Page 4 of In Too Deep

Chapter Three

COLE

After placing my knife and fork on my empty plate, I say, “Dinner was delicious. Thank you, Theresa. I can’t remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal that wasn’t a frozen meal.”

She stands, reaching for Harry’s and my plate.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. You know you’re always welcome to join Harry and me for dinner when I’m not on duty.”

She turns to head to the kitchen sink and rinses the dishes. Following behind her with the other dishes, I hand them to her one by one as she rinses them off and stacks them in the dishwasher.

Heading back to the table, I grab the bread and butter and head to the kitchen counter. She sees what I’m doing and huffs. “You’re my guest, Cole. I can do that. Harry, can you please wash up for bed?” she calls out, then opens the refrigerator and places the butter in there.

“But, Mom, we have company. Can’t I stay up a little longer?”

She inhales and reaches for the wine that she opened earlier, taking a sip.

“I knew he would do this. He’s been so excited to see you all day.”

Theresa turns her attention back to Harry, shaking her head. I like seeing Theresa this way, her hair up in a messy bun, wearing a Colorado sweatshirt and casual blue jeans, and not in her usual work attire. This is the Theresa you don’t see often. In her line of work, she could get a call at any time, including in the middle of the night, and she always looks immaculate in her suits and tied-up hair. Not as relaxed as she is tonight.

“We spoke about this, Harry, not on a school night. Now be a good boy, go upstairs, and get ready for bed.”

“But, Mom.”

She turns to me.

“Since Keith’s death, he’s been playing up and testing the boundaries. I’ve given in a lot, knowing that this has been a hard time for him, but I have to get him back into some kind of routine, which I’m struggling with.”

Placing a hand on her shoulder, I look over at Harry, who’s still sitting at the kitchen table. His yellow and red cars are in his hands.

“Harry, what if after you wash up for bed, I come in and read you a story?”

His eyes light up. “Really? Oh, yes, please,” he says, excitement in his voice.

Harry jumps out of the kitchen chair and runs toward the stairs leading to the second floor while calling out, “I’ll meet you in my room, Uncle Cole.”

“Thank you, Cole. I really appreciate this,” Theresa says before she places her wine on the counter and wipes the sink down.

“Theresa?” I say in a low voice.

She looks up at me with curiosity on her face. “Yes?”

“I said you can ask me for anything, and I meant that.”

She straightens. “I appreciate your kindness, and after you’re finished with Harry, I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Anything,” I reply with no hesitation.

She bites down on her bottom lip. “We’ll see. This favor is not an easy one.” She folds the dish towel and stands at the counter. “Go finish up with Harry, and we’ll talk.”

***

“The End.”

Before the words are out, Harry’s eyes shut. Looking up at the sound of footsteps, I find Theresa walking in with a warm smile.

On a whisper, I say, “He’s out like a light.”

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