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COLTON
When I got the call that there was a break-in at Remi’s Juice Shop, my heart raced out of control. I was worried for her. There’d always been something about Delilah’s younger sister, Remi, that got to me. I’ve always been protective of her, but there was an awareness there, too. Something I didn’t want to examine too closely.
Remi was bubbly and happy. Everything I wasn’t. It was irritating, yet I was drawn to her light. I wanted to understand how she could be so positive after she’d grown up in and out of the foster care system. Delilah was quieter and more reserved and almost never spoke about that time in their lives, content to be adopted by their foster parents.
Remi seemingly adjusted to their new home and parents, and my sense was Delilah was relieved to turn over the responsibility to their adoptive parents. Remi was happy-go-lucky but somewhat flighty.
As an adult, I worried not much had changed. I was continually giving her parking tickets for parking in no-parking zones. None of it seemed to faze her, at least not enough to change her parking habits. It made me worry for her safety, especially if someone was targeting her store. First with graffiti and now the break-in.
When we’d discussed the graffiti on her building, Remi had said it was art. She seemed to pull the positive out of any situation, even when we were kids. Someone had broken into her store, and I knew how desperation could affect someone. I didn’t want Remi to be one of the casualties.
Pushing open the door to Max’s Bar & Grill, I scanned the bar to see my friend’s familiar face behind it. He was talking to the redhead, Mallory, who managed the place when he wasn’t there.
“Hey, Colton,” Mallory greeted me when I approached.
I’d been stopping by in the evening more often since their break-in.
Max must have caught the expression on my face because he asked, “You want to talk in my office?”
I nodded and followed him. Closing the door behind us, Max took a seat behind his desk.
“Remi’s Juice Shop was broken into yesterday. We’re not sure of the timing because she didn’t have an alarm system.”
My irritation must have been evident in my tone because Max said, “She putting one in?”
“She said she was.” I’d be checking in to make sure. I remember Delilah mentioning that Remi tended to get sidetracked. When I’d get irritated that we were waiting on her or she was late for something, Delilah would say that Remi meant well.
“Whoever it was took some cash from the register. It wasn’t much.”
Max frowned. “I don’t like it.”
What we originally thought was an isolated incident with Max’s bar was most likely related to this second one.
He rested his elbows on the desk. “Any leads?”
“None. So far, he hasn’t left anything behind we can go on.”
Max raised a brow. “He’s not getting much unless he knows how to break into a safe. So, what does he want?”
“I don’t know, but I don’t like it. I don’t want tourists to think the downtown area is dangerous.” I didn’t want the store owners to feel unsafe.
“The last thing the town needs is a news article about a crime spree. It’s bad for tourism and business.”
“Chief wants me to get to the bottom of it and is increasing police presence downtown, especially around the shops and restaurants.”
“You think they’re linked, though.” It wasn’t a question.
“I can’t discount the possibility.” My instincts were telling me they were related.
“I’ll bring it up at the next Shops on Main meeting. It might be a good idea if you came by to talk about it. Remind everyone to be extra vigilant.”
“That’s not a bad idea.” Standing, I made my way to the door. “I wanted to make sure you were aware. If anything else happens, let me know.”
Following me, Max said, “Will do. I appreciate you looking out for us.”
“It’s my job.”
“It’s more than that, and you know it. You’re looking after the bar because we’re friends. And you know Remi.”
