Page 5 of Missing

“Not really, I miss my daily trips to Grannie’s.” I didn’t add, because I miss seeing you every day. “As far as frat boy hazing goes, it was pretty enjoyable.”

Her laugh was soft and musical. I think I missed that the most.I’ll have to find an excuse to go to Grannie’s more often.

“AJ didn’t seem to mind either, for all he pretended to complain about it.”

Had they put Jack through the hazing? Probably not. It didn’t seem like something John or Jamie would do. Not wanting to own my ignorance about the tradition, I asked Beth if Jack had complained too.

“He never had to do it. According to AJ, it was Jack’s idea to haze the new guy.”

“Why am I not surprised?”

Jack had recommended AJ when SSI wanted to add a fourth full-time person. They’d been best buds since serving together in the Army, and Jack trusted AJ completely. Hazing and teasing were a part of any military friendship, so it made sense Jack decided to haze him.

Once the ice was broken, we settled into comfortable conversation, making the rest of the drive go by in a flash. I half wished it’d taken longer so we could keep talking.We still have the drive back.

As we approached Grannie’s door, I saw the colorful Wyatt Foundation Halloween Dance fundraiser flyers in the window. The Sheppards hosted a fundraiser for Beth, after she lost her husband. It’d been such a huge success they started a foundationand named it after him. The money they raised went to the families of fallen officers, police and fire, in the local community.

This year would be the third event, and the second I’d attend.

I got to meet a lot of the local police officers and other first responders, and quite a few political players at the fundraiser last year. It’d been a whirlwind night as John introduced me to everyone.Most of whom I’ve forgotten.

As I held the door open for Beth, the rich smell of freshly brewed coffee filled my nose, making my mouth water. Mary and Amber, the full-time barista who replaced Meg when John poached her, were helping a group of customers in suits and ties.

Beth compulsively organized the cream and sugar counter as we waited.

“Beth. Doug. It’s so good to see you.” Mary rushed around the counter and hugged Beth. You’d think they hadn’t seen each other in months. “What brings you in during your vacation?”

“I made the mistake of offering to make a coffee run while Chase was talking to John.” Mary looked at me as Beth answered.

“How many do you need that you brought backup?” Mary asked with a laugh.

“I was heading here when Beth came in, so I offered to help.” Mary patted my arm, I could almost hear her thinking, “good boy,” before she asked how many.

“Eight, plus a hot chocolate with marshmallows, and whatever Beth wants. Oh, and we need a dozen cookies.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Eight, must be a full house today.”

“Yes, ma’am.” It was rare for all six full-timers to be in the office at the same time, and rarer still for a few part-timers to be there as well. Most of us worked outside the office, providing protection duty, on stake outs, serving papers, or investigating. It was one of the things I liked most about the job—it was never boring.

“John mentioned he had an appointment with Chase. Is everything okay?” Concern laced Mary’s voice as she headed back behind the counter. She was the Mama Bear of Sheppard & Sons, and Grannie’s, and it showed in her actions and her words.

“Oh, he’s fine. I thought he didn’t want me helping him practice for tee ball but it turns out he wants help with his cup. As well as wanting John to help him practice.” Beth tried not to laugh as she explained the situation.

“John will love that.”

Mary sent Amber out back to grab a box, then packed our coffees and cookies into it. Mary added a pumpkin muffin, saying, “On the house, for my new daughter-in-law. I know how much she loves them.” She practically glowed as she said it.

When Beth and I both reached for the box our fingers brushed and our eyes locked. It was the briefest of touches, but I felt it zing like a shock straight to my core. It wasn’t the first time it had happened, but it was the first time I considered acting on it.But not here.

During the ride back to the office, Beth stared out the window. She had the box of coffees balanced on her lap with the bag of baked treats balanced on top. She was tapping her fingers on the box in a steady rhythm, though I don’t think she realized it. I didn’t know her well enough to know if it was a nervous habit or not, but erred on the side of experience and assumed it meant something was up.It never hurts to ask.

“Everything okay?” I asked, not expecting her to open up or spill her guts to me.We’re acquaintances, not friend.

I’d like to change that.

Chapter 5

Beth

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