Page 63 of Fight or Flight

“You sure you’re up for this?” Tyler asked. “If you need to do whatever makes you feel safe, you’ll tell me, okay?” He was so close to her, she could smell the mint toothpaste he’d just used.

She nodded. “I will.”

Outside, Tyler unlocked the Bronco, then opened the passenger door for her. “Katherine.” Tyler said her name differently than others, as though it were special. Time stopped for a moment when he lowered his mouth to hers. His lips were firm against her own. She responded with equal passion that had lain dormant far too long. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him before ending their kiss. “We’re going to finish this. Later.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “I want to say words to you that I shouldn’t right now. I know you’ve come a long way in a very short amount of time, and I don’t want my personal feelings to interfere with your recovery.”

“I understand, but I believe . . .” She hesitated. “Youare part of my recovery.”

There, she’d said it. She’d leave it alone for now, because she should, but when the time was right, she would let Tyler have a place in her life. She didn’t expect him to elaborate on her admission, so she eased into the seat and buckled up while Tyler started the Bronco. They headed back the way they’d entered.

“I’m going to call my attorney and ask if she can help us out. Everything she touches turns to gold, but I’ll tell you more about that another time.” Lisa had been on speed dial ever since Katherine had first hired her after firing her father’s attorney. She hit number three on her cell, and Lisa answered on the second ring.

Katherine delved right in. “I need a favor. Can you check the airlines in Asheville and see if a man, a Jameson Thurman, was on any flights within the past week or so, headed my way? Or headed back to Asheville from here. Also, a young girl, Karrie, with a K. Karrie Lynn Collins. She’s about fourteen or fifteen. They would’ve left out of Love Field, or possibly a smaller airport in that area that flies into Asheville. Check Raleigh and Charlotte, too.” After further confirming the details with Lisa, Katherine ended the call. “She’ll get right on it. So, what’s next?”

“Like I said, if this Thurman is staying locally, there aren’t many choices. A couple of folks rent their homes out on Airbnb. Let me make a call. You need to eat something first. Are you hungry?” Tyler asked.

“A little.”

“You won’t mind having a bite at Willie’s Hot Dog Palace? It’s on the edge of town.”

“Sounds fine to me.” Katherine didn’t care where they ate. One, she was out of her house, and two, she was with someone she cared about, and was pretty darn sure he felt the same.

“Then we’re going to have our first date at Willie’s. It’ll be easy to remember.” He grinned at her, then reached for her hand. “Willie’s son-in-law, Kyle Avery, rents his place out, since he travels a lot for his job. He works for a Napa winery. He has another place in Winston-Salem. I think that’s his home base.”

Fifteen minutes later, Tyler parked in slot number seven, according to the number on the sign displaying the menu. “Can I help you?” came a very Southern voice from the nearby speaker.

“It’s Tyler. Is Willie around?”

“You don’t want no food?” the Southern voice asked.

“Yes, I do, but I need to speak to Willie first, if he’s around.”

“I’ll tell him,” the Southern voice said. “You wanna order now?”

Tyler turned to Katherine. She smiled, her palms outstretched. “Burger, fries, and a vanilla milkshake?” she suggested.

“Perfect.” Tyler ordered for them both.

A few minutes later, Willie tapped on the driver’s-side window. “Hey there, Dr. Shrink, what’s up? Lulu said you wanted to talk.” Willie had to be in his late seventies at least, Katherine thought, as she peered across Tyler’s shoulder. Willie’s hair was almost as long as her own, though it was as white as snow, and he had a matching lengthy beard that reminded her of the singer Charlie Daniels. He wore a pair of faded coveralls and a red shirt with a picture of a smiling hot dog that read, “Welcome to Willie’s, where the dogs eat dogs.” She couldn’t help but laugh. There was so much to discover in Blowing Rock. She couldn’t wait to see the town she lived in.

“Is anyone staying at Kyle’s?” Tyler asked.

“You ain’t gonna use your own place?” Willie stretched his neck to get a glimpse of Katherine. She smiled and gave him a finger wave.

“It’s not what you think. I’m serious, I need to know. It’s kind of important,” Tyler said, in what Katherine recognized was his doctor’s voice.

“Yep, he’s got some folks there now. Not sure when they’re leavin’, but I can find out for ya.” Willie’s accent was similar to Lulu’s.

“No, no. Don’t bother them. I was asking for a friend, so no worries. Thanks, Willie.” Tyler stuck his hand out of the window to shake the old guy’s hand.

“You’re welcome, son. Now let me get in there so I can fix your dinner.” He walked away from the Bronco, giving a half-wave.

“Old Willie is a good guy. Country all the way, but he and Lulu are good people,” Tyler explained.

“I’m sure they are,” Katherine agreed. “Tyler, do you mind if I ask your age?”

“I don’t mind. I’m forty-three and counting.”

“Okay, that’s good. I mean I really don’t care about age, but I was just curious.”

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