Page 247 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

She hit Send, watching the circle spinning again. Moments later Message Failed popped up on her screen for the second time. “Maybe we’re going to give jogging a shot after all. You can—” She looked in the side mirror when an old mustard-colored pickup rumbled her way, then slowed to a stop on the road.

Captain Bob, wearing one of his typical bandana skullcaps and his red plaid jacket, reached over and rolled down the passenger window. “Hello,” he hollered.

She opened her door, smiling as her shoulders relaxed. “Hi.”

“Are you okay out here?”

She shook her head. “The truck won’t start.”

Captain Bob pulled over and got out, smiling as he walked closer and spotted Winston lying on the seat. “Who’s your friend here?”

“This is Winston.”

“You and Nate got yourselves a dog?”

She nodded, grinning her pride. “Just this morning.”

“Good for you. I hope he’s as good a companion to you as Lucky is to me.” He opened her door wider, his jacket smelling of the sea. “Let’s see if we can get you going.”

Callie got out, hoping Captain Bob would have more luck than she’d had. “Thank you.”

“Probably the battery.” He sat behind the wheel, gave Winston a quick rub, then turned the key and mumbled something as he frowned. “Nope. You’ve got yourself a bad alternator more than likely. Looks like we need to call for a tow truck.”

She nibbled the nail on her index finger. “My phone’s not working.”

He clucked his tongue, shaking his head. “That’s why I don’t have one. Technology never seems to work when you need it the most, so I figure, what’s the point?”

Callie huffed out a small laugh. “I’ve never really thought about it like that, but in this case, you’re right.”

Captain Bob got out. “You and Winston can ride with Lucky and me. We’ll get you home.”

“Are you sure?”

“I don’t think Nate would appreciate me just leaving you here.”

She wouldn’t like it much either. “I, um, I have some stuff in the back for Winston. Would you mind if I bring it along?”

Captain Bob looked in the cargo space and raised his brow as he grabbed the plush bed and sample bag of premium dog food. “Fancy. Lucky’s going to get a look at this stuff and wonder where he went wrong. All he’s got is an old folded up blanket to sleep on.”

Callie wrinkled her nose with the quick sting of embarrassment, grabbing her purse from the cab and the remaining bag of pet supplies from the back. “Nate and I are new to this whole doggy parenting thing. I wasn’t sure what we were going to need.”

Captain Bob laughed. “I think it’s safe to say you’re all set.”

Callie took hold of Winston’s leash, waiting for him to jump down, then locked the truck and followed Captain Bob to his ancient vehicle.

“Go ahead and hop in with Winston. I’ll have Lucky get in back.”

“Oh, you don’t have to. I’m sure we can all fit.”

“Lucky won’t mind.” He opened the tailgate then the driver’s side door. “Out and in the back.”

Lucky jumped in like a champ.

Callie fought with the passenger side door, tugging twice and wincing when it finally opened with a loud creak. She waited for Winston to get in before she did, sliding old Styrofoam cups out of the way with her foot on the floor. “Thank you for this.”

“Not a problem at all. That’s the beauty of a small town—neighbors giving each other a hand when we can.”

She buckled up. “I appreciate it.”