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Chapter1
Ruth
“Seriously?” I stare at the second of the tickets I’ve gotten this week. For not cleaning up some grass clippings from where the little tree was weed whacked the other day by me.
“I’d like to whack him,” I grumble under my breath.
The phone rings and I grab it. I huff out a strangled breath when I realize it’s my brother. Thank god it’s not 0ne of the weird heavy breathing calls I’ve been getting from a blocked number.
“Jeremiah? Have you talked to that friend of yours yet? I just got another ticket from him.”
“What the hell for now?” he asks me, chuckling.
“Seriously? Why is this funny to you? I keep getting these stupid little annoying tickets that are eating into my bottom line! Your friend is an ass! I don’t actually know how you can still say that he’s your friend.”
“You just don’t know him like I do. He’s a real stickler for the law. If it’s on the books, he’ll enforce it.”
“Most of these ordinances haven’t been used in years. If he’s bugging other people as much as he’s bugging me, he’s gonna be up before a firing squad soon. I know I’d take part,” I growl.
“I’m talking to him but he doesn’t believe in giving anyone a free ride. Maybe you should check out what the ordinances are?”
“Ugh! I can’t afford this shit, Jeremiah!”
“Let me pay it for you! I’ve got the money. And I’ve asked you to open up for more hours. Get yourself some help.”
“I’m not gonna do that. Not unless the right person comes in here and I feel comfortable offering them a job. But I’m not advertising one.”
“Why do you always have to do things the hard way, little sis? You could get a person in there in no time if you’d just let me and Harvey find you someone.”
“Nope.” I shake my head. “It’s my business. I’m not letting anybody else run it. Or hire for it. It’s my baby.”
“Fine,” he growls. “But I’m serious. I’ll pay it for you. It’s not a big deal. I think the city council is going to start cracking down on the tickets soon. There’s a lot of angry people.”
“Humph!” I snort. “That does not surprise me. What does the sheriff say?”
“I haven’t seen him lately. But I’m sure he’ll make his opinion known here soon.”
“Good. I feel like this guy is on a bender with this stuff and I’ve already got enough on my plate.” I slam my lips shut, hoping he didn’t hear me. No such luck.
“What do you mean? Are you having problems with Adam again? I swear I’ll fucking kick his ass if he’s pulling his little tricks again.”
“No, no.” I quickly change my tune. “Nope. Nothing like that. Just work is a real drag right now. I bought a whole house full of antiques and I’m trying to catalog everything and make sure I’ve got the prices right. I don’t want to lose any money I don’t need to lose.” I cross my fingers, hoping that will keep him happy.
“I’m not sure I believe you,” he says suspiciously. “But I’ll let it go for right now since Harvey wants to talk to you.”
“Hey, Harvey! What’s up?”
“Nothing much. But I’ve got a favor for you and I wanted to know if you can help me.”
“Sure, anything you need. As long as you keep Jeremiah off my back.”
She laughs so loud I have to pull the phone away from my ear. “I can’t promise anything. You know how he gets.”
“Right,” I grumble. “So what do you need?”
“I’m actually looking for an antique watch. It’s a gold pocket watch from about 20 years ago and it had a motorcycle on the case. An Indian. I’m trying to surprise your brother for father’s day. And I’m not having any luck.”
“Sure I’ll try. I’ll check with some people I know and hunt it down. But…”. I stop and eye the phone with some misgivings. “It’s only been about a year since y’all got married. What’s up?”
