Page 8 of High Velocity

They exited the car, and Harv handed back the key.As they entered the diner, which had undergone an expansion and makeover, they were greeted by a woman Charli didn’t recognize.

Well, what did you expect?It’s only been two decades.

“Hey, Harvey!”the gal greeted.“Pick anywhere you’d like.”

“Thanks, Marlo.Hey, let me introduce you to Charli, Charli Campbell.Charli, this is Marlo Black.She runs this fine establishment.”

“Nice to meet ya, Charli.Welcome.”She looked Charli over, lingering on her ink.“Beautiful work.”

“Thanks.And nice to meet you too.”

Charli thought Marlo looked to be close to her age, maybe mid-thirties.She was petite and pretty with strawberry blonde hair and striking pale green eyes.

“Can I start you off with some pop?Maybe a shake?Or do you want to look over the menu first?”

Harvey led Charli to the nearest booth where they slid into opposite sides with Charli’s back to the door.He then waved to Charli, indicating she order first.

“Do you still do the cherry soda floats?”

Marlo smiled.“Sure do.So, you been here before?First time seeing you, and I’ve been running the diner for a handful of years.”

“I—”

“Charli used to live here,” Harvey said.“Been away a while but she’s back now and here to stay.”

“Awesome.Welcome back.Hope to see you around then.”

“I’m sure you will,” Charli said.“Especially if you still make the meatloaf dinner.”

“Happens to be our special tonight.”Marlo winked.

“How ‘bout two of those with all the fixings, a cherry soda float for Charli, and coffee and water for me, please.”

Marlo picked up the menus she’d just laid down and nodded.“You got it.I’ll bring those drinks right out while Cook starts those dinners.”

“Cook?”Charli said.“As in, Lester “Cookie” Rand?”

“The one and only.I take it you knew him.”

“Yeah,” Charli answered softly.

“I’ll send him out with the plates when ready and you two can have a chat.”With that, she twirled away, greeting another customer who just entered.“Hey, Darnell.Order’s ready, let me just get it all boxed for you.”

“Happy to help, Marlo,” said a deep voice behind Charli.

While the man and Marlo’s voices faded, Harvey looked at her.“That’s Darnell Richmond, one of the prospects for SoS.Picking up dinner for the crew at the track.Think you’d want to go down there after we eat?”

Charli hesitated, wondering if she was truly ready for this.But she was here, and there was no avoiding it.She’d have to make her presence known at some point.Because wasn’t that the point?

“Yeah, I’d like that.”She smiled at Harvey, who returned a smile of his own.

“That’s my girl,” he echoed those endearing words from earlier.

Marlo returned with their drinks and within moments, their food arrived.

“Heard there’s someone here to see me?”

Charli looked up into the bright blue eyes of Cookie’s.When she remained silent, taking in his appearance, he searched her face until recognition took hold.