Read Online Serial Separation by Dick C. Waters - Free Book Online Page B

skill is something I could use later in life, but I really doubt it.” She placed two tall mugs on the coasters and added, “It looks like your friend has arrived.”
    Mike looked over to see Scott headed his way. Mike noticed Maggie staying beside the table; he thought she was waiting to be introduced again to Scott.
    “Hi, Mike.”
    “Hello, Scott, I’m glad you could make it. You might remember Maggie; Maggie this is Scott Tucker.”
    “Hello, Maggie. I do remember you. It’s nice to see you again.”
    “Scott, oh, I remember you now . . . you’re attending Harvard.”
    “Hopefully, this is my last year, but we’ll have to see.”
    “Keep it up, and I hope to see you both again soon.” She was off to take care of other customers.
    “Well, Scott, it’s good to be able to spend some time with you. We’ve got some catching up to do. Do you have any plans for the holidays?”
    “Thanks for the invite. I think I need to talk to someone. As far as the holidays go, that’s a trick question. I’m supposed to be with Lisa at her parents’ house for Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas. Later, Christmas Day, I’m going to go to my parents’ in Maine. Lisa and I have tentative plans to go skiing over New Year’s, but that’s up in the air with the task force role.”
    “Do I sense some reservation about going to Lisa’s?”
    “Mike, you haven’t lost your touch.”
    “Well, maybe we should start there . . . what’s up?”
    “Mike, this might take some time and I don’t know where to start.”
    “Take all the time you need. I think they’ve got enough beer to keep us going. Scott . . . if I can help at all, I would be happy to do it. You know that.” Mike noticed Scott’s expression change.
    “I guess the best place to start is with my last call to Lisa. It ended with us having words.”
    “Oh my, that doesn’t sound like the lovers I remember.”
    “You’re right on target again. The other night I was supposed to call her, but because I told you guys that I knew the two murdered men, I was late calling her. I’ve since explained the situation as to why I called late, but now she’s worried that I could be one of the next victims.”
    “You should have told me that you needed to make the call. I could have arranged for you to have a few minutes.”
    “It’s never easy to call her dorm; if you can get through it takes a few minutes to get her to the phone. Besides, I felt uncomfortable asking to make a call, and there never seemed to be a break in the questioning either. I just let it go, but I should have called her.”
    Mike waved his arm, pushing the issue aside. “I want to get to what you knew about those guys, but right now I sense that things are not what they used to be with Lisa. Is there anything I can do?”
    “Mike, I think her problem goes back to the Jimmy Ballou incident. You know how I found her and what Jimmy looked like he was doing with her. She has been real cool since then, and we haven’t been intimate since. We get close, but I can tell she’s not with the program. I just hold her tight and let the need pass.”
    Maggie came to the table and interrupted their conversation. “Maggie, I think we need at least one refill. Thanks.”
    Mike wanted to help him. “I believe you’re right in what she is feeling. In my opinion, she’s still having trauma over the ordeal. If you push her, she might say or do something that would shock you. She does need to get some help. Maybe Paddy could suggest someone to help her.”
    “As far as New Year’s goes, you should get away with her and tell her what you believe is bothering her. The task force will survive without you. Don’t let that get in the way of your relationship. You need to help her realize she needs to get help.”
    “Mike . . . thanks for taking the time to talk with me. I really don’t have anyone else to talk to. I know she’s fragile; if I bring it up, she might just explode. I know you’re right, and