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“Most people do,” Eddy said. “He’s a bit of a staple in Pine Valley.”
“What brings you here?” Chet asked, cutting to the chase. He’d rather put a fork in his eye than make small talk, and Eddy had a habit of sticking around where he wasn’t wanted. Like a stray cat who never leaves after a do-gooder left out a bowl of tuna.
Not to mention the conversation from his earlier phone call with Cruz still spun in his head. Janie Simpson had taken a class with Professor Lipton. Now Chet had to prove the man was the one they were after. To do that, he needed to get rid of Eddy so he could pour through all the notes he still had from his wife and daughter’s case.
Eddy’s goofy grin fell. “Cruz called Uncle Bobby and filled him in on what happened yesterday. He’s so upset. He wants to come home early, but Aunt Missy will throw a fit. It’s taken her years to get him to leave town. You know how he is. Always toting around that toolbox, helping folks around town. Doesn’t think anyone can make it without him.”
Chet’s patience thinned, and he rolled his finger in a circle to indicate Eddy needed to wrap it up.
A light red tinted Eddy’s pale face. “Sorry. I told Uncle Bobby I’d stop by. See how you two are doing.” He dipped his chin toward Mia then him. “Told him I’d talk to the police and help out with anything I can. You know, gotta do what I can do save a fifty-plus year marriage.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you,” Mia said, offering a warm smile.
“We’re fine,” Chet growled, not liking the way Eddy straightened when Mia looked at him. Not liking the jealousy blooming in his chest because Mia never smiled at him like that. “I’m sure Cruz will appreciate any assistance. He’s down at the station.”
Eddy nodded, the hint that it was time to leave going over his head.
A silver truck turned down the driveway and swayed as it bounced on the deep ruts in the gravel.
Mia lifted on her toes. “Who’s that?”
Chet blew out a frustrated breath. It was like Grand Central Station here today. “Tucker.” He tapped the tip of his booted foot on the floor, dragging his fingertips over the raised edges of the scars circling his wrist.
Tucker parked the truck then hopped out, waiting to close the door until Otto jumped down.
Otto barked then ran to the porch, a slight limp in his gait. With his tail wagging, he pressed his nose to the ground and headed straight for Eddy. He sniffed Eddy’s shoes then pressed his head against the hardware store owner’s hand.
Eddy tensed and lifted his palms, as if afraid Otto would bite.
Tucker lumbered up the steps and grinned. “You know he wouldn’t hurt a fly, Eddy.”
Eddy cringed. “And you know I’ll never like dogs. Not after what happened when we were kids.”
Mia dropped to a crouch and clapped her hands. “Come here, boy. I’ll give you some love.”
Otto charged Mia with his tongue hanging from his mouth and what Chet swore was a damn smile on his dopey face.
“I’m going to head out,” Eddy said, backing up. “Glad you’re okay. Call me if you need anything. I’ll go to the station to see Cruz. Tucker, good to see you, man.”
“You, too, buddy.”
Chet waited until Eddy was out of earshot. “Got rid of one of you, now what doyouwant?” He didn’t have to look at Tucker for his friend to understand who he was talking to.
Tucker ran a palm over Otto’s head then opened the door to Chet’s side of the duplex. “I just talked to Cruz. Let’s head in. The rain’s getting heavier. Won’t be long before the wind shifts and blows the water right at us.”
Chet groaned, knowing he wouldn’t get rid of his friend as easily as he had Eddy. “Fine.”
Mia stood. “Thanks again for the ride.” She bit into her bottom lip, hesitation clear in her slow movement toward her own door.
“Otto insists you come in here with us,” Tucker said, taking a step inside.
Mia connected her gaze with Chet, brows hooked high as if asking his permission.
He swept a hand through the air, gesturing her to proceed him into the apartment. “Might as well join us.” He waited for her to enter his home, the dog at her heels, then rubbed the back of his neck. So much for his solitude.
6
Warm earth tones and an almost OCD type of cleanliness rooted Mia to her spot right inside Chet’s doorway. She might have lived directly next door for the last few months, but she’d never stepped foot in his home. She’d imagined messy clutter and a giant stuffed Grizzly bear in the corner. Not cozy furniture nestled around a stone fireplace with an underlying scent of lemon disinfectant in the air.
