Page 75 of Resolutions

Theendoftheweek.

LAW

I'm standing on the sidewalk outside the J Bonds building, surveying the front window, when I see Sheriff Tobias Trenton's reflection as he pulls up to the curb. Getting out of his truck he saunters over, every bit the small-town lawman despite what we've just been through.

“Law.”

“Sheriff.” We nod to each other. “Glad it's over?”

“Yes sir. Man, he was an annoying shit.”

Chuckling, I agree. “Yes, he was.” I whistled, “and what an ego.”

“Don't even get me started. We had a pool on what the highest cash amount he would offer to buy his release.”

“And?”

Tobias shook his head. “Four million. Idiot offered it to Rogers. Dudes on a federal warrant for crimes against women, and he offers a married masc lesbian with three little girls four million to help him escape.”

“Shit, I'm surprised she didn't take him up on it, have him transfer the money, then shoot him for attempting escape.”

Tobias, smiling. “I'm sure she thought about it. So, what's going on here? I saw you standing there looking like a lost puppy.”

“I was just thinking about where to put my logo.” I cock my head to the side, still studying the window.

“Your logo?”

“Yes, sir. I just bought the business from old man Johnson. He showed up at Mom's yesterday and said he was ready to retire.”

“Well, hot damn. Congratulations.” The chief offers his hand, and I shake it while grinning. “Wait, are you closing the New York office?”

“No, I'll be here on and off to start, but eventually I'll make it more permanent. Mom's health isn't what it used to be, and New York is a long way from Whispering Pines. Plus, none of us are getting any younger. So, when the opportunity showed up, I jumped on it. The guys like it here too. I'm sure they'll want to cover this office as well.”

“Makes sense. It'll be nice having you around more.”

A car door closes behind us. We turn to see a hot pink minivan, its side panels covered in lavender and white flowers. A pretty, voluptuous redhead wearing bright green glasses and a bright yellow dress with white polka dots emerges from the driver's seat. Opening the side door, she retrieves a large vase filled with spring flowers.

“Hi,” she says, smiling at me. “Tobias,” she stops in front of

him and smiles, her cheeks flushing pink.

“Ah, hello Ruth. Umm, nice arrangement.” The great Sheriff fidgets uncomfortably.

“Oh, thank you. They're for Mrs. Pine's birthday.” She looks at the flowers, then back at Tobias. Awkward silence follows as they just look at each other.

“This,” he paused, “this is Law.” Tobias points at me.

“Hi Law, I’m Ruth, I run the flower shop.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” I nodded.

“Well, I better deliver these.” She spins on her heel and heads toward a building two doors down.

I notice the Sheriff doesn't take his eyes off her as she walks away.

“Ah, something going on there?” I ask, trying to contain my smile.

Looking incredibly uncomfortable, Tobias finally turns to face me. “What do you mean?”

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