21. Walker
Chapter twenty-one
Walker
Was it really necessary to drive out to Forrest Falls today?
No. But it’s been eight days since I last saw Vivian and that’s about seven and a half days too many. When I got home from Texas, I came right out to check the security updates Liam installed, which was also unnecessary. The man knows what he’s doing and I know he chose the best system on the market.
But did I admit that fact to Vivian before driving out to see her? Also no.
I told my team I was driving out to check in with Bill Thomas over at Thom’s Hardware, but I could have just as easily called him to follow up on the last report he submitted to Harlow. That man does not miss a single thing on Main Street and judging by the detail in his reports, I suspect Bill has had formal espionage training with the agency, but Liam was tight lipped when I asked about it.
I park in front of the hardware store and walk next door to Java Jive to grab a cup of coffee and maybe hope I run into a certain emerald-eyed beauty. Before I get to the door, Vivian’s sister, Savannah, walks out talking on her cell phone. “That’s so funny, I had no idea. Just give me a call when you get it all figured out … Uh huh, sounds good. Talk to you then, bye honey.” She tilts her head and a mischievous smile spreads across her face. “Well hello, Special Agent Bennett, how unexpected to see you in our neck of the woods. ”
“Hello, Savannah. Nice to see you, and please, it’s Walker.”
“Alright then, Walker, what brings you to town this afternoon?” She assesses every inch of my face and I’m starting to wonder if they teach observation skills in elementary school in this town.
“I had some things to follow up on, and it seemed easier to drive out.” I shrug nonchalantly as I school my face. There’s no way I will crack under her stare, but her smile tells me she isn’t buying my lies either.
“Well what kismet timing, I was just about to run a few more errands, but I really needed to get this coffee to my sister first.” She shoves an iced coffee in my hands and starts to back away. “Would you be so kind to stop by and drop it off for her? She’s probably in the guest house, so just walk around to the back area and you can’t miss it. I’ll be home in about an hour after I finish errands and pick up all of our girls over at Daddy’s. Thanks, Walker! You’re the best!” She waves and hurries off to her vehicle.
What just happened?
I wanted an excuse to see Vivian and apparently fate thought Savannah was the quickest route, and if a lady asks for assistance, what else is a gentleman supposed to do? I get back in my truck, and wave to Bill Thomas as I drive by Thom’s Hardware en route to Savannah’s house.