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REMI
Colton stopped by at closing time.
“Did something happen?” I asked when he approached the counter, his expression pensive.
“We got a lead on your tagger. There was a video from the store across the street.” Colton gestured in the direction of the building that was under renovation.
“Oh? I wasn’t aware they had cameras.” It was a little unsettling that the store had installed cameras before they’d opened. It was smart, but most store owners didn’t want to spend money on expensive cameras or didn’t like the way they looked. We wanted the downtown area to be inviting and cozy. Crime cameras sent the opposite message.
“They were smart to put them in first thing.” The way Colton said it stung a little.
“I wonder what’s going in there.” Would it be in direct competition with me?
“Dexter said something about a coffee shop,” Colton said absentmindedly.
Coffee and juice could be considered in competition, at least for the morning crowd. I found that more people were willing to stray from caffeine later in the day. “Was there something else? Did you find who’s responsible?”
I didn’t want to feel unsafe like I had the other day.
“The video was poor, but we could see it was a kid. We talked to some of the kids who hang out by the convenience store.”
“You routinely talk to kids?” I wasn’t sure if I liked that or not. Was he trying to get the kids in trouble?
“Yeah, we like to make our presence known so that if there’s an issue, they’ll come to us. We try to keep them out of trouble. Encourage them to study and get involved in after-school activities. It’s like no one tells them how important those things are, that there’s a life beyond school. One that could be good for them.”
My heart stuttered, then raced in my chest. I’d thought Colton was rigid and strict with his beliefs, but what he’d just said sent a pang to my heart.
“They thought it might be this new kid. We talked to his dad, and it’s a definite possibility.”
“Well, who is it? Or am I not allowed to know?”
“I can’t say because it’s a juvenile, and nothing’s been determined yet.”
“Right. Of course.”
“He had access to spray paint. He just moved here. Who knows what was going on where he lived? I’m not sure if this is his usual act and his mother couldn’t get a grip on it and sent him to his dad to handle, or if this is him acting out because of the move.” Colton shook his head, his brow furrowed.
“Oh. That does sound tough.” I could sympathize with a kid whose home life was unstable, who’d been moved at the whim of his mother.
Colton shot me a sharp look. “No matter the reason, what he did was wrong. He broke the law and damaged property.”
“I know, but if what you’re telling me is true, then I get it.”
He braced both hands on the counter. “That’s no excuse.”
“You said he’s just a kid, possibly from a bad situation,” I said carefully.
“He’s potentially dangerous. If you see anyone lurking about, you call me.”
I threw my hands in the air. “I don’t even know his name or what he looks like.”
“Remi.” His expression was filled with concern for me.
I rounded the counter, ducking under his arm to hug him. “Of course.”
It took a second, but his arms came around me. I couldn’t fault him for worrying about my safety. I pressed my cheek against his chest, his heart thumping in my ear. His muscles finally relaxed, and he rested his chin on my head.
I soaked in the feel of his arms around me. I felt protected and cared for. As much as we looked at things differently, I liked that he worried about me. I pulled back slightly so I could see his face. “I know you worry about me.”
