Page 26 of Need You
Instead of going home, Colt slept on his office couch and was awakened by Carrie Jo, who brought him a steaming cup of coffee.
“No thanks necessary, but a raise would be good.”
Colt sat up and took the mug from her. “What time is it?”
“Nine. There’s a clean uniform in the closet if you want to shower and dress here.”
“Nah, I’m gonna run home. If anyone is looking for me, tell them I had a long night and that I can be reached on my cell.”
Colt drove to his house, noted that Delaney’s car was gone, and snagged the parking space, not planning to stay long. After a hot shower, he headed back to town, stopping at Garner Adventure to check in. He hadn’t seen his parents in a few days. There was a new receptionist at the front desk and TJ was showing her how to use the computer system.
“What’s up?” TJ asked, preoccupied. “Heard the high school got trashed.”
“Yeah. Kids. Where’s Mom and Dad?”
“Dad’s waterskiing with a group of seniors and Mom’s in her office. Meet Darcy, Colt.”
“Hi, Darcy.”
Darcy smiled shyly. She was cute in a librarian kind of way, but sort of intense, chewing her bottom lip and jotting down everything TJ said on a steno pad.
“Hey.” Win came into the reception area and shoulder checked him. “I thought I heard your voice. Want to grab coffee?”
Colt’s stomach rumbled. “I could do that. TJ?”
“Sure. Let me finish up with Darcy.”
“I’ll go say hello to Mom quick,” Colt said. “See if Josh wants to go too?”
He was headed to his mother’s office when his cell rang with a call from the mayor. Gritting his teeth, he ground out, “What now?”
