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Brody
Ispent the night atBryan and Josie's. They invited the old crew over, and we spent the night drinking and laughing. I had just gotten back into Coldhaven after the long two-hour drive from Greyfield. I pulled off the highway and drove past the only local mechanic shop Coldhaven had to offer, Ray's Garage. If Cass did live around here, this would be the only place she would go for her car to be repaired. Most mechanics knew everyone in small towns. So, I pulled into the closest driveway and turned my truck around. It wouldn't be a loss because I needed to book in for an oil change and have my winter tires put on, anyway. I pulled my truck into an empty spot and shut the engine off.
Walking into the only open dock bay door, I looked around the garage. A car was up on the lift, but the shop was empty, a mess of tools laying on the nearby workbench. I wandered into the small office just off to the left. It was empty as well; a mess of papers covered the small desk. “Hello,” I called into the shop. All was quiet, but then I heard the toilet flush.
“What can I help you with?” A man stepped out from a door off to the back left of the building, wiping his hands on a dirty towel.
“I need to book an appointment to have my oil changed and my winter tires put on.”
“Sure thing.” I watched as he pulled his phone out of his pocket and started checking dates. “I can book you in a couple weeks from now, say the thirtieth.”
I nodded and put the appointment in my calendar.
“Hey, I was wondering if you could help me with something else. I'm looking for an old friend, Cass Reilly. She used to have a cottage up in this area, and I was wondering if you could tell me if she’s living in Coldhaven now?”
He took a couple steps forward, inching closer to me, his steely eyes running over me like he was sizing me up.
“Who wants to know?”
“Brody Thompson,” I said, holding my hand out for him to shake, only he didn't shake it. He just stood there studying me, not saying anything.
“Well, Brody Thompson, there is something you should know. People around these parts just don't go sharing with strangers if they know where someone is.”
“Look, she's a close friend of mine, I'd like to see her.”
“I'm sure you would, but if she were as close of a friend as you say, you would know where she was, wouldn't you? Truthfully, I'd love to help you, and if I knew anyone by that name, I might be able to, but I don't.” He looked at the crest on the breast of my jacket. “So, you work for our fire department, do you?”
“I do.”
“I know lots of guys in the department, why don't I know you?”
“I was just transferred here.”
“I see. Well, Brody, I'm sorry I couldn't help you more, but I don't know your friend, and I know everyone in this town.”
I watched him for a bit as he went back to work on the car on the lift. I had a sinking feeling he was lying to me.
“Is there anything else I can help you out with?” he grunted.
I didn't answer his question, I didn't like liars. Crossing my arms, I stood watching him for a few seconds. “I'll drop my truck off on the thirtieth.” I turned around and headed back to my truck.
I had an inkling she was living at the cottage she and Jackson had bought. I didn't want to just show up on her doorstep, but if it came down to it, I would have no choice. Regardless, I couldn't do anything about it now, I had a few days left of work and had to continue my search for an apartment. Until I found one, I would be living at the station.
* * *
Cass
I was soglad tosee Ray when he walked through the back door of the store after he had closed his shop for the day. I'd been so busy, I'd barely had enough time for a quick coffee, let alone lunch. I was busy putting away my shipment of new stock when he came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
“Hey, you have anything to eat today?” he asked, kissing me on the cheek, his strong hands gripping my waist, “You're getting a little thin.”
“Yes, of course, there are still some cookies in the back, along with coffee if you want anything.”
“Cass, I swear your diet consists of nothing but cookies and coffee,” he laughed, taking the handful of books I was holding and putting them on the cart. He turned me around and pulled me into him.
“Pretty much, but if it weren't for cookies, I wouldn't have eaten today, so there is that. And I feel I should pay you somehow, lord knows you won't take money for all the time you've put in here.”
“Really, Cass, you're my girlfriend, it's not a big deal, I'd just go home to an empty house until you get home. Besides, I don't mind helping you out. Now, I’m going to go and grab a cookie and coffee before I start helping you with the next box.” He leaned down and kissed me before he headed to the kitchen.
