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“Ah come on, man, I’m working overtime, you know that. None of these new hires are working out and I have no one to cover.”
“Yeah, yeah, that’s because you’re too picky and don’t give anyone a chance. You’re like that guy…Gordon whats-his-face from the TV show. You gotta give people a chance.”
I rolled my eyes and earned another bonk on the head.
“I’m surprised you can reach my skull, old man.”
“You’re asking for it, junior.”
“Yeah, yeah. So what happened to…” Shit, what was her name?
“Han-nah?” he enunciated slowly as if it would help it sink in.
“Hannah. What happened to her?”
“Poor girl got herself a concussion. Alex Waters brought her home from the hospital and said she needed looking after.”
“Well that sucks.” I started walking toward the staircase, thoughts of my first morning off in weeks and the scent of my to-go container tempting me.
“I’ve already been over tonight, and she’s resting now. Alex is coming by tomorrow for a bit, but she needs someone close by to check in on her. Apparently she’s as stubborn as you, trying to refuse help. Alex told me to be on guard.”
“I hardly think you’re the best choice for a nurse, there, Bobby. You can barely make it up her front stairs.”
“Yeah, no shit, Sherlock. That’s why you’re doing it.”
“Wait, what?”
“I told them you’d be by first thing in the morning to check on her. She’s not supposed to get up without anyone else there, in case of falls or what have you. So you better be there bright and early.”
“Come on, man, I’ve never even met her. Isn’t that gonna be weird?”
“That’s what neighbors do. She doesn’t know anyone else in town yet.” He thumped me on the back and moved past me to shuffle to his door. “Oh and make sure you bring her something to eat, I’m sure she’ll be hungry.”
I grunted in response and climbed the stairs. There was no arguing with Bobby Hennessy once he made his mind up about something. It was always best to just go along with it.
As I slid my key into the lock, I cast one more glance at the cottage next door. The glass windows were dark as night, reflecting the moon. I briefly wondered where this Hannah had come from, and what her deal was. I guess I should make the time to get to know a little about her if she was going to be living next door.
I didn’t exactly have time or energy to invest in anyone else’s problems. But I’d do anything for Bobby.
It looked like I had morning plans after all.
* * *
The next morning, I threw on a white T-shirt and an old pair of jeans, not even bothering with my boxer briefs, then slipped into my unlaced boots. As my feet clunked down the staircase, I caught the curtains shifting in Bobby’s kitchen window. The old man knew he could count on me to check on our neighbor or he wouldn’t have asked. But he just needed to make sure. I laughed at him and shook my head, imagining him waiting by the window, watching for any movement.
As I walked across the gravel driveway and small patch of yard that separated the two buildings, I looked out over the cliff at the water beyond. Whitecaps covered the surface, waves tossing and tumbling in the wind. The view was unbeatable. I never in a million years thought I’d live on a piece of ocean front property, and I did my damned best to not take it for granted. Even if it was just giving myself a moment of silent appreciation.
The little pink cottage was smaller than the duplex, but had the curb appeal of something you’d see in one of those glossy magazines that show off architecture or home decor or whatever the fuck. Hydrangeas lined the porch, and in the spring they bloomed in a riot of blue and purple. The white covered porch was my favorite part of the place. Starting on the side, where the main entrance was, it wrapped around to the back, to face the ocean. Four white wicker rocking chairs lined the back. I wondered if Hannah had spent any time out here yet, watching the waves like I did.
When I climbed the porch and reached the door, I almost knocked, even brought my big fist up to it, before my better sense took over. A loud banging sound was probably not ideal for a person suffering from a bad concussion. I lowered my hand and slipped it around the doorknob. I didn’t want to seem like a creep sneaking in on her or something. But Bobby had made plans to check on her, said it needed to be done, so I figured she was expecting me.
I turned the brass knob and cracked the door open a few inches. The entry way led to a staircase a bit farther back, but to the right was an open floor plan, living room in the front leading to an eating area and kitchen behind it. The sofa in the middle of the room sat empty. I figured she’d be more comfortable in bed, but was kinda hoping she’d be out here to make it less awkward for both of us. Regardless, this was a task that needed to get done, and I didn’t have time to feel weird about it. I’d promised Bobby.
I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. “Hello?”
I listened for an answer but didn’t hear one. The cottage was spacious enough for one or two people, but wasn’t big enough to block out the sound of my deep voice. I knew the primary bedroom was on the first floor, too, just down the hall behind the staircase. She should have heard me.
“Hannah?”
