Page 58 of Chasing Fireflies

“Thanks. We’re running low, and my heater is working on overdrive.” He walks on down to help me unload the wood.

“How’s Elizabeth?”

“She’s taking a nap right now. I don’t know how, though. She’s had five cups of coffee.”

“You got her a new pot?” I ask.

“Yep.” He grins.

*

Walking into the bar, I see Drew sitting, babysitting a beer. His chief’s hat sits on the bar top. I make my way over and have a seat, too.

“How are the Kingsleys doing?” he asks me.

“Fine. They had a tree fall in the backyard. Figured once the snow thaws, we could go over and help Joe cut it.”

“Yeah, I’ll see if Guzman will help.” He takes a sip of his beer and makes anahhsound. “Nothing like a cold one after a long day’s work.”

“True story,” I agree as I lift my finger for Banner to get me one. He nods my way.

“Did you stop by the office before you got here?” the chief asks me.

“Yeah, Anne said she was going ahead and closing up, said she has some grocery shopping to do for Thanksgiving.”

“That’s what I was wondering. She goes all out on these holidays. We still got a few weeks, and she’s stocking our freezer up.”

“Sara is all about Christmas. I imagine the house will be filled with decorations.”

“It’s good to be into something,” Drew says. “How’s she doing anyway?”

I sigh. “Some days are better than others. Her mom is visiting right now.”

“Oh, you get along good with her family?”

“For the most part. Her dad is better than her mom.”

“Yeah,” he says. “Anne’s dad never did like me much. He said I was trouble, and his girl didn’t need to be around me.” Drew laughs. “I was into everything in my younger years. I swear, if you would have told me I’d grow up to be the chief of police, I would have laughed in your face and called you a fool.”

“You were a troublemaker?” I ask, not believing him.

“Shoot yeah, I didn’t believe in following the rules.”

I laugh and grab my beer that Banner put on the bar.

“What about you?” the chief asks me.

“I was an okay kid. My dad was the sheriff, so I didn’t get into trouble much.”

“Ahh, the sheriff’s kid is usually the worst they say.”

“I think that’s the preacher’s kid,” I say, taking a swig from my bottle. He laughs.

“You’re probably right. Well, I think I better be getting to the house, son. Anne will need help unloading those groceries. You and Sara got any plans for Turkey Day?” he asks, standing up and placing his hat on his head.

“Figured her mom will cook or something.”

He nods and tosses some bills onto the bar. “Well if that doesn’t pan out, you know you’re more than welcome at ours.”

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