Finishing with the notes, Katelyn grinned. “What did you use to take the pictures?”
“I’ve got a couple of cameras and some long-range lenses.” Seeing the excitement in her eyes, he warned, “You have to realize that a lot of what I do is right here, at this desk with my special computer programs. And even when I’m out, hours are spent just sitting in my SUV watching. This career is not like TV.”
“I know, but I really want to help…and learn,” she vowed. Sucking in her lips, she eyed him nervously, before blurting, “I’ve looked at the Department of Criminal Justice website and researched what I would need to become licensed. I know it will take time, but I’d like to learn.”
Gareth grinned at the glitter of interest in her eyes and realized he liked that so much better than the specter of sadness he had observed in the past. “I’ll help you all I can.”
“Good,” she said, standing. “Now, I’ve called in some sandwiches from the pub to pick up for us and then I’ll get to the filing.” As she reached the door, she looked back over her shoulder and called out, “Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll be partners!”
Gareth’s gaze dropped to her ass and he leaned back and groaned. I’d like to be partners…just maybe not the only way she’s thinking.
Katelyn looked up at the woman stepping through the door, immediately noting her unease. Standing quickly, she walked around the desk and extended her hand. “Hello. Welcome to Harrison Investigations. My name is Katelyn. May I help you?”
The woman glanced down to Katelyn’s hand for a second before taking it in her own. Her other hand clutched her purse strap, worrying the leather as her eyes dropped from Katelyn’s to take in the room. Swallowing deeply, she said, “Uh…hello. I’m…well…uh…”
Smiling warmly, Katelyn asked, “Would you like to speak to Mr. Harrison?”
A jerky nod was her only response as her gaze drifted to the front door, as though ready to flee. Recognizing her nervousness, Katelyn asked, “May I get you a cup of coffee, Miss…?”
“Oh, uh…yes. And it’s Mrs. Milstone.”
“Have a seat and I’ll be glad to get you some coffee.”
Looking around nervously, Mrs. Milstone said, “Is there somewhere else I can…um…well, it’s just that…” her gaze drifted back to the large, plate glass window facing the street.
Understanding dawned, and Katelyn said, “Of course. Please follow me.” She walked to the empty office and left Mrs. Milstone there, comfortably seated. Rushing to pop the coffee pod into the Keurig, she then hurried into Gareth’s office.
“You’ve got a walk-in client,” she said, capturing his undivided attention. “She’s nervous and didn’t want to wait out front, which I realized has too much glass and waiting clients have no privacy from anyone walking by, but we can talk about that later.”
Gareth stood and motioned with his hands for her to slow down. “Okay, okay. You put her in the other office?”
“Yes, let me get her coffee and I’ll take you in.” With that she turned on her heels and rushed back out.
Gareth smiled at her enthusiasm, realizing how much different the office felt since Katelyn came on board. Grabbing a pen and pad of paper, he met her in the hall and allowed her to enter the room first.
Katelyn made the introductions and placed the cup of coffee on the table in front of the client, smiling at her warmly. Turning to leave, she heard a nervous gasp.
“You…you’re not staying?” Mrs. Milstone asked, her eyes full of concern.
“Well, uh…” Katelyn stammered.
“She’s just getting her notebook,” Gareth replied quickly, observing the nervous woman. His gaze jumped to Katelyn’s and he offered a nod.
“Yes, yes,” she said. “I’ll be right back.” Hurrying out to her desk, she grabbed a notebook and pen before rushing back. Standing outside the door for a moment, she sucked in a deep breath, collecting herself. Once inside, she slid into the seat nearest Mrs. Milstone.
As Gareth listened to the woman, he noted her gaze drifted often to Katelyn, seeming to take comfort in another woman being present. I’ve never thought of that before, but perhaps some women prefer talking with another woman. Swinging his attention back to the matter at hand, he began gently questioning the client.
“I think my husband is hiding money and I just want to know what’s going on,” she explained. “He owns his own business and makes real good money. I work part-time as well. But when I look at our bank statements, it just doesn’t seem to add up. He’s a good man, but something’s not right and he won’t tell me where the money is going. He says it just goes back into the business, but it seems to do so more than it used to.”
Gareth immediately picked up on the dichotomy of her terms—good man but something’s not right—and he instinctively knew Mrs. Milstone would most likely not like the results. Secretive spouses were rarely a good thing. Keeping his face neutral, he continued to ask more questions, creating a larger picture.
Katelyn stayed quiet during the interview, taking notes as her mind worked furiously. Having no idea how to proceed in investigating such a case, she was anxious to watch Gareth at work. He leaned toward the client, his focus entirely on her. He nodded, his face a mask of professional concern, encouraging Mrs. Milstone to continue to talk and Katelyn observed the tension in the client’s shoulders seem to slip away as Gareth gently probed for more information. She realized his body language worked to his advantage as much as his questions. But it’s sincere. He really seems to care.
Gareth finished gathering the information needed, including the bank information. Mrs. Milstone pulled out her purse and handed Gareth cash for his initial fee for taking on a case. Katelyn jumped up to retrieve the receipt book and, once she handed Mrs. Milstone her receipt, the three left the office. Shaking hands in the front room, Katelyn and Gareth watched her hasten out the door.
Turning to him, Katelyn said, “What do you think?”
He observed her wide-eyed inquisitiveness and shook his head sadly. “Chances are she’s not going to like the answers we find.”
Caught between his depressing answer and the fact that he included her in the investigation, she sighed. “I noticed…well, it seemed like you really cared about her…you know, as you were talking to her.” Seeing his brows raise as he cocked his head to the side, she rushed, “I mean, you were totally professional. But, it’s just that, you put her at ease. She seemed to relax as she talked to you and I noticed you really focused on her.”
Nodding slowly, he explained, “It’s not always easy for people to come ask for help, Katelyn.” Lifting his hands to the side, he added, “Oh, sure, sometimes we get the client who comes blowing in and they’re pissed as hell at a spouse or employee and they’re out for blood. But mostly, people come when they are desperate, confused, wanting answers, hating the fact that they need to have someone probe into their lives…hell, even dreading what I might dig up.”
Katelyn stood, her eyes never leaving his as he continued to explain.
“So, it’s important for me to connect with the client. I’m essentially taking on their burden, so they can sit back and let someone else carry the load for a while. They know they may not like what I find, but they know someone’s in their corner.”
Katelyn’s heart squeezed as she listened to Gareth speak. “You’re a really good person,” she admired, her voice soft.
A blush crept across his face as he smirked. “Don’t know about that…I just know that I really like helping people.”
Sucking in a deep breath before letting it out slowly, she nodded. “Okay, so what do we do?”
Grinning, he asked, “Anxious to get started?”
“Absolutely! This is so much more exciting than working in the diner!”
“You know a lot of days are boring, right?”
Shrugging, she replied, “In the diner, I did get to hear the latest gossip, but since I’m at the pub in the evenings, I’ll still catch up on it all.”
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Standing still for a moment, he said softly, “You’re good with people, Katelyn. You put her at ease, also.”
“I guess I learned to listen from all those years of waiting on people,” she offered with a slight shrug. “I got adept at reading people’s behavior as well as their words.”
Smiling, he nodded, recognizing her value. “Come on into my office and I’ll go over my plan for Mrs. Milstone.”
A few minutes later, Katelyn sat and watched as Gareth began to outline his thoughts. “To be honest, her giving us the bank information makes things easier. She happens to be on the home and the business accounts so I don’t have to do any special digging on that.”
“What if she wasn’t?”
Grinning, he replied, “Then I get creative, as long as I don’t have to testify in court. If she just wants my info, then I do what I need to get it for her.”
Observing Katelyn as she bent over her notebook, scribbling furiously, her thick, dark hair falling over her shoulders, he fought the urge to reach out and touch the silky tresses. Something about her called to him…not just lust…something deeper. Jolted from his musing as she lifted her gaze back to his, he stuffed down his wandering thoughts, forcing his mind to remember, She’s now an employee.
Chapter Six
Rapping the gavel upon the podium, Jillian called the Baytown American Legion Auxiliary’s meeting to order. The women in town had been excited to gain a charter for their organization after the veterans had chartered their American Legion.
“Rise for the Advancement of the Colors,” she announced.
The large group of women in the building rose to their feet as Ginny Spencer marched forward carrying the American flag. As a member of the American Legion and former Army Sergeant, and current Baytown police officer, she had been voted to the position of Sergeant at Arms.
A Methodist minister from the town said the prayer before Jillian led the group in the Allegiance to the Flag. After Ginny had taken her seat again, Jillian read the preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion and then called Nancy Evans, Mitch’s mom, to the podium for the reading of the last meeting’s minutes. After she completed her task, Jillian called Corinne MacFarlane, Katelyn’s mom, to read the treasurer’s report.
Katelyn, as Vice President, called upon the committee chairs to report as well. Tori, taking the stand, said, “Our first bake sale at the American Legion’s children’s ball game last month brought in over three hundred dollars—”
Applause interrupted, as the group was excited about their first fund-raising activity. Tori finished with information for the next sale.
“Next, we need to discuss the Cavalcade of Memories,” Jillian said. “If you look in your packets, you will find the type of things we want to collect and display. I’m sure we can gather a great number of items that reflect the history of our family members who served, but we will need to have volunteers to catalog and, then, if we have enough items, we can display them on a rotating basis.”
Several other committees reported as well, including Katelyn’s plan for getting more girls in the community involved in the sporting activities. Discussions ensued and after almost thirty minutes, the meeting came to a close.
With a final prayer and the retirement of colors, Jillian read the Auxiliary Charge. “Till we meet again let us remember that our obligation to our Country can be fulfilled only by the faithful performance of all duties of citizenship. Let service to the community, state and nation be ever a main objective of the American Legion Auxiliary and its members. Let us ever be watchful of our organization and ourselves, that nothing shall swerve us from the path of Justice, Freedom, Loyalty and Democracy.” After that, she pronounced, “If there is no further business to come before this meeting, the meeting is adjourned.”
As the women filed out of the room, the officers stayed behind to chat for a few minutes. Katelyn walked over to hug Tonya Bayles, Philip’s mom and the woman she had assumed would be her mother-in-law.
“Oh, sweet girl, how are you?” Tonya asked, her smile genuine as she looked at the younger woman.
“I’m good,” Katelyn said honestly.
“I’ve heard you no longer work at the diner,” Tonya said. “I have to admit, it will be strange to go in there and not see your pretty face.”
“Lord knows I’ve worked there for almost thirteen years,” Katelyn admitted. “I miss the people, but I don’t miss the smell of bacon on all my clothes!”
The two chuckled before Tonya said, “Well, gossip has it that you’re now working with Gareth Harrison.”
Hating to be the subject of speculation, Katelyn nonetheless knew how small towns operated. It was better to make sure you had no secrets because they would be ferreted out soon enough. “That’s right. He needed a receptionist and I wanted to do something besides just waitressing.”
Tonya smiled indulgently. “I understand, sweetheart. I was always afraid you had become stuck after Philip died and he would have never wanted that for you.”
For once, the mention of Philip did not bring the familiar sting of tears. Instead, Katelyn was surprised to feel strangely comforted at the thought of her former fiancé being happy for her. Grasping Tonya’s hands in hers, she smiled at the older woman. “Thank you for that.”
With a pat to Katelyn’s cheek, Tonya said her goodbyes and walked out of the room with the other women.
Turning around, Katelyn noticed the group behind her, standing in both curiosity and concern. Cocking her head to the side, she peered back at them.
Her mom spoke first as she walked over to Katelyn. “You okay, honey?”
“Yeah, Mom, I’m good.” Smiling, she embraced her mom, whispering in her ear, “I’m really good.”
Corrine MacFarlane smiled in return and then said, “Well, let’s head to the pub!”
Some of the American Legion members always had a beer at Finn’s after their meetings and the women decided that they wanted to continue the tradition. Of course, on Auxiliary nights, the men were already there waiting on them.
Aiden and Brogan worked the bar, keeping an eye on the waitstaff’s movements through the crowd, serving drinks and food.
“Gotta love American Legion and Auxiliary nights,” Aiden said. “Brings in business during the week to match the weekend’s.”
Brogan grunted his agreement, his eyes continually darting toward the door.
“You got someone coming in you want to see?” Aiden asked, noting his brother’s behavior. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think some honey was on their way.”
“Shut the fuck up,” Brogan said, scowling. “Just checking the crowd, that’s all.”
Aiden’s attention was quickly pulled away as he moved down the bar toward some of their friends. “What’s goin’ on in the police world?” he asked Mitch, sitting with Grant. They were joined by Mitch’s father, Ed, the former police chief.
“Not much right now,” Mitch said. “Still got some drugs running up and down the county, but for now, things are quiet.”
“As soon as the tourists start coming in, the department will be too busy,” Grant added. “Hell, just the teen shoplifters and adults drinking alcohol on the public beach will take up time.”
“Always liked the warmer weather,” Ed said, “but gotta admit the tourists, which are needed for the town’s businesses, can add a layer of need to the department.”
Gareth, sitting on the other side of Ed, nodded toward Brogan as he served him another beer. Like the others, he found himself looking up every time the door opened, hoping to see Katelyn. Hell, I just saw her at work today. But he could not deny the desire to see her again. Shaking his head, he tried to empty his mind.
“Thinking of work?” Brogan asked, his deep voice cutting through Gareth’s thoughts.
Startling, Gareth’s gaze jumped to his friend. “Uh…yeah. Just got some cases on my mind.”
“Katelyn doin’ okay for you?”
Gareth knew Brogan’s abbrevia
ted verbiage held a lot of brotherly concern, but refused to wither under the intense stare. Used to doing what he wanted, when he wanted, he chaffed at feeling the need to explain himself. “She’s doing great. She fits in easily and, to be honest, I now wonder how I managed without her.”
Brogan stared wordlessly, non-blinking, and Gareth wondered if he caught the double meaning of his words. Before he could reply further, Brogan just nodded and walked away.
As they walked out into the night, Katelyn realized that almost all the women walking with her down the street had someone to meet at the pub. Jillian had Grant and Tori had Mitch. Their moms were all going to be meeting their husbands. Smiling at Belle, she looped her arm through hers, deciding to keep her company as the only other single woman in their group.
Entering the pub, the familiar warmth and smells hit her, bringing a sense of peace. Nodding toward her brothers, she fought the urge to move behind the bar with them on her night off.
Ed slid off his stool to greet Nancy with a kiss, mirroring the behavior of his brother, Steve, with Jillian’s mom, Claire. Katelyn watched as her mom and dad embraced as well. Smiling, she realized how lucky she was to have such long-term, committed relationships amongst family and friends. She noted Mitch and Tori, as well as Jillian and Grant embracing. Feeling a pin-prick to her heart, she turned toward the bar and ran into a wall. A human wall. Throwing her hands out to catch herself, she found strong arms holding her as she steadied her feet. Jerking her eyes upward, she viewed Gareth’s smiling face staring back.
“Gareth!” she exclaimed. “I’m sorry…I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
“My fault,” he replied, his nostrils filling with her soft scent.
“I didn’t know you would be here tonight.”
“Any reason I shouldn’t be?” he asked, reluctantly letting go of her arms.
Smiling up at his face, she shook her head. “No, I can’t think of one at all.”
He jerked his head toward the bar. “Do you have to work?”
Clues of the Heart: Baytown Boys Series Page 5