Page 7 of Rules of Engagement

Maxine walks in all smiles. “Jocko Malone?” She offers her hand, and I stand to shake it. “Maxine Reynolds. I understand you want to see the house on Willow Bend Street?”

I shake my head. “No, ma’am. I want torentthe house on Willow Bend Street.”

“Well, that makes my job easy. Right this way then.”

* * *

Walking over to Sunnyville Trust and Loan, Lucifer and I pass Fire Station 13.

Suddenly, I hear, “Jocko?”

Grady Malone walks toward me with a huge grin on his face. He wraps me up in a big bro hug. “Cuz, it’s good to see you.”

“Good to be home.”

“And who do we have here?”

“Luce.”

Grady rubs his head and cuts his eyes at me.

“Lucifer.” I laugh.

He chuckles, rubbing his head and scratching behind his ears.

“He served five of the six years with me. Saved my life more than once. He's kinda special.”

Grady ruffles his neck, talking doggy goo-goo to him, but in a manly way. “He's a good boy. A real hero.”

“Yes, he is.”

“Mom called and told me you were home. She's already planning a welcome home dinner for you.”

Just then, the firehouse lights strobe, and the alarm goes off.

Grady reacts instantly, grabs my hand, pumps it once, “Glad you're home. Can’t wait to introduce you to Dylan.”

“Looking forward to connecting again.”

He runs inside, and I look down at Lucifer. “Come on, Luce. We don’t want to get run over.”

* * *

When we walk in Sunnyville Trust and Loan, everyone stops and stares. A man comes out of a side office and walks over with his hand outstretched, “Jocko Malone, I presume?”

“One and the same.”

“The whole town is already talking about your return. What can Sunnyville Trust and Loan do for you?”

“I’d like to open an account and transfer my funds.”

“I can take care of that for you. Right this way.” He escorts me into his office.

“News travels fast.” I comment on the way as people continue to stare.

He chuckles. “Maxine called.”

* * *

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