Page 144 of Old Habits

Valentine’s Day is over. Soon, the town will be lit up a bright green for St. Patrick’s but until then, it’s back to normal. Back to the basics.

Just regular Clover Folk.

I stare out the windows of the car shop from my stool behind the counter, watching each face as they pass by. A few actually peek inside the garage, no doubt looking for me. Gotta get that taste of juicy gossip between boring and mundane moments of their pathetic, little lives…

Jesus. Maybe Jovie really is rubbing off on me.

I straighten up as the door opens and Coach Rogers walks inside.

“Hello, William!”

“Coach.” I force a smile to match his own. “Van giving you trouble again?”

“No,” he says. “I just figured I’d stop by before classes today to check in on you. See how you were doing. I couldn’t help but notice that you’ve been a little MIA the last few days…”

I glare at him. “Sex-ed and dodge ball, Coach.”

He tilts his head. “Now, that’s a four-point frown, William. I had high hopes for that six-point smile you flashed when I first walked in.”

“Go away.”

“Okay. Fine. Suit yourself.” He steps back from the counter. “But, for what it’s worth… I’m rooting for you guys.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“I’ve never wanted to watch people suffer, William. I am not a monster.”

“Does that mean you’re done with the psych profiles?” I ask.

He hesitates. “Well…”

“Have a good day, Coach.”

“Bye.”

He spins around and walks out as I shake my head with annoyance.

Tucker emerges from the garage. “New job?” he asks, looking hopeful.

“False alarm,” I say.

He huffs onto the stool beside me and groans. “So slow today.”

The phone rings on the counter.

“Well, maybe we got a live one.”

Tucker leans forward as I pick up the phone.

“Marv’s Auto Repair,” I answer.

“Hey, this is highway patrol. We’ve got a traveler in need of assistance in your area. Are you available for a tow?”

“Yes, we are,” I say. I snap my fingers at the notepad next to Tucker’s arm and he slides it closer to me. “What’s the location?”

“About fifteen miles east of you on 70.”

I write it down. “And the vehicle?”

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