He heard the radio call go out for a possible burglary in process. He’d recognized the address as that of the Pennington residence.
When his best friend Peter James radioed saying he had it, he focused on the task he was dealing with at that time. Especially when dispatch said it was old Mrs. B calling in.
James could deal with his cooky ole grandma. Handing the ticket to the driver he’d pulled over, he walked back to his vehicle and got in.
Tonight, he was feeling out of sorts. He couldn’t understand why.
Yeah, he did. James informed him old man Pennington had passed away yesterday.
The memories suddenly rushed back as if it had been yesterday. He’d fallen hard and fast for the new girl with just one look at her.
She was also the only woman to have ever bought him to his knees and break his heart. He’d never been the same afterwards.
In high school, his football teammates called him “Beast” because that’s what he was on the field. After the love of his life left him, he’d been called a “Beast” on the battlefield because he had no fucks to give if he lived or died anymore.
He’d done ten years in the Army before an injury on an op had forced him to retire from his unit. He came home to Hellburn Falls and became a deputy sheriff where he’d been for the last three years.
His days were spent working twelve-hour shifts and nights were either spent drinking, working out like a madman, or fucking whatever random chick he found at a bar. He tended to go toward those drifting through town instead of locals.
They got hearts in their eyes, and he wasn’t falling for that shit again. Lord knows his high school ex had tried several times and he’s already shot her down on numerous occasions since returning home.
Been there and done that. He was not getting tangled up with that bitch again.
Jayson started up his patrol car and got started on the road. When his phone rang, he looked down to see it was his mother’s number on his caller ID.
Putting his Bluetooth in his ear quickly, he answered. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hey, kiddo. Have you heard anything about Declan Pennington’s funeral yet?
“Not yet. I’ll reach out to Christy and see if she knows anything.”
“Thank you, son. I would say ask to see if Lana is coming home to take care of her father’s funeral arrangements and house, but she hasn’t been home since she joined the Army. I didn’t know if I should offer my help or not.”
“I’ll talk to Christy and see if she knows anything. She was Mr. Pennington’s hospice nurse. I’ll let you know what I find out.”
“Dinner Sunday after church? I’m making meatloaf.”
“I have to work, but I’ll stop by for lunch when it’s ready.”
“One of these days, Jayson. I love you. Let me know what you find out about Declan.”
“I will, Mom. Tell Dad I said hello.”
Jayson hung up the phone and sighed wearily. Today the memories were going to kick his ass hard.
Looking for Christy’s number, he cringed at the time, but he knew if he didn’t do it now, he would forget later on. He hoped he wasn’t waking her up.
“Hey, Jay. Everything okay?”
“Hey, Christy. Sorry for bothering you so late. Mom was wondering if you knew anything about Declan Pennington’s funeral or if any help was needed with dealing with everything.”
“Oh. Well, um, I’m not sure yet. I spoke with his daughter, Lana, yesterday for a little bit. She had missed her dad’s call due to work and became upset that her father had passed away before she could reach back out to him. I’m meeting her tomorrow to assist with her dad’s body and stuff.”
“Wait, Lana is coming home? After all this time? Why?”
Jayson couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Lana was coming back to deal with her dad’s body and home.
His day was getting worse and worse. Now there was a strong chance he’d be running into the one woman who broke his heart into pieces that can’t be put back together again.
