"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," he replied.
"That's not an agreement, Lau."
He chuckled, but I wasn't sharing his amusement. "I can't guarantee my couch, but I can promise I'll step in if there's an issue."
"I suppose that's all I can ask," I said with a sigh.
The sheriff pushed to his feet. "Thanks for the talk. I'll follow up when I have more information from Nathan's probation officer. I'm on a tight schedule today, so I have to cut this short. I'm taking Annette and Brooke down to Portland for the weekend."
Despite knowing better, I asked, "What's the occasion?"
A wide grin split his face. "Didn't you know? It's Brooke's birthday today. The girls will be celebrating with spas and shopping and more club hopping than I'd prefer."
That information landed in my gut like a harsh blow. "Best of luck to you," I managed. "You'll have your hands full with those two."
"I will," he agreed, laughing. "But they'll sleep the whole drive back home on Sunday. It will be my only moment of peace all weekend." He moved toward the door, held up his hand in a crisp wave. "Thank you for taking the time to talk."
"Next time you need to sort out some community problems, could you do it around three or four in the afternoon? I'd appreciate it."
"I'll work on that as well." Lau pulled the door open. "Have a good weekend, Harniczek."
The door whispered shut, but I didn't return to the bar. I needed some time to think about Brooke-Ashley Markham and all the ways in which she'd ruined my life. On her birthday.
Chapter Eight
Brooke
Coverage Ratio: a formula used to express the adequacy of earnings-based cash flow relative to meeting debt obligations.
Annette:Well?
Brooke:Well what?
Annette:It's been more than a few hours without an update from you. That’s uncommon.
Brooke:…and?
Annette:And I require an update!
Brooke:Since I'm responding to you now, it's clear I'm still alive.
Annette:Oh my god, you're a pain in the ass sometimes.
Brooke:Sometimes feels like an underestimation.
Annette:Did. You. Have. The. Sex.
Brooke:Yeah.
Annette:That's it? Just "yeah"?
Brooke:I'm not sure what you're looking for, my love. I didn't keep the condom or snatch some of his pubes for the scrapbook.
Annette:You found someone at the Galley?
Brooke:Oh yeah.
Annette:I told you!
