Aftyn wandered through the rooms, already imagining herself settled in, just resting for the first time in days. When she came back Connie was waiting by the door. She pulled it shut, locked it, and handed Aftyn the key.
“You know,” Connie said as they started down the stairs, “every woman who’s lived in that apartment found love here and stayed.”
Aftyn laughed softly. “You said Lanie didn’t live up here?”
“No, she stayed in the little house Owen, and I lived in when we first opened the diner. Before we bought our place we were up there ourselves, then it just sat empty for years. I like having someone in it. Lanie found love in Clifton too, as it happens.”
Aftyn followed Connie back down the stairs. Connie knocked and they waited. A moment later Owen pulled the door open, smiling when he saw them.
“Just in time. Your burger’s up, Aftyn.”
“Thank you, Owen. I’m starving.”
“So, are you taking the apartment?”
“I am.” She shook her head. “I can’t thank you both enough.”
“No need for that.” He let the door close behind them. “We like having someone up there.”
Aftyn settled back onto her stool. Connie set the plate in front of her, and she groaned at the smell.
“If it tastes half as good as it smells, I’m in trouble.”
“You can’t go wrong with a burger from this diner.”
The voice came from her left. She turned to find a man settling onto the next stool, cowboy hat shadowing a strong jaw dusted with stubble. His broad shoulders filled out a pressed khaki shirt, and a gold badge above his left pocket caught the light. Sheriff.
“It sure smells like it.” She took a bite and groaned. “It is.”
He smiled and extended his hand. “Sheriff Sam Garrett.”
“Aftyn Hutchins. Nice to meet you, Sheriff.”
“Call me Sam. We’re not formal around here.”
“Your usual?” Connie asked him, already reaching for the coffee pot.
“Please. Tessa’s on her way and she’ll want hers too.”
“I’ll get Owen started.” Connie filled his cup and disappeared into the kitchen.
Sam looked at Aftyn. “Passing through or visiting?”
“Neither, as it turns out.” She gave him the short version, the car, the field, Cole, Chuck.
He nodded slowly. “Cole’s a good man. You were lucky he was close by.” He glanced around the diner. “And you won’t find better people than Connie and Owen.”
“I’m starting to see that. I can’t believe she’s letting me stay upstairs.”
Sam smiled. “I can.”
Aftyn hesitated, then set down her coffee. “Is therea police department here? I have a situation I’d like to talk to someone about.”
“My department can help you with that. Courthouse across the street, first floor. I’m there Monday through Friday until three-thirty.”
“I’ll come by soon. Thank you.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
