Page 121 of Steel

“Fair enough.”

We were both surprised when Shannon brought the drinks. “Here you go. For the happy couple.”

“Oh, we’re…” We both started and laughed at the same time.

“Cut the crap,” Shannon said. “You’re very much a couple. You’re not fooling anyone.”

“Yeah, well, don’t tell the lady that. She doesn’t like to be wrong,” I teased only to have my date kick me from under the table.

“You’re not very funny,” Violet tossed back. “I did want to tell you that what you and the others in this town did for me is just… I owe you and I’ll pay you back.”

“Honey, that was a gift and one you deserved. I know what it’s like when you’re a single mother. You work twelve to fifteen hours a day just to make ends meet. Been there. But I’m here to tell you that sometimes, when you find the right person, it’s okay to lean on them a little bit.” Shannon did me a solid, tossing her head in my direction.

“Don’t egg her on. She’ll think I put you up to that.”

The flash in Violet’s eyes was adorable. “You didn’t?”

“You’ll learn that no man tells me what to do. Just ask my husband. Let me know if you need anything. Oh, there’s one more thing. Damon’s birthday is day after tomorrow. Right?”

Violet groaned. “Yes, but I don’t think he’s in the mood to celebrate.”

Shannon narrowed her eyes.

“The puppy he found belonged to someone else and had to be returned. He’s bummed,” I told her.

“Oh, no. That’s terrible. Well, we have a little surprise party cooked up for him. Maybe you could bring him by just for a little while. We’ll try and cheer him up. We don’t have a puppy, but we have a few fun things planned.”

Violet’s face lit up. “That’s so sweet. He’d love that. He’s never had a surprise party. At least one that people attended. That’s the city for you.”

“Then get ready to party because we love birthdays around here.” Shannon grinned before walking off.

“She is amazing. The people in this town are amazing. Now you, you’re different. You really are incorrigible, but you’re kind of cute so I’ll give you a pass.” Her laugh would always light a fire under me.

“I’ll try not to allow that to get to my head.”

“Please don’t or I’ll need to knock it off.”

At least I had her laughing. Maybe it was best to enjoy her company and leave the heavier conversation until later.

One drink turned into a second along with appetizers. We were both able to relax, even if for only a little while. Yet everything continued to weigh heavily on both our minds. I sensed it in every movement, every flash of her eyes. If only I could take away her pain.

I sat back, noticing the chief of police had arrived, not in his official duty but with his wife. When he walked in our direction, I was curious if he’d stop since he had finally had an officer come out and take a look at the shed. I’d also emailed a picture of the boot imprint and had heard nothing. He broke away from his wife, who moved to a table.

“Steel. Nice to see you. I was going to call you tomorrow,” the chief said.

“Chief Taylor, Violet Livingston.” I nodded toward her.

He smiled. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Ms. Livingston. Don’t worry. All good. Although I was sorry to hear about your Jeep.”

“You’re sure it’s not linked to this gang of kids?” I pressed.

The chief sighed. “Look, I know you think the kids might have been using your shed and potentially even the house Ms. Livingston is living in, but we just don’t have enough evidence. There’s nothing indicating a single identity.”

“And what about the person I saw in the woods?”

He appeared exasperated. “You know as well as I do without a license plate number or a description, finding this person is likely not going to happen.”

Violet narrowed her eyes. “Wait. What makes you think the kids were using my house? And you saw someone in the woods?”