Ker had been acting, Ash was sure he felt the same way. Maybe it was time to take this friendship to the next level.
Ash woke early on Thanksgiving morning and quickly got ready for the day. He’d promised Joyce at A Helping Hand that he’d be there to help serve the midday meal before heading to his mom’s house to eat with his family.
When he arrived at the facility, there was a flurry of movement everywhere. Grabbing an apron, he jumped into the melee, helping out wherever he could. It had only been a couple of months since he’d started volunteering, but he knew his way around and felt like he was making a real contribution there.
“Hey, Ash,” Ker said when they found themselves elbow to elbow at one of the prep stations. “How’s it going?”
“Great,” Ash replied. “Happy Thanksgiving!”
“And to you as well. You said you were going to your mom’s after we finish serving lunch, right?”
“Yeah. We’ve always had Thanksgiving there, but it’s become even more important since Dad died. Spending holidays together is just what the Reynolds clan does. Plus, this year Clay will be there now that he and Finn are seeing each other. What about you?”
“I told Joyce I’d hang around here for the afternoon. Folks tend to linger on the holidays, and we’ll be serving leftover turkey sandwiches for dinner tonight. I figured they could use the help.”
“That’s really nice of you.”
Lunch went off without a hitch, and before he knew it, Ash was back in his SUV, on his way to his mom’s. He felt bad he really hadn’t had a chance to talk to Ker more, but they had been slammed with serving dinner, and he really hadn’t wanted to belate getting to his mother’s place. He walked into her house and heard talking from the kitchen, so he headed that way.
“Hey, Mom,” he said, hugging Muriel Reynolds.
“Ash! So glad you’re here; we were just about to sit down to dinner.”
He took a moment to hug his brothers and Clay, wishing them all a happy Thanksgiving, then picked up a couple of serving platters filled with food and followed them into the dining room.
Once they were all seated, Muriel tapped her water glass with a fork. “I know we get together almost every Sunday, but today’s a special day. And I’m especially thankful that Clay is joining our family this year.” She lifted her wine goblet. “Happy Thanksgiving!”
“Glad you made it, brother,” Mitch said to Ash after the toast. “What kept you? All Mom said was that you had another commitment earlier.”
“I’ve been volunteering at A Helping Hand in Plymouth,” Ash replied. “It feels good to help out with such a worthwhile cause.”
