I struggle to sit up but don’t move to stand up. I know from past experience that I’ll just fall right over if I try it so soon after a panic attack.
“You wannasit for this?” I ask.
“No.”
Awesome.
“My name is Oakley, James Oakley, and I used to be a U.S. Marshal, mostly working on the Fugitive Task Force.”
The color drains from his face, and shocked features take over the angry ones.
“I worked lead on the Tennison Strangler case,” I tell him point-blank. He knows this area better than anyone in town. It’s wise to fill him in so he can also keep an eye out.
“Holy shit,” he mutters before plopping down next to me.
“Yeah.” I don’t want to, nor can I tell him details of the case.
“Is that who you were talking about coming after you?”
I close my eyes, trying to figure out what I can actually tell him that isn’t classified. Kellen breaking the rules for me is different than me breaking the rules for a civilian.
“There is … concern that he’s travelling closer to this area.” I keep it vague, knowing Lennox will read between the lines.
“Shit.”
“Yeah. I need to ask you something I have no right to ask.”
He turns his gaze to mine, and I see a resolution in his.
“I need you to stay hyper-vigilant. Not just keep an eye on things but look for anything that looks out of place. You know this area, and you’ll notice things better than I ever could.”
“Done.” Just like that. Done. No question, no panic, and nothing taken out on me like I expected. I brought this shitstorm here; I deserve a lot more than his ire.
We sit like that, just lost in our thoughts for a few minutes. When my head finally feels clear, I attempt to stand up and only stumble once before I find my footing.
“Woah, man, you okay?”
“Yeah, just the aftermath of a panic attack.” I try to go for nonchalance, but he sees right through it.
Concern takes over his face as he steps closer to me.
“I’m fine now, I promise. Just the conversation you overheard shocked the shit out of me, and where Tennison is involved, it usually means bad news for me even if I’ve been out of the game for over a year.”
“You know, you can talk to me if you need to. I assume there is stuff you can’t actually talk about.” I smile at his knowledge. “But I work in a fucking national park and talk to animals all day. Your secrets and struggles are safe with me.”
His pointed stare when he says “struggles” doesn’t go unnoticed. Somehow, just the offer makes me feel a little lighter. I’m not sure if I’ll ever take him up on the offer, but I do appreciate his support regardless.
“Thanks, man.” I give him a nod, then awkwardly start to step back in the direction of town. “Well, I better check on Britt and make sure the shop didn’t burn down.” I let out a half-assed chuckle, and he gives me a knowing smile in return.
“Next day off is Wednesday if you want to get your ass kicked again,” he calls as I get further away.
“You’re on.” I turn completely and make the walk back to Grind Time. The talk with Woodcroft, now that my panic has subsided, is front and center in my mind. I want to sit down and see if, after some time away, I can figure out any pieces of the puzzle that is Alfred Tennison.
Chapter 15
Willow
It’s Sunday, which means family dinner night.
