Finding Peace: Baytown Boys

by Maryann Jordan

  Closing her eyes, she allowed the sun to warm her as her thoughts about Brogan flowed through her mind. Jolting awake, she heard her neighbor call out to someone and she blinked several times as her eyes re-adjusted to the light. Holding her hand over her forehead to shade her eyes, she watched as Saul ambled from his truck to the back windows of her neighbor’s house. He carried buckets and wipers, in preparation to begin cleaning, before climbing his short ladder.

  She watched, her heart in her chest, as he wavered at the top. How old is Saul anyway? Jesus, he needs to hire more help so he’s not teetering at the top of ladders. She noticed her neighbor had finished his tree trimming and was hanging around the bottom of Saul’s ladder and she wondered where his new help was.

  Twisting her neck back, she took an appraising look at her windows. Ugh, they could use a good washing. Wondering if Saul would be interested in the job, she rose from her chair and made her way over her small yard to the fence in the back. Waiting until he climbed down from his ladder, she called out, “Saul, where’s your new help?”

  He turned, smiling as he waved. “He’s working another job. I trust him to work on his own now, since he’s followed me over the past couple weeks.”

  “I was thinking about having you do my windows, but my house is small—”

  “No job’s too small, Miss Ginny. We did the Masterson’s house a few weeks ago and it’s a small one.”

  “Uh…” Ginny immediately forgot about her windows at the mention of the Masterson’s house. Her eyes jumped back to his ladder at the back of her neighbor’s house…right at a window…where the window washer would have a direct line of vision into the room.

  “Uh, I’ll talk to you later.” Jogging back across her yard, she turned and asked, “Saul, what is the name of your helper and where is he working?”

  “Ralph Nester. He’s a good worker. Got him over on Main Street doing two of the store fronts.”

  With a wave, she moved through her sliding glass door and into her kitchen. Making her way into her bedroom, she headed to the shower. Letting the water sluice over her body, her mind continued to turn over the investigation. Ralph Nester had been with Saul washing windows at the Masterson’s house. He would have had a chance to see what was inside the rooms. If there had been renters there at the time, he might have seen something. Maybe got excited. Maybe went back to see what else he could see.

  In a hurry now, she quickly dried off and pulled on her underwear. Stalking into her bedroom, she automatically glanced at the blinds, making sure they were closed. Pulling on her khakis and BPD navy polo, she bent to lace her boots. Gun belt and badge in place, she moved through the house to the living room, double checking the blinds in there before closing and locking her front door. Shaking her head at her paranoia, she nonetheless knew it was better to be safe than sorry.

  Within a few minutes she made it to the station, walking in, finally getting more accustomed to seeing Mildred’s purple-tinted hair standing next to Mable’s blue-tinted hair.

  “You’re in early,” Mildred said, her sharp eyes on Ginny.

  “Had some research I wanted to do before my shift starts,” she explained, heading to one of the computer stations in the back. Firing up the computer, she looked up as Mitch walked into the workroom from his office.

  He glanced at the clock on the wall in surprise and she explained, “I’m in early. Had something I wanted to check out.” Seeing the question in his eyes, she shrugged. “Nothing to report…just a hunch I’d like to check out.”

  “It have anything to do with our assault case?”

  Nodding, she said, “Yeah, but it’s just a thought. I figured I could do a little checking before my shift begins.”

  “Fill me in as soon as you think you’re on to something,” he said before pouring a cup of coffee and heading back to his office.

  She pulled up the initial information on Ralph Nester. Thirty years old. Lives outside of town in a small housing subdivision, government subsidized. She knew the area—clean, neat, little houses. He is single. No traffic violations. No prior as an adult. Sealed records from a charge as a minor. Sucking in a deep breath through her nose, she sighed and leaned back in her chair.

  Standing, she walked into Mitch’s office. As always, when she stepped into his office, she was reminded of his familial history. When Ginny first came to Baytown, Mitch’s father, Ed, was the police chief. She liked working for him, but a year later a heart attack took him off the job and the town called to his son to take the reins. She was glad Mitch was ready to leave the FBI and return to his roots, even though the pay cut had been substantial. But before Ed, Mitch’s grandfather had been the longtime police chief. For a few seconds, she allowed her mind to slide over the fact that Mitch’s family had been glad to have him come home but they would have been just as proud if he continued to work for the FBI. He had that—family support and pride.

  “You got something?”

  Blinking out of her reverie, she said, “Still just checking something out. I’d like to clock on about twenty minutes early if you don’t mind.”

  Nodding, he responded, “Got no problem with that. You wanna tell me what you’re checking on?”

  “I saw Saul Hudgins earlier, washing windows on a neighbor’s house. I know he’s got a new man helping him, been working with Saul for several weeks and now working on his own, not having to be right with Saul. Anyway, Saul mentioned they did the windows at the Masterson’s house.” Shrugging, she said, “It’s a long shot, but I was just thinking that—”

  “That it’d be a great way to check out houses, to see inside the different rooms, know where bedrooms might be,” he interjected, his eyes pinning hers.

  “Yeah. I’ve checked him out, but nothing turned up on a preliminary computer search, other than a charge when he was a minor.”

  “What’s your plan?”

  “I know where he’s working today. It’s here in town. Thought I’d go by and talk a bit. See if I could find out more.”

  “Need assistance?”

  Shaking her head, she said, “Nah. Just talking to him right now. Nothing official. I’ll be fine.”

  “Stay in contact,” he ordered.

  His command was unnecessary, but she was not offended. Mitch took his duties seriously and, while she knew she had his complete confidence, he still wanted to make sure his officers were protected. With a nod, she left the office and headed out to the SUV.

  29

  Brogan came in from the back of the building, a crate of liquor in his arms, and moved to the bar, setting it down carefully. The lunch crowd had left and he used the time before things got busy again to re-stock. Aiden followed a minute later, his arms full as well. Katelyn stood behind the bar, a clipboard in her hand as she noted the stock.

  Turning around, she nodded toward her brothers. “That should do it, guys. I’ll add it my list and we’ll be good to go. Then, I’m heading back to work.”

  Brogan walked past Katelyn, leaning over to kiss her head. “Thanks, sis,” he said, “but you go on back to Gareth. You’ve got a job there and this is extra.”

  Katelyn reared back and narrowed her eyes at him. “Who are you and what did you do with my grumpy brother?”

  Aiden burst out laughing, and said, “I was wondering the same thing.”

  Unable to contain his chuckle, Brogan grinned. “Just being a good big brother, for once.”

  Katelyn’s face softened as she placed her hand on his arm. “Brogan, you have always been a wonderful brother. I think, though, I know what is the reason for your less grumpy self. Would I be right to say that you and Ginny have acknowledged your feelings for each other?”

  Brogan glanced around, his natural shyness not wanting eavesdroppers, but other than two tables of customers that the server was taking care of, the pub was empty at the minute. He cut his eyes back to his siblings, both with smiling faces aimed toward him.

  Leaning his hip against the back of the bar, he placed
his hands on the edge behind him, crossing one booted leg in front of the other. Sucking in a deep breath, he let it out slowly.

  “Brogan,” Katelyn spoke, “you’re not facing a firing squad. Honey, this is us. We’ve got your back. You can talk to us.”

  “I love her.”

  The air was still for a few seconds before Aiden laughed again as Katelyn snorted, before she said, “Duh.”

  Pinching his lips, he glared at both of them. “Do you want me to talk or do you want to piss me off?”

  “Come on, Bro, loosen up,” Aiden said. “You know we want to know, but if you think telling us you love Ginny Spencer is news, then you need to catch up with the times.”

  Brogan wanted to be irritated but knew he needed their input, so he sucked in another breath before continuing. “Like I said, I love her. And she loves me. Don’t know why but not going to question it. She does and I plan on holding on to that.”

  He looked up and both siblings were smiling in agreement. “Not sure how to do that.”

  Katelyn jerked as she carefully stared at her brother, before saying, “I don’t know what you mean, Brogan.”

  “We’ve been spending the nights at one of our places, running back and forth between the two. I thought about putting a few things at her place and telling her to bring some of her stuff to my place. But that still feels transient.”

  “You want to move in together,” Aiden said, nodding his head, not waiting for confirmation. “Sounds good.”

  “Doesn’t seem too soon?” Brogan asked.

  “Not when you feel the way you do about each other. I know you two haven’t been together that long, but I know. When it’s right, it’s right,” Katelyn said, her enthusiasm overflowing.

  “It’s not just the emotional aspect of moving in together, but the logistics,” Brogan continued. “My place is small…really small. But it’s got privacy and beach access. Her place is in town and convenient to our work. It’s homier…but not much bigger. She’s got two bedrooms but one is small. Got a loft for extra space, but swear to God, I feel like I’ll hit my head on the ceiling when I’m there.”

  Katelyn let loose another giggle at the thought of huge Brogan hitting his head, then immediately mumbled, “Sorry,” as he glared once more.

  “So, essentially,” Aiden said, “you want to ask her to move in together, but neither of you have a great place for a couple.”

  Brogan nodded, pleased that Aiden understood. “Yes, exactly.”

  Rubbing his chin, Aiden said, “I don’t know that you have an instant right or wrong decision here. I mean, it’s not like either of you are going to be buying a bigger house right now. Maybe you should just keep sharing places.”

  Seeing Brogan’s thoughtful look, Katelyn added, “Take some clothes to her place and she can leave some at yours. Make the most of the best of both places. Your beach access and privacy and her proximity to town.”

  Hanging his head, he said, “Maybe this is all premature. I mean, I’m talking to y’all but haven’t talked to her yet. I guess I was just working on my courage.”

  “Brogan, you’ve got more courage than most men,” Katelyn said, “but I think you’re trying to figure out the best situation and maybe you need to talk to Ginny to get her input. Work on it together.”

  “You know,” Aiden said, moving next to Katelyn as he leaned against the stock bar, “you could think about keeping your property and doing more with it.” Seeing he had Brogan’s attention, he said, “You bought that piece of property for a song when you got back and it’s not the house you got that’s worth anything, but that beach front land is a gold mine. You got room to build a house there…one that’s big enough for family.”

  Brogan’s gaze landed on Aiden, hard and fast, as his breath caught in his throat. Family. Wife. Kids. Ginny and their kids. Things he always wanted but never thought would happen filled him with the thought that maybe, with her, he would not only get peace, but a forever.

  Aiden and Katelyn stayed quiet, both seeing emotions cross the face of their normally stoic brother.

  Finally, Katelyn whispered, “What are you thinking, Brogan?”

  Sucking in another breath through his nose before letting it out slowly, he said, “Never thought this would happen. Find a woman that could see through my shit. Make me face it, get it out, and get help for it. Make me feel like I got something to look forward to each day other than just coming to work or coaching the kids. Make me think about having a future.”

  Aiden lifted his chin while saying, “Glad for you, man. No one deserves that kind of happiness more than you.” Katelyn nodded, as Aiden continued, “Keep going with Ginny. Talk to her and find out what her thoughts are. If she’s agreeable to keeping your beach property, and she’d be crazy not to be, then see where everything goes and you can plan on building on your property some time to make a bigger place.”

  Chuckling, Brogan nodded. “Never thought of that, but gotta say, it makes a helluva lot of sense.”

  Katelyn lifted her eyebrow and said, “This is a red-letter day. Brogan’s in love and not grumpy. Aiden’s giving good advice. I don’t know if I should go play the lottery, figuring the jack-pot’s just around the corner, or get the hell out of here ‘cause the world’s coming to an end.”

  Both brothers moved quickly to her sides, immediately creating a Katelyn sandwich with their large bodies on either side, throwing their arms around her, squishing her until she screamed with laughter.

  Ginny drove along Main Street, but did not see Ralph or the Hudgins Window Washing truck. Making another pass along the businesses in town, she still did not view him. A glance at the clock told her it was time for her to begin her patrol, so she had no choice but to abandon her attempts to talk to him today and start her circular drives around the town’s streets.

  Passing by Tori’s Sea Glass Inn, she parked along Beach Road and walked over the slight dune to the town beach. Many families were enjoying picnics on the beach and she was pleased to not find anyone openly defying the rule of no glass on the beach. With only one dog owner having to be warned that their beach privileges would be revoked if their dog was not contained on a leash, she weaved around the beachgoers and over the dune. Climbing in the SUV, she made her way to the harbor, checking out the activity there.

  Stopping to chat with a few of the fishermen coming in from their day’s run and to wave at Callan and some of the Coast Guard as they went out for a routine exercise, as well as check in the with the owners of the kayak and ski boat rentals, carved out part of her afternoon patrols.

  She eventually made a circle back to Main Street, her eyes still looking for Ralph, but having no luck. Seeing Jason standing outside his garage, she pulled up. Hopping out, she walked toward him, noting his wide smile. “Hey, Jason,” she greeted. “You look happy.”

  “Just got the go-ahead to open my tattoo shop right next to the garage,” he said, his satisfaction evident as he swept his arm in the direction of the storefront next to the garage.

  “Silas and the town board agreed?” she asked incredulously.

  Nodding, he said, “Seems that the town’s so glad to finally have a reputable garage in town that not only repairs cars, but also tows, that they’re ready to bring in more business. And my business plans include motorcycle repairs and to bring in more mechanics, plus at least one or two tattoo artists.” He ran his hand over his head and added, “I kinda feel bad ‘cause I know that woman was trying to get this storefront for her ice cream business, but I haven’t seen her around here lately.”

  “Rose Parker,” she said, nodding her head in agreement. “I heard someone say she had to put a halt on her plans to take care of a relative back home. But don’t worry, she’ll find another place if she comes back. But, for your business, I’m really happy for you,” she enthused.

  The tall, tatted man smiled down at her and said, “Same for you.” She did not respond, but her silent question must have reached him, because he continued, “Yo
u and Brogan. Been waiting for the two of you to hook up for two years. Glad to see he pulled his head outta his ass and did something about it.”

  Blushing, she grinned. “Thanks. ’Preciate it.” Looking down the street, she said, “By the way, have you seen one of Saul’s window cleaning trucks around? Maybe with his new guy doing the work?”

  “Yeah, saw him up the street about two hours ago. Haven’t seen him since.”

  Nodding, she threw her hand up toward him while calling out, “Thanks. See you around.”

  She stopped at the station to check in an hour later, but Mitch had already gone home. Mildred and Mable were getting ready to leave, but stopped to ask if she needed anything.

  Smiling at the two women, she said, “No, thanks. Just taking a break and then I’ll be back out until the end of my shift. She watched as they left the station, locking up behind them. Taking a quick bathroom break, she headed back to the SUV and began her drive through the town’s residential streets, occasionally sweeping by the business areas again.

  The evening settled over the town and her mind wandered to Brogan, wondering if he was still at the pub or had gone on home. Home. She liked the sound of that. Not her home. Or his home. But home.

  Sighing, she turned a corner and tried to focus on her task at hand, but as she passed house after house, many with lit windows, some where she could see the families watching TV in their living rooms, or eating a late dinner at their dining room tables, she felt longing. Longing for what she had not had with her parents. Oh, they had sat down at the table together, her father had demanded that. But there had been no laughter and certainly no fun. Her mind rolled back to dinner with the MacFarlanes. Laughing. Talking. Gentle teasing. Parents who obviously loved their children and had no problem showing it. And they would adore grandchildren.