Read Online Running Home by T.A. Hardenbrook - Free Book Online Page B

I stammered, while looking into her eyes. I don’t think my body has reacted to a woman this way since Carmen left. It’s not like I didn’t look; I even dated just no one has ever struck me the way Carmen did, until now. She obviously wasn’t from here, and it wasn’t from the apparent out of state plates, or the fact that this town was so small that someone passing through was almost the front page news on the gazette. There was a different way she carried herself; reminded me of Carmen in a way.
    There was a hint of ‘I don’t take anyone’s shit, and back off, I can do this on my own’ feeling hanging in the air. Definitely not like the women in town, who are on the prowl for husband number one once they turn sixteen.
    Her light wavy brown hair just graced the top of her shoulders, and her jeans and black tank top stood out on her creamy skin. Her eyes sparkled with the sun, and the blue color seemed to draw you in and never let go. A faint sprinkle of freckles graced her cheeks and across her tiny nose, and her lips were the prettiest shade of pale pink. I was lost in her beauty; so different than what we had here in town.
    “Um , Officer Mason?” she says in a concerned tone. Shaking my head to bring me back from the trance she placed on me, I chuckled and tossed a smile at her. “I asked if you knew a place to stay for the night,” Sadie mentioned again.
    “Oh yeah , sorry about that; must have been lost in thought. There is a small B & B down the main road just go past the stop light and turn left on Maple,” I manage to stammer out as my hands started to fiddle with the pen I had carried with me.
    “Perfect! I need a shower; I swear I must smell something fierce!” Sadie stated with a smile that could make a man want to chase rainbows and get all girly and shit.
    “So , you good here? Think it will start?”
    “Yeah , I’ve tweaked the old bad boy so much, that I can make it run on just about anything.”
    “Okay , well nice meeting you, ma’am. Have a safe drive to your destination,” I muttered as I turned back and headed to my car. ‘Ma’am? Drive to your destination?’ Did my social skills go right out the damn window once I met her? Mentally cursing at myself for looking like such a dork, I crawled back into the car and radioed dispatch. “Hey Gloria, all done here.”
    “ Well, it’s your lucky day; Mrs. Elderbush has called for the seventh time this afternoon, complaining that someone is living in her garage. Good luck with that, kid,” she laughed.
    “On my way .” I sighed. That woman was bat shit crazy, and if she didn’t hoard things like the end of the world was coming, I’m sure all the raccoons would say out of her garage. Little did I know when I took the oath to serve and protect, I would be the resident vermin catcher as well.
     
     
    I couldn’t seem to get Sadie out of my head all afternoon , while I played raccoon trapper for Mrs. Elderbush.
    “Son , what’s going on in that mind of yours?” the older lady remarked, as she stood in the doorway of the garage, holding her Remington shotgun at her side. Now, most people would tell this woman to put her gun away, but I’m pretty sure she is a better shot than I am, having been born and raised in this town.
    “ It’s nothing, Mrs. Elderbush, just been a long day,” I mentioned, as I turned over a cardboard box with my foot.
    “Don’t give me any of that bullshit story, young man. I’ve been on this earth for eighty-six years; you can’t tell me it’s nothing. Spill it,” she said, with a tone you were sure she was going to take you over her knee and cane your ass. I tried to ignore the old hoot, as I looked for the elusive rabid intruders when I was swiftly smacked in the back of a head by something heavy. I instantly brought my hand to my side arm, wincing from the altercation. “You answer when your elders ask you a question. I know your mom and dad taught you better than that. Why, I ought to tell