Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Frowning, she asked, “I’m sorry?”
“I was in the Marines, not the Army.”
“Yes, that’s right,” she said, motioning to her head. “Old age and all.”
Deciding I needed to move her along, I asked, “Was there something we could help you with?”
“Yes, indeed, there is. Someone has parked in a handicap spot, and they do not appear to be handicapped.”
I stared at her, then looked at Gavin, who was trying hard not to lose it.
“How do you know they’re not?” I asked.
She gave me a look that said I’d just asked the stupidest question she’d ever heard.
“They got out of the car and walked into the store just fine. That’s how I know.”
Gavin sighed next to me. “Betty Lou, we’ve talked about this before. Just because a person doesn’t look handicapped, doesn’t mean they aren’t.”
“Well, I think that’s silly! What if someone uses their mother’s car with the handicap plate and takes advantage of it? You both need to track them down and ask them what their handicap is! This is the second time I’ve seen them in that parking space.”
I shook my head. “I’m afraid we won’t do that, Mrs. Stark.”
Her hands went to her hips, and she glared at me. “And why not, Declan Gallagher? I know your mother, and I’ll be forced to tell her you didn’t do your job.”
I laughed. “I don’t think that kind of threat works on a thirty-five-year-old, ma’am.”
She huffed, and now crossed her arms over her chest. “I want to know what this person’s handicap is that they need to park in that space.”
“Do you need the spot?” I asked.
Confused, she asked, “What do you mean?”
“Do you need that parking spot?”
“No!” she cried. “I’m not handicapped.”
“Then mind your own business.”
With that, I turned and started down the street.
“Well, I have never! Did you hear what he said to me?” Betty Lou said to Gavin.
“I’m afraid he’s right, Betty Lou,” Gavin said, as I stopped and glanced back. “Is it a black Nissan sedan, by chance?”
She tilted her head and regarded Gavin. “Yes.”
“They are handicapped.”
“How do you know?”
Sighing, Gavin said, “Because I just know.”
“Well, what’s wrong with them?”
I walked back to them. “By law, you cannot ask a person what their disability is, Mrs. Stark. As Officer Quinn said, just because you can’t see it, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. And honestly, I’m a bit surprised you’re behaving this way. Doesn’t your son have seizures? A disability others can’t see?”
Her mouth opened, then quickly snapped shut. I’d only known that detail about her son because I went to high school with him.
Clearing her throat, Betty Lou forced herself to smile. “You gentlemen have a good day.”
She turned on her heels and quickly walked down Main Street.
“I forgot her son had seizures. He was a few years ahead of me.”
Once Betty Lou turned the corner, I faced Gavin. “My first day isn’t turning out the way I thought it would.”
He laughed…but the sound cut off quickly. “Is that the guy you saw the other day? Looking into the bookstore again?”
Turning, I quickly started that way when I noticed it was him. He was pacing the alley next to the bookstore. “Yeah, it is.”
He was still standing there when we walked up.
“Is there something we can help you with?” Gavin asked.
He smiled. “No, I’m just looking in the window.”
Gavin and I exchanged looks.
“Why?” I asked.
His cheeks turned bright red. “Lou works here.”
“And you know her how…?” Gavin asked.
The kid looked back to the window. “I’m kind of embarrassed to admit this, but…she used to date my best friend. They broke up, and I’ve been working up the courage to ask her out.”
Gavin grinned as I forced myself not to roll my eyes.
“You realize you’re making yourself look like a stalker,” I said, folding my arms over my chest. It was hard to do with the vest and gear on, but I forced myself to do it anyway.
Gavin laughed. “Jesus, Declan, slow your roll down.”
His eyes went wide. “A stalker? No! I’m not stalking her. Or anyone! I’m just trying to work up the courage to go in.”
I sighed. “You just walk in, go up to her, and say, ‘Lou, I want to take you out on a date.’”
It was then I realized I was giving advice that I hadn’t followed myself when it came to Harper.
“Holy shit, when was the last time you asked a woman out, Declan?” Gavin asked. “That is not the way to do it.”
“Yeah, I’ve got to agree with him,” the kid said.
I huffed. “What do you know? You can’t even bring yourself to walk into the bookstore.”
“That’s because I like her so much! Haven’t you ever been nervous about asking a girl out?”
I wasn’t about to tell him yes. So I lied. “No.”
“I have,” Gavin injected. “Asked a girl out one time and was shot down so hard, I was left scarred.”