Page 23 of Xavier

He makes a valid point. They have seemed to assimilate pretty well.

I continue to follow the shady guys through downtown. We pass the police station and firehouse.

“It seems like they are driving around aimlessly. Or they know I’m following them and they want to lead me on a wild goose chase.”

Hudson clears his throat. “What street did you just pass?”

As soon as I get to the next intersection, I read the sign. “Seabreeze Avenue.”

“So weird. They are going toward the outskirts of town.”

“Is there anything interesting over this way? Buildings, schools, or houses?”

“A few warehouses, but most of them have been abandoned for at least five years or more.”

“Okay, so possibly a hideout or rendezvous point with their partner. Now, who could they be partnered with here in this town? The mayor?”

“No way!” Hudson yells through the phone.

I chuckle as he explains his reasoning. “The mayor keeps his nose clean. He helps the children and the elderly. He opens his doors for hurricane victims. He gives back to the community.”

If he is as great as Hudson just described, why was he getting death threats?

“Where does he get all the extra money for these community outreach projects?”

Hudson gasps. “Are you implying he’s dirty?”

“Wouldn’t be the first corrupt politician we’ve had to deal with.”

“Nuh-uh. The mayor isn’t like that. He uses our tax money to help fund these events and if he doesn’t have the money, then the community pitches in to help one another.”

I can’t believe the mayor would have that much extra money each year.

As if reading my thoughts, Hudson laughs and says, “Believe it or not, that is just how things are done here in the south. Welcome to small town living, Xavier.”

I concede. “Okay, fine. Say these guys are from my past, what are they after, and why target the mayor’s family?”

“I’m trying to figure that out. Those death threats happened before you were here, so we may be dealing with two separate cases.”

Great.

This is not how I was planning on enjoying my first few retired days, but if this is connected to my past, then I need to get to the bottom of it before anyone else’s life is in danger.

The white jeep slows down and turns onto a narrow cobblestone and gravel road that is nestled in thick trees.

I stop and pull over onto the side of the road.

“They are turning down a no named gravel road. I stopped to give them time to put distance between us.”

“You should see me behind you in thirty seconds. Follow me. I’ll take you another way to the warehouses.”

I end the phone call and toss my phone in the passenger seat.

Less than a minute later, he stops beside my car and gestures up ahead. I follow him as we drive away from the gravel road.

I’m not sure where Hudson is leading me, but this is his town and he knows these roads like the back of his hand.

He pulls into an abandoned garage and motions for me to pull into the other bay.

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