Page 124 of Ozzie

“I’m happy the case has been dismissed, but I’m sorry you had to go through that. Durango is a good man. I hope he won’t need a criminal attorney.”

“No, he’s in the clear,” Reed says.

“Good. But based on the last couple of weeks, you might be wise to have a criminal defense attorney on retainer.” He turns back to me, “It was good seeing you, Piper. I hope you don’t have to deal with this John fellow anymore.”

“Me too.”

Jerry smiles and follows Reed into his office.

Durango returns twenty minutes later with two sandwiches. “I kept it simple.” He hands me one.

“I have good news. John dropped the case!”

He smiles. “That’s fantastic.”

“And since he’s in custody, I plan to walk home. Don’t say no. It’s been so long since I’ve had the chance to walk through the neighborhoods and enjoy it all.”

He laughs. “I’m not saying no. It’s good to see you smiling again.”

I unwrap my sandwich and notice he hasn’t touched his. “When are you going to tell me what’s going on with Willow?”

He takes a deep breath. “There isn’t really much going on. We’re getting to know each other again.”

I grin.

“As friends.”

“That’s not what I expected you to say.”

He stares down at the floor. “She’s been through a lot. She hasn’t told me about everything yet but what she has said, it’s been rough for her. So right now, I’m treading carefully.”

“Smart. I hope it all works out for you. You might be a pain in my ass sometimes, but I do love you, cousin.”

His eyes meet mine. “Yeah, I love you too. I’m going to eat this in my office. I’m still trying to get through some reports.”

“Thanks for lunch.”

He nods before walking away.

I spend the afternoon working and thinking about Ozzie. When he’d left, he said he expected to be gone for a few days, but it could go longer. Hopefully it doesn’t because I miss that man.

After work, I stroll toward home, enjoying every horn honk and every pigeon I pass. A year ago, I never would have said I’d appreciate those things. But when you lose your freedom for a while, it’s amazing the little things you miss.

I round the corner, almost home, and debate continuing on because I really don’t want my walk to end yet. I text Durango that I’m going to walk a few more laps so he doesn’t worry. Then hum to myself as I take in our neighborhood. I really do love it here so much more than where I grew up. Part of me wonders if I’d had better parents, I would still be living in Montana. If I did, I wouldn’t have met Ozzie.

“Piper?”

I spin around and come face to face with John’s mother. “Patsy, what are you doing here?”

“Well, I’m in town to support my son. And I thought I’d see if we could talk.”

I take a step back. “I don’t think so.”

“Look, I’m sorry for being so pushy when it comes to the two of you. I won’t say anything more on the topic.”Her apology surprises me. “John really loves you, so I had high hopes. But after everything he’s done, I can see how you wouldn’t want to talk to him again.”

“No, I don’t.”

She nods. “Can I buy you a coffee or some dinner as an apology?”

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