Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 132962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
“Kreed, man. I’m so sorry.”
“I gotta go home. They got the body released last night. I missed their call. Man, my mom’s a wreck.” Kreed’s voice broke as he spoke. Mitch could hear the sadness in his words. Maybe tears had started, but there would be no way Kreed would ever let him know.
“I’m on my way. I’ll get you to the airport.” Mitch jumped up, searching for his keys.
“No, I’m flagging a taxi now. I’m sorry I’m leaving the case like this,” Kreed apologized.
“Don’t worry about that. Do they have any funeral details?” Mitch leaned against the desk, not sure exactly what to do. He hated the helplessness.
“I don’t know. I’ll text you when I know more,” Kreed said, and Mitch heard Kreed’s signature loud whistle. The one that would stop any moving taxi within a mile radius.
“I’ll be there,” Mitch promised.
“You don’t have to come. I need to get to Dulles International,” Kreed said, then Mitch could hear the taxi driver saying something.
“I’ll get Ellen to get you a seat,” Mitch offered.
“I just hung up with her. I gotta go, Mitch.” Kreed’s voice choked up. The best Mitch remembered, Kreed had only one sibling who was years younger than him. His parents were older. Mitch had met them one time for just a minute when they drove through Texas to Mexico.
His heart broke a little more right then. He vowed to himself to be better to his family. What if this had been him? He hadn’t even met three nieces and nephews. He dropped his head in his hand before he rose. He needed to cover Kreed’s shifts and find someone to cover them both for the funeral. He’d be there for Kreed. He had to be.
Chapter 38
Cody ran uncharacteristically late and that stressed him out more than the man he rushed to pick up. The last few days had been hard. Cody knew Mitch was grieving at the same time he had been busting his ass, covering both his and Kreed’s workloads. Cody was hell-bent on being there for Mitch when he needed him this weekend. In honor of that thought, the least he could have done was arrive to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on time. But downtown Austin traffic had other ideas. The roads had been a snarled mess, something he didn’t factor into his time when he left this evening.
Cody took a chance and pulled into the loading zone for arrivals. He was at least twenty minutes late, probably enough time to get out of baggage claim, if Mitch had even checked any luggage. Cody drove slowly through the lot, watching as he passed by the people standing outside. Mitch stood out like a beacon to him. He was somewhat alone, looking impressive and intimidating all at the same time. There were people on the sidewalk with him, but they all stayed back, which probably had something to do with the scowl he wore on his face.
Damn, he hoped he hadn’t made things worse.
Cody pulled his truck right up alongside the curb and shoved the gearshift into park. He opened his door right about the time Mitch opened the passenger door.
“I’m sorry I’m late.” Cody was stuck between getting out of the truck and Mitch getting inside.
“Don’t be. Thanks for picking me up. I could’ve grabbed a taxi,” Mitch said, holding the passenger door open. He had a backpack as well as a garment bag with him. Mitch reached back to hang his suit bag on the hook in the backseat when Cody got fully inside and shut the door. Once Mitch got everything settled, he slid into his seat and looked over at him. Cody reached across and lifted Mitch’s sunglasses from his eyes.
“You look exhausted.”
“I am. This one, for some reason, is really hard on me,” Mitch said, putting the sunglasses back in place before linking his hand with Cody’s. They still faced one another, neither willing to be the first to look away.
“It’s been all over the local news. I’m sorry for your loss. I played little league with him,” he squeezed Mitch’s hand.
“I wondered about that. He’s your age, thought you might have gone to school together or something. Just a kid.” Mitch sighed as he sat back in his seat.
“He wasn’t a kid. I’m not a kid. At least I don’t see us like that. Something’s not right with this whole thing.” Cody didn’t put the truck in gear. Instead, he continued gauging Mitch’s mindset.
“That’s the military for you. They aren’t giving any details. Kreed’s family’s a wreck.” Mitch pointed toward the drive. “We should get going. The cop’s circled a couple of times now. He’s eyeing you.”
“I’m not gonna get a ticket,” Cody chuckled. He knew ninety percent of the Austin Police Department. Mitch had to know that. Cody reluctantly let go of Mitch’s hand and moved the gearshift back into drive.
“I imagined you driving a big truck like this, wearing that baseball cap you wore the first night I met you. I thought about that on the plane ride. I’m glad you’re wearing it now.” Mitch took Cody’s hand back in his once they’d merged into traffic.
“Where am I taking you? Are you going to Kreed’s family’s house?” Cody asked after giving Mitch a smile for remembering those details about him.
“I planned on staying with you, cowboy. If it’s okay.” Mitch winked at him.
“I’d hoped you’d would, but do you need to go by the family’s house first?” Cody asked.
“I guess I probably should. You mind going?” Mitch asked.
“Not at all. I planned on going to the funeral tomorrow. I figured I should. I didn’t know him well, but you know.” Cody gave a shrug as he navigated the small turns of the airport with the massive vehicle he drove one-handed, unwilling to release his hold on Mitch.
“Good. I wanted you to go. I just didn’t want to ask,” Mitch said. That surprised Cody. He figured he’d be on his own tomorrow. That Mitch would be tied up with the family.