AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I can’t let him leave like that. He looks terrible. Besides,” I pat his huge forearm, “You’ll be right there.”
Tim looks uneasy, as does the other guy, but he nods.
“I don’t want to cause inconvenience for you, Mrs. McCoy. Maybe just something sweet to sustain me. I’ll get a hotdog on the way back to the station though,” Clarence runs his hand over his forehead, looking exhausted.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I have some ham fixings inside. I’ll make a you a sandwich. I also might have some muffins.”
I let him inside and Tim follows us, closing the door behind him.
I settle Clarence at the kitchen counter and quickly throw together a sandwich and heat two muffins. One I offer to Tim, who takes it hesitantly, as if it is a live snake.
Clarence glances at the book that is on the counter. He sounds impressed.
“Woodworth College? Are you studying there?” I nod.
“Night classes. I have one in two days. I’m just trying to catch up to the class.”
“My nephew goes there,” Clarence says with some pride. “It’s a tough school to get into. You must be very smart.” I feel a little awkward under the praise.
“Well, their night classes don’t have that high eligibility criteria. Probably that’s how I manage to get in.” I place the sandwich in front of him, and watch him tear into it, ravenously.
“He also takes the night classes. His name’s Felix. You must know him.” I shake my head.
“I take the later one. He must be in the evening class.” Clarence blinks.
“There’s a difference?” I smile at how adorable this man is, the sort of bumbling cop, who is a little sweet on everybody.
“Mine starts at eight. His ends at eight.”
“Oh,” Clarence makes a sound of understanding. “You kids sure have it hard.” I grin.
“It’s not that bad. I like the classes. The material is tough, but the teachers are very adept at their subjects.” Clarence glances at his watch and sighs.
“That’s all the time I have. I have to get back to the station. Can I wrap the rest of this up?” He looks at me hopefully, and I smile.
“Yeah, I’ll pack it for you.”
I quickly pack the remaining piece of the sandwich and another muffin for him, and hand him the paper bag. He looks grateful and then gestures at the bag as he leaves.
“Tell your husband the tapes are in this. I hoped to meet him, but maybe some other time.”
I walk him out, Tim trailing after us. At the door, Clarence turns around and fidgets, a little nervous.
“I wanted to apologize for John’s behavior the other day. He’s been given a paid leave of absence when he insisted on remaining on this case and made a fuss. He’s a good cop, just a little over enthusiastic.”
I watch him leave and then see the other bodyguard staring at Tim as he eats his muffin. Then the man looks at me.
“I’m Jim.” I tuck my tongue into my cheek.
“I’ll get you a muffin, Jim.”
“Thanks.”
“Come on, Charlotte.” I am laying on the bed on my stomach, my Valuation book open in front of me, a highlighter in my hand as I make notes. I give him a look.
“I have to study.”
Philip has come home later than I expected. When I told him about Clarence’s visit, he had called up the detective, but that was it. He didn’t seem to be in the mood to work on the piles of documents that I knew needed his attention.
