Page 63 of Mine to Keep

“Well, hello there,” Jon said. “And how are you two this lovely afternoon in south Florida?”

Jamison wanted to burst out laughing. Who the hell greeted people with a location?

“We’re doing well. And you?” his mother asked.

“I’d be better if this young man would agree to do a sit-down with me.”

“About what?” Jamison asked. “There’s no story worth telling. Besides, it’s old news,” Jamison said.

“I agree. We missed the boat on your heroic act. But not about your—”

“Jon. This isn’t the time,” his mother said. “My son and I are enjoying a nice lunch, and neither of us has much time.”

Jon furrowed his brow. He glanced between Jamison and his mother.

Jamison got the impression something was going on between Jon and his mom. His heart dropped to his stomach, and it pitched left and right and rolled around like a tiny boat lost at sea in a storm.

“Rebecca, are you going back on your word?” Jon asked.

“Mother. Are you giving Jon an interview? About us? About Steve?”

“Not about Steve and me or any of that. It’s all about being a female Chief of Police, and what’s that’s like in a male-dominated profession.”

Jamison shook his head. “I can see where this is headed, though. A three-part series, tying it all back to the bastard son.” He decided to scarf down his lunch as quickly as possible. All he wanted to do was finish his project and then get a good night’s sleep because he started a three-day shift tomorrow. That would be a nice break from everyone.

“That’s not how I’d do it,” Jon said. “I take it you read the piece I did about Steve.”

“Not the point,” Jamison said.

“Jon. This really isn’t the time or place,” his mother interjected.

“I can take a hint.” Jon raised his hands. “I’ll talk with you both later.”

“Not me, you won’t.” Jamison raised his soda and nodded. “Have a nice life.” He stared at his mom and glared.

“It’s not what you think.”

Thankfully, he’d already left his money on the table. He pushed it toward his mom. “You’re putting a spin on what you did. I get that. You’re a public figure, and you have an image. I’m sure it hurt your popularity. But I’m not going to take part in this. I was serious when I said you’ve all got to stop pushing me. If you want me in your lives, you need to do so on my terms and respect my boundaries.” He took one last fry. “Remember what I said about Bryn. If I find out you’re doing any digging, we’re done.”

“I hear you loud and clear.”

He certainly hoped so, but he wasn’t holding his breath.

Jamison knew showingup at anyone’s home, especially a woman’s, unannounced was a big no-no. The few girlfriends outside of his ex-wife that he’d had over the years had never once appreciated it and he suspected Bryn wouldn’t either.

So, he decided it was best if he pulled off the road and called.

It rang twice before she picked up.

“Hi Jamison,” she said in that sweet voice that got him all hot and bothered under the collar. “Is everything okay?”

He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. Shit. He should have checked the time before he called. “I’m sorry,. I didn’t realize how late it was. I was over at my grandmothers.”

“How’s she doing?”

“Good.” He chuckled. “She took twenty bucks from in me blackjack.”

“I think you need to stop betting that woman.”

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