Page 36 of Building What's Meant to Be

He playfully punches my arm then retracts his fist and rubs it. “Forgot how solid you are. You’re not as built as Buck, but I bet you two would be evenly matched.”

This time my eyebrows lift. “I work out.”

“Clearly. Have some frustration you’ve been needing to release?” He adopts a boxing stance and punches the air.

“Something like that.” I rub my hand down my face, wondering if I should tell him who I am and what I do.

Taylor knows that after I lost my grandparents, I went to the city. Which city though is another story. I got a job in finance, started traveling, and the owners of the firm approached me with a lucrative offer, but it came with a catch. They wanted to involve me in some shady dealings. I discretely exposed them to the authorities. The authorities had been tracking the case, yet I was the one who picked up on the discrepancies they’d overlooked for years. The agency recruited me because I do have an eye for detail, but mostly it comes down to pattern recognition and when something interrupts it. Anyway, the rest is history. My particular role is deep and I’ve found it’s easier, and safer, for my family and friends not to know.

However, lately, the secrets are taking their toll. Maybe that’s because I play two roles. The big question is when the time comes to retire, who will I be?

“I’m just here to warn you,” Taylor says.

“I thought you were going to use the bro code.”

“Can’t. Tinsley and I never officially dated. Part seven, section two-c of the bro manual.”

I chuckle.

“Listen, when she starts Tinsley-splaining, run for the hills.”

“I think I can handle myself.” I’m well-versed in the art of observation, interrogation, and combatting manipulation. It’s my job to see through obfuscation to the truth. And I do, one hundred percent of the time.

“I know you can, but can you handle Tinsley Humber?”

I suppose that remains to be seen, but up until now, I’ve been having a back and forth with myself about completely ignoring her and carrying her in my arms to the nearby church.

“My primary concern right now is Stoll. Any clue where he went?” I ask.

“Not the foggiest.”

Mae, very pregnant, waddles over. “What are we talking about?”

“Stoll,” Taylor and I say at the same time as if in agreement that we will never mention the previous conversation or Tinsley to my sister if we can help it.

“Are you still intending to make a run for mayor?” she asks me.

“Sure am.” I’m an options guy and like to have several on the table. The next race isn’t until November. Hopefully, by then, Gatlin Stoll will be in jail and the case will be closed, meaning I can retire. Then again, the case has become a rat’s nest. Emphasis on rats.

Mae clicks her tongue. “I don’t know. Now you have skeletons in your closet.”

Frowning, I shake my head. “No, I cleared them out. Just Murder Doll remains.”

“Sometimes you worry me.” Mae affectionately leans her head on my shoulder. I pat her on the head because I’ll always be her big brother even when we have our differences.

But right now, I worry because my gaze drifts to Tinsley who talks animatedly to the O’Donnells. They all smile and laugh. Despite what Taylor told me, she seems like a decent enough person. Perhaps she’s changed. Maybe everything that happened in LA and then getting arrested was a wake-up call.

Or perhaps the worry is because she’s lulling me into a trance.

I only vaguely register that Mae and Taylor say goodbye because my eyes are glued to Tinsley. My sister snaps her fingers in front of my face. I give my head a little shake.

Taylor mutters, “I warned him about those sequins.”

They walk hand in hand down the sidewalk. My heart bounces a little in my chest. I’m happy for my best friend andmy sister. Thrilled they’re starting a family. But I have to admit, being a perennial bachelor isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Not having anyone to share life with seems like a bleak future.

I recall when Taylor said nearly these same words to me. I told him to jump into the unknown. I wonder if I should take my own advice.

Ungluing myself from these deep and potentially life-altering thoughts, along with the spot on the sidewalk, I greet the O’Donnells. They continue their walk while Tinsley tells me all about Sterling and Silvia, her family’s cocker spaniels when she was growing up.

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