Carnival of Secrets

Chapter 3

"That was really good," Pete Jenkins said, and Trish and Joe Wallace both smiled.

"I'm serious! Joe, that brisket was awesome. And that potato casserole? The best."

"I can only take credit for the brisket," Joe chimed in. "My beautiful wife here is responsible for the excellent side dishes."

"Oh, you two. But he's right, Joe, that brisket was outstanding. Now, you guys want some coffee?" Trish offered. "And there's dessert, too. Apple pie."

"Yes, ma'am, if you don't mind. Thanks."

"I'll be right back, then," Trish said and walked into the kitchen.

"I'll be right there, babe," Joe told her, then leveled his gaze at their dinner guest.

"What's on your mind, Pete?"

"That obvious, huh?"

Joe chuckled. "Yes."

The young policeman blew out a breath.

"I think I'm ready to sit for the detective's exam. I mean, I feel like I am? But I wanted to get your thoughts on it."

Joe leaned forward and studied his former co-worker intently for a moment.

"I think you're ready, Pete. And I stand by what I've said previously. I think you'll make one hell of a good detective, because you’ve got qualities in you that no one can teach you."

"Such as?"

"Empathy. That ability to truly relate to the victim's family members. That's not something you learn in any book anywhere. People either have it or they don't. You have it. I saw it myself when we were at crime scenes together. That plus your other skills? It's not even a question in my mind you'd be a great detective, son."

Pete smiled. "Thanks, Joe."

"No problem," Joe said, then stood to go help Trish bring in coffee and slices of pie to the table.

"When is the exam scheduled?" he called out over his shoulder.

"Next Wednesday. Any idea how long it takes to find out something after I take the exam?" Pete called back.

Joe and Trish reappeared with coffee and dessert.

"Let's see now. I want to say it took around three months from the time I applied until I got a final decision," Joe shared as he and Trish settled in at the table again. "Keep in mind that was 1989 and there was a lot less technology around than there is now. Everything was on paper back then. I would think it'd be faster these days."

"But that's still a good timeline to work with, Pete," Trish added as she handed him a slice of pie. "Use three months as your baseline, and if things move more quickly than that, great."

Pete nodded his agreement as he stirred sugar into his coffee.

"Now. No more shop talk," Trish announced with a twinkle. "So, Pete. You still seeing Shannon?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"How's that going?"

Pete flushed scarlet.

***

* * * *

"I don't get it. If he's such a weirdo, tell me again why you even invited him?" Blake asked Toby later as they racked the billiard balls for another game.

"Because he's good for a laugh," Toby replied with an evil grin. "You should hear him. He walks around talking to himself all the time. I never know what weird s**t he's gonna say or do. It's funny."

"He sounds creepy as hell," Jason interjected.

"He is," Toby agreed. "But I'm gonna make three times what I'd make hauling hay with you two losers. I think I can handle working with a freak for the summer for that kind of coin. Besides, hot chicks with very little clothing on should be plentiful. Why be stuck in some hayfield when I can be getting laid?"

"Can't argue that. Cheers," Blake said, and they held up their bottles.

"Don't supposed you can get us on, huh?" Jason asked.

"Nope. They've got a full crew now according to the foreman. You snooze, you lose."

"Lucky bastard," Blake muttered. "When do you leave?"

"Six a.m. We're supposed to be in Lubbock and ready to rock tomorrow night."

Toby finished off his beer, then said, ""Your turn to break, Jason. Loser buys the next round."

***

* * * *

"So, have you asked Nathan to walk you down the aisle yet?" Rick asked as they cleared the table after dinner.

"No, I haven't. Not yet," Faith admitted. "I wanted to wait until he closed that last case of his. It just didn't seem right to ask him about it when he was so focused on trying to catch that guy."

***

* * * *

The next morning Nathan was settling in at his office and had just fired up his desktop unit when his cell phone rang.

"Thomas."

"Hey, baby brother," Faith said warmly. "You have just a minute to talk?"

"For you? Anytime. What's up?"

"I need to ask you something. And it's okay if you don't want to."

"What is it?"

"Well, I was hoping you'd agree to walk me down the aisle at the wedding."

A long beat of silence.

"Nathan? You there?"

He cleared his throat.

"It would be an absolute honor to walk with you the day you and Rick get married, Faith."

***

* * * *

With the setup in Lubbock in full swing there wasn't much chance to stand around and talk, even if he'd wanted to.

And that's just fine with me. Every single person here gets on my last damn nerve on a regular basis. Especially that Toby kid. He is such a pain in the a*s.

But he won't be for much longer, he thought to himself, and grinned eerily.

He muttered to himself as he loosened the straps and began to unload and set up his area pretty much on autopilot. His hands busied themselves while his mind retraced what he'd Googled about the town and surrounding area.

That one place sounded promising, but I'd have to go overnight to get what I need.

Unless I can forge a license?

He mulled it over for only seconds.

Screw that. Too much hassle and it'll leave a paper trail. I'll just get what I need the usual way, and it's better to wait and get it in Mexico where there's a greater chance of getting the pure stuff.

As he moved around to the other side of the flatbed trailer, he glanced to his right and saw the bane of his existence.

Out of all the newbies, the boss just had to saddle me with the dumbest one. Jackass...

"Hey Pops! Need some help?" Toby called out as he approached.

He glared at the kid but said nothing.

No. But you will. Very soon.

***

* * * *

"Morning, boss. What's up?" Lizzie said immediately when she stepped into Nathan's office.

"Morning."

"Nathan, are you all right?"

He grinned. "I'm great. Faith just asked me to walk her down the aisle."

Lizzie's hand flew to her heart. "That's so sweet!"

"It meant a lot, that she asked."

"Well of course she would! You kidding? You're her brother."

"I know, but still. I'm surprised she didn't ask someone older."

"It's not about the age, Nathan. It's about the amount of respect and love she has for you. Speaking of wedding stuff, the reason I asked for those dates off is that Donny and I are planning on an Alaskan cruise - and we're gonna get married on the boat."

"Congrats! And you'll have to tell me about the cruise when you guys come back. I've been thinking about surprising Bella with one soon, maybe for our anniversary next year. She puts up with a lot because of my career. Flying out at the drop of a hat, late dinners, canceled plans, the works. I figured a cruise would be a great 'thank-you', don't you think?"

"She does have the patience of Job," Lizzie agreed. "Donny does, too. We really lucked out with our better halves, Nathan. Not everybody would be so understanding. Takes a special person to be married to someone in the military or law enforcement."

"You're right there. You and I both got extremely lucky."

***