Chapter 59
After Labor Day, Dot worked from early in the morning to late at night every day, even weekends.
When she could get away, she and Danny ate dinner together, met at Cocoa and Cabernet for dessert, or went for a run up to the covered bridge and back. She appreciated that he was supportive of her work and didn’t complain or tell her she was working too much.
“I run my own business—I get it,” he reassured her that he understood.
Dot spent the night at his house on weekends, enjoying the privacy they could share together there. Mary and Harper continued their romances with Jake and Tommy, so no one was left home alone. But their time in Cedar Falls was running out.
One morning, when all the kids were back in school and the air was a bit cooler, Dot was tying the belt to her trusty Manhattan trench coat before she left for the office. She opened the door and there was Danny on the sidewalk, holding two cups of coffee from Flour Power.
“Good morning,” he said, freshly shaved and wearing his Carhartt jacket and blue jeans. “Stopped by Mimi’s for these.”
“What a nice surprise,” she said. “I didn’t expect to see you this morning.”
“I thought I’d walk you to work before going to my site today.” Danny was remodeling another house on the outskirts of town. “I parked by the bookshop and will head out after I drop you off.”
She reached for the coffee and kissed him good morning. “Well, you already made my day and it’s not even eight yet!”
“I’m glad you think so.” He tapped her nose. “I love seeing your face in the morning.” He had a way of making her feel special. And he got over his shyness when he was around her. “I missed you last night.”
“Same. I couldn’t sleep.”
“Well, maybe we can fix that tonight.”
“I’m not sure that will entail sleep.”
“Good point.” He kissed her, and they held hands as they walked to Main Street together, sipping their hot coffees, the early autumn air fresh and chilly. The leaves on the trees were turning from green to bright red, orange, and yellow. How was it already fall? The months had flown by.
“Are you still able to go to the Packers’ game this weekend?” He knew her schedule was tough heading into the last month before the election.
“I wouldn’t miss it. Mary’s already planning her outfit,” she said.
“The tailgate is going to be a blast. Our seats are great.”
“I can’t wait. My dad is filled with envy. He’s always wanted to go to Lambeau Field, even though he’s a big Patriots fan.”
As they arrived at the Democratic offices, Dot stopped short of the door. “Oh no!”
The large front window of the offices had been smashed, a huge hole in the center of the glass.
“Why don’t you call Jake—see if he can come over right away. And I’ll go in first to see if anyone’s in there,” Danny said. Dot hurriedly unlocked the door, and Danny pushed it open to take a quick look around.
“This is terrible,” she said, surveying the damage.
“All clear,” Danny yelled from inside. He stepped over shards of broken glass as he returned.
“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Someone sabotaged all the GOP signs in the neighborhood last week. Some guy came over and accused Fletcher of doing it. They almost got in a fight.”
Danny picked up the red brick and turned it over. Spray-painted in black, it said, “RIP Democrats.” He showed it to Dot. She shivered.
He went to the back and grabbed a push broom. “Let me clean this up.” He started pushing the shattered glass into one pile.
“Oh, I can do it,” Dot said. “You need to get to work.”
“I’m not leaving you to do this. I’ll stay until Jake can come over and investigate. He’ll want to see the security camera footage.”
“Good idea,” she said, pulling out her phone. She took several photos of the broken window, the damage to one of the computers, and the brick and sent them to Jake. Then she texted Fletcher, Rose, and Kitty with the news.
“All right. I’m almost done here,” he said. “I’ll send one of my guys over to replace the window today, or at least board it up immediately. It’s too chilly outside to leave it like that.”
“Thanks. I hope this doesn’t get any worse. We have five weeks to go. Everyone is too amped.”
“Agree. I had to turn off the news last night.” He leaned on the broom with one arm. “The nation needs a circuit breaker. Too many angry people,” he added.
“I’m so glad you never get angry.” Dot went over and put her arms around his waist.
“It’s a choice. I don’t get too worked up about politics,” he said. A year ago, that comment might have irritated her. Now, she found herself appreciating his approach. “We all agree on most of the big things. What we need is a little common sense.”
“I think Lopez has great common sense,” she said. “Maybe I’ll get you to vote for her after all.”
“No chance of that,” he said, but his tone was light.
“All right. It was worth a try. A kiss before our day gets taken away from us?” He obliged.
A few moments later, Jake pulled up out front. “Political violence and you two are making out?”
Danny scoffed, and she took the broom from him.
“Hope you can find out who did this,” he said. “Things are a little too hot around here.”
“Looks like it.” Jake laughed and smacked Danny’s back.
“I’m out of here,” Danny said, a smile on his face. “I’ll call you later, Dot.”
She waved and started from the beginning as Jake took down the details for his report.