“Because we are learning how to ride the motorcycle in case we are in need of a fast getaway.”
“Do you have a reason for a fast getaway?”
She ignored Fraiser’s question.
She turned around to leave and smacked right into my chest. I watched as she grabbed her nose.
“Why were you standing so close?” She demanded, like I had nefarious intentions.
“I didn’t want you to fall again,” I said, taking a twig from her hair. I knew right away that her hair was red hair dye. I could see the white blonde roots. “Why would you cover up that beautiful hair color?” I asked before I could stop myself.
The look that came over her could only be described as terror. I wondered who she was scared of.
“That is none of your business,” she said, walking off down the street. And damned if my dick didn’t get hard.
“Who is she?” I asked.
“Her daughter’s name is Cleo Branch; Cleo’s mom has never told us her name. We think Tessa knows, but she hasn’t said anything. They’ve been here for over a year. I remember Cleo asking for a doctor when they came here. Tessa went with her.
“I thought Max’s wife was a teacher?”
“She’s a brain surgeon as well as a teacher. It’s a long story, I’ll let Max tell you. Here he is now.”
Max pulled up in his old '66 Chevy short-bed pickup truck. It was spotless, and he had redone all of it himself.
“Wow, so you finally decided to move to Fraiser Mountain?” he said, embracing me.
“I’m visiting for now. I’m not sure if I want to move here yet.”
You can stay with Tessa and me at the B&B. In fact, we’ll have a barbecue tomorrow night. What happened to your pants? Max said, seeing the dirt and tire stains.
I stopped a woman on her motorcycle when her brakes went out.”
“It was Mom,” Fraiser volunteered.
“Do all of you call her mom?” I said, looking at them. “Isn’t that kind of silly? She can’t be more than thirty. If she got rid of that red dye, her light blonde hair would be beautiful.”
“Damn, I forgot you were a top-notch investigator for the SEALs,” Max said.
Are you guys blind? Come on, she’s a beautiful woman who has lived here for over a year, and you're not doing any investigation? What’s up with that? Maybe she’s not Cleo’s mom. Maybe she stole her. It sounds like she’s hiding from a man,” I said, looking at them.
“Look,” Max said, looking around like someone was listening to us. “She knew Tessa before, but my wife doesn’t want me asking questions.”
“What if she’s in danger?” I asked.
“Tessa will let me know if there's any danger looking for her. She told me she would.”
I shook my head. “Max, you are pussy whipped.” I looked at the others. “I hope you guys aren’t as pussy whipped as Max is.”
“I’m not,” Fraiser said, and the others burst into laughter.
“Do you still work out? Do you run ten miles a day?” I asked.
“It depends on whether Marley is with me. She likes running five.”
I looked at Max. “Can I use your washer and dryer?”
“Yep, we’ll see all of you at five tomorrow. I’ll call the others,” Max said.
