Read Online Walleye Junction by Karin Salvalaggio - Free Book Online

son, Kyle, might know,” said Donna “When things got rough at home Sean crashed at Kyle’s place. Might be there now.”
    Macy handed Donna a pen and a pad of paper. “Do you mind jotting down his details?”
    Donna wrote with a firm hand. “I’ll give you his work number as well. He’s been away in Missoula visiting friends, but he arrived back today. Good boy, that one.”
    Macy held up a photo of Sean’s girlfriend, Kristina. “Do either of you recognize this girl? She may be in a relationship with Sean.”
    Jay and Donna took turns looking at the photo. Jay frowned and Donna squinted.
    â€œCarla didn’t say anything to us about her,” said Donna.
    â€œDid Sean get along with his mother?”
    â€œThey fought, but considering the situation with Lloyd, that’s hardly surprising. I know he loved his mother, but there was only so much he could take. Sean learned not to rely on Carla a long time ago. He brought his brother and sister here on more than one occasion.”
    â€œWhat about his relationship with Lloyd?”
    Jay coughed into his hand. “Lloyd beat him up pretty bad a couple of times.”
    â€œDid anyone report it?” asked Macy.
    The pair remained silent and Macy guessed that was a no .
    â€œDid Sean have much contact with his real father?”
    Another shrug from Jay. “Scott knew to stay clear of that house.”
    â€œYou know him?”
    â€œNot well. It’s been a good ten years since I saw him last.”
    â€œGot a last name?” asked Macy
    Jay shook his head and Donna remained tight-lipped.
    Macy gathered her things. “I really appreciate you taking the time to speak to me.” She handed a business card to both Jay and Donna. “I’ll be in touch. Please let me know if you hear from Sean.”
    *   *   *
    Macy sat alone at a table near the coffee shop’s front windows watching the entrance to Flathead Valley Security, where Donna had said her son Kyle worked. Situated in a strip mall that ran along Main Street, the company was wedged between a Mexican restaurant and a dry cleaner. The door opened and a slightly built man with blond hair stepped out with two females. Both women gave him long hugs. He smiled as he spoke to them, but his expression darkened once he set off across the road. Dressed in a polo shirt and pair of freshly pressed chinos, he had the air of someone who took life seriously. Macy noted that his posture was slightly askew. His left shoulder drooped. According to his parents, Kyle Miller was twenty-nine, but Macy would have never guessed it. Kyle didn’t look old enough to buy a beer.
    The woman behind the counter joked with him.
    â€œWhat’s gotten into you? This isn’t your usual time.”
    Kyle gestured toward the only occupied table. “Client meeting.”
    â€œSweetheart, you go on. I’ll bring your coffee over.”
    Macy rose from her chair and held out her hand. “Thank you for coming to meet me.”
    He winced. “Sorry,” he said, rotating his shoulder and making a face. “Do you ever get frozen shoulder?”
    They sat down across from each other.
    â€œOn occasion,” said Macy. “It’s awful.”
    â€œIt’s from sitting at a computer all day. It’s been worse than ever this spring.”
    â€œDo you take anything for it?”
    â€œAddiction runs in my family. Medication is not an option.”
    â€œI’m sorry. This must be difficult for you.”
    He reached for a napkin and pressed it to his eyes. “You have no idea. We’ve had near misses in emergency rooms, interventions, incarcerations.” He paused. “And now this.”
    â€œI heard your parents have had issues in the past.”
    â€œThey’re okay now, but I have to be vigilant. My mother is finally off her meds, but Dad still slips occasionally. He has a problem with the bottle.