Page 55 of In the Air Tonight

My stomach hurts when I think about the potential ripple effect of Blaise’s admission and what it could do to the lives of people I care about.

It would be easier to forget I ever heard what she said.

But then I think of Neisy and what she went through after the accusation became public, and I can’t go back to yesterday when I didn’t know there was a witness.

I pull into the lot at The Daily Catch and park as a million memories of summers spent hustling fried seafood come flooding back to me, including how my family used to make me undress outside because I stunk so badly after a shift.

As I walk inside, the bell jingling on the door sparks even more memories as does the smell of fried fish.

The owner, Ronnie, is working at the counter with a stack of paper, a pen and calculator. He looks up and smiles when he sees me. “This is a nice surprise.”

I reach across the counter to shake his hand. “Good to see you.”

“You, too. How’re things in LE?”

“It was a busy summer, but it’s gone quiet now.”

“I’m sure it has. Coffee?”

I slide onto a stool at the counter. “I won’t say no to that. How’s business?”

“Busier than ever, year-round these days.”

“Glad to hear it.” The restaurant is located on the shore of a placid inlet off the river, with picnic tables and a dock that make it a go-to spot for boaters looking to pull up and grab a meal.

“What brings you by, Houston?”

“I was thinking about Neisy the other day and wondered how she’s doing.”

“She’s great. Married to Kane with four kids, last I heard.”

I’m thrilled to hear things worked out for them. After seeing them together, I’d had no doubt they were the real deal. “Is she still living in Virginia?”

He nods. “They’re in Norfolk. Kane’s a lieutenant commander in the navy. They got back from a three-year tour in Italy about six months ago. Had a great time over there.”

“I’m glad to hear they ended up together.”

“Never had a doubt. He was it for her since they were kids.”

“Yes, he was.”

“What about you? Never got married, did you?”

“Nope. I still haven’t found someone I can’t live without.”

His guffaw of laughter makes me smile. “I hear you, brother. My Claire is a doll, but sometimes she makes me want to muzzle her.”

That makes me chuckle. “As I recall you couldn’t run this place without her.”

“That’s the truth, and she keeps our three teenagers in check. I got lucky, and I know it. You will, too. I’m sure of it.”

“I guess we’ll see. It’s good to see you, Ronnie.” I put a couple of singles on the counter for the coffee that he pushes back at me.

“My treat. Don’t be a stranger. Bring the folks in for dinner sometime soon.”

“I will. Thanks for the coffee.”

“Come by for a cup any time.”

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