Page 48 of Call Out
I rock as my veins run cold. The conversation is coming tomorrow. He’ll unveil his truth. Antsy nerves flit even though I’m exhausted.
‘For wolves may lurk in every guise.’
Who is the wolf––Danny or the person leaving clues in my home?
* * *
I’mfree from the house, putting a necessary distance between myself and the photograph. The space gives me a chance to rationalize my emotions.
If I truly listen to my shocked heart, I don't believe Danny is a dangerous man. My gut is telling me to be more cautious about the stranger who violated my home and left cryptic clues.
How could a man like Danny be anything less than honorable? Wini nudged us together and her intuition was spot on—or was it? Perhaps it rusted over after husband number three bolted.
Danny might be a closed book, but he’s my dream guy—aside from the secrecy. Or am I kidding myself? It all boils down to communication. And now, I’m doubting if I know him at all.
Sunnyville is bustling with rowdy students, all drifting towards the local bar. There must be a big game on later. I’ve left my car in the parking lot, and now I’m wandering past the shops on a mission, except I’m not sure what my goal is. I had to get out of the house even if I have nowhere to go.
Across the street, two police officers exit the cafe. A brainwave spurs me to weave the traffic until I’m on the same side of the pavement.
“Excuse me.” I raise my hand. “Officers!”
The closest man in uniform angles his head around and catches me trotting up from behind.
“Everything okay?” he asks, swiveling at speed to check for danger.
“Sort of. Yes... it’s not an emergency or anything risky. I’m Vivian Swann from Blossom Grove Retirement Home. I'd like to pick your brains, if I may. Do you have a quick second, officer?”
He assesses me while his partner sips a hot drink. “Sure. It’s Officer Malone. How can I help?”
This is going to sound odd, but I need to know. “How would someone research a person’s record, Officer Malone?”
“Record?” His eyes crease at the corners as he studies me.
“You know, their past indiscretions. If they have any prior misdemeanors or convictions, that sort of thing.”
“Have you asked this person?”
I laugh off the comment, playing it cool. “Sure I have, but he’s a bit cagey.”
“Perhaps that's a sign.”
“That he’s done time?” I gasp, letting a little crazy escape. It’s been a long day. From a banging headache, an unfortunate movie choice, to snippets of Danny’s past seeping out of the woodwork.
Officer Malone stares down at me, brow wrinkled and arms folded. “No, Miss Swann. Perhaps it’s a sign your friend doesn't want to talk about his past—unless you think there’s something I need to investigate?”
“Oh, no, no, no, it’s okay, Officer Malone. I’ll do some light digging on the internet.”
“I’d start with talking to your friend before you jump to any conclusions,” he warns.
“You’re right. Thanks.” I’ll give Danny the opportunity to open up to me, and then I’ll ask as many questions as I want.
Officer Malone nods. “Anytime.” He scans a crowd gathering near Hooligans Bar. A crackle is followed by a female voice. Immediately he turns away and talks into his radio.
Leaving them to their conversation, I continue on my way and gather up a few groceries for Blossom Grove. Wini’s death has shocked us all. I imagine it has hit the elderly residents the hardest, knowing one of their own passed on, and any of them could be next. It’s been a tough few weeks. Horrendous, in fact. We need a jolly reminder that life goes on, one way or another.
I visit the store and stock up with cookies, pastries, ice-cream and other goodies, loading my trunk with bursting shopping bags. This simple task gives me a purpose, a basic awareness of being needed—back in the driver's seat of control. I’ve lost sight of my important role in the residents' lives, shamefully diluting my efforts.
On the journey to work, I toss away the silly seeds of a guessing game. There’s no point planting assumptions or watching them sprout into suspicious theories. All will be revealed tomorrow. Then we’ll deal with the fallout as adults.
