by Lea Coll
“I think you will find that it is quieter here.” Samantha smiled warmly and continued, “We don’t get much excitement.”
I sighed in disappointment. “I used to live in Canton, close enough to the action to walk to trendy shops and restaurants.” I didn’t mention that I rarely went out. My caseload at the public defender’s office kept me busy. I brought work home often.
“Well, at least you can walk to work here,” Ashley offered with a smile. She was right. Both the inn and the apartment were only a few blocks from the historic Kent County Courthouse, where my office was located.
“That’s true,” I acknowledged. The tree-lined brick sidewalks of the historic downtown area did make for a nice commute.
“So what do you think?” Samantha asked, nodding at the apartment.
“It’s perfect for the few months I’ll be here,” I said.
“Great, let me talk to Bev to see if she’d be willing to rent it out for a short time,” Samantha offered as we exited the apartment. She locked the door and we walked back down the stairs.
As we rounded the front of the building, Ashley nodded to the one-story brick building adjacent to the bakery. “At least you’re right next door to a bar. See? It’s just like home.” She gave me a teasing smile.
The black sign with gold lettering above the bar’s door read ‘The Pub,’ with black lights hanging down over it to highlight the name at night. Next to the pub was a café, with a green sign with white lettering, saying ‘The Lime Café.’ There were lights strung between the two buildings to create ambiance and the seating area was dotted with potted plants.
“I hope it’s not too loud with the café and pub next door,” I said.
“The good thing is that nothing is open too late around here. Come by tomorrow and I can let you know if Bev wants to rent it out,” Samantha said as she unlocked the bakery door.
“Sure thing, thanks for showing me the apartment,” I said. “It was nice meeting you.”
“You, too,” Samantha said as she pushed open the door. “Bye, Ashley.”
“See you later, Samantha,” Ashley replied as she turned back to me. “Well, it’s back to work for me,” she said as she pointed across the street toward the courthouse.
“Really? It’s 5:30,” I said incredulously, glancing at my phone. I shouldn’t have been surprised. In the short time I’d known Ashley, she seemed like a hard worker, always staying to work after the office cleared out at 4:30 p.m.
“Yeah, I have a ton of cases to catch up on,” Ashley explained.
I nodded and waved goodbye to her.
Across from the bakery, there was a park surrounded with trees and bushes. A cast iron three-tier fountain featured prominently at the center. To get a closer look, I wandered across the street and through the park. The fountain was topped with a woman pouring water from a pitcher into a cup, which overflowed into a shell, spouted out of four swans’ mouths into a second shell, and finally flowed out of the lions’ heads into the pool on the bottom. The plaque on the bottom indicated that the fountain was presented as a gift to the town in 1899. The statue was the Greek goddess of youth, Hebe, the cupbearer to the gods.
As a history major, the historic elements of Chestertown intrigued me, as much as I missed the hustle and bustle of the city. Reluctantly, I turned out of the park down the sidewalks that wound through the park, and walked down High Street in front of the courthouse to the Chestertown Inn, where I had been staying for the past few weeks.
Luke Hudson leaned against his patrol car, which was parked in front of my Corolla. His head was bent over a little black book as he scribbled something. I had a moment of panic when I saw him rip off the paper and tuck it under my windshield wipers. I glanced around for a parking sign to see if I had parked there for too long. I jogged the last few steps to Luke and placed my hand on his arm. Feeling a little spark of electricity, I pulled my hand back in surprise. Something intense flared in his eyes as he turned his attention to me.
“Sorry, am I not supposed to park here?” I asked, nervously licking my suddenly dry lips.
“It’s only four-hour parking,” Luke answered, tipping his head toward the parking sign in front of his vehicle.
I cringed when I saw the sign. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even see that. I don’t use the car much, either.” Everything in Chestertown was within walking distance.
“There’s a lot behind the courthouse you can use for extended parking if you want,” Luke offered, helpfully pointing in the direction of lawyers’ row. Next to the courthouse, there was a line of one-story attached buildings, housing one law firm after another. At the end of the street, I could see a parking lot.
“Okay, thanks.” I pulled the parking ticket off of my window. I knew there was nothing I could say to get out of the ticket now that he had written it. I didn’t read it because Luke stared down at me with eyes piercing right through me. His presence was overwhelming.
Luke looked over at the inn. “Are you staying here?”
“Yes, just temporarily,” I answered.
“Do you need some help to find a place?”
“Oh, no, Ashley from work referred me to Samantha. She has an apartment over the bakery,” I explained, pointing in the direction of the bakery and suddenly feeling stupid. Surely he knew there was an available apartment above the bakery. It was a small town, after all.
“Okay, good. Let me know if you need any help with anything since you’re new to town.” He placed a hand on my shoulder and turned to go. His brief touch caused an involuntary shiver through my body.
I was used to doing things for myself and not relying on anyone, but I liked his concern. Luke was already walking toward his vehicle and pulling open the door when I called after him, “Thank you for the offer, though.” I gave him a small smile.
He nodded and his lips twitched with the beginning of a smile. He nodded at the paper I still clutched in my hands. “Don’t forget to take care of that.” Then he got into his car and pulled out into the street. I watched him go and then glanced down at the paper, which I had forgotten about until he mentioned it. I opened the folded paper, which looked like a parking ticket on the back, but instead of my information written out on the front of the ticket, there was a hand-drawn picture.
I looked at it more closely to find it was a drawing of a woman with long flowing hair, large expressive eyes, and full pouty lips. She was wearing a suit that emphasized her curves and sky-high heels. She was facing a tall man in a police uniform who was leaning nonchalantly against a wall. His hair was messy, his arms were crossed over his chest, and he wore an appreciative smile as the woman appeared to be talking to him and waving her arms to express herself.
Was this supposed to be me? Is this how he saw me? This woman was beautiful. I always thought of myself as plain, or cute at best. I was on the shorter side at five foot two, with an athletic build, long brown hair, and blue eyes. I couldn’t help the smile that lit up my face as I took one more look at the picture, tucking it into my pocket, and turned back to the inn.
THE NEXT DAY, I STOPPED by the bakery to pick up the keys to the apartment from Samantha. The bell rang above the door when I entered. It was evening, and it looked like the shop was closing soon. There were no customers. Samantha came out of the back as soon as she heard the bell.
Her soft voice greeted me, “Emma, hi. So good to see you again.” Samantha was wearing a summery dress with strappy sandals.
“Hi, just wanted to stop by for the key. Are you closing?”
“I was getting ready to, but let me grab that key for you first,” she said, turning to the back.
I looked at the display case while she was in the back.
“Did you want something to eat?” Samantha asked as she came through the swinging door.
I pointed at the muffins on a cake pedestal on the countertop. “Do you have blueberry?”
“One left. Lucky you,” she said as she grabbed the muffin and put it on a plate. “Plea
se have a seat. Would you like water? I already cleaned the coffee machine.”
“Yes, that would be great. I don’t need any more caffeine today.” Samantha grabbed a bottle of water from the case and handed it to me. I sat down at one of the little tables and she placed the key on the table for me.
“The owner didn’t mind the short-term rental?” I asked, remembering how Samantha said she needed to get permission.
“Well, I wouldn’t say that,” Samantha hedged. “Bev wasn’t happy about it, but it’s sitting there empty.” She continued sweeping up the floor. “Bev is the owner of the building and the bakery. I started working here in high school. She taught me everything I know.”
“Oh, wow, you didn’t go to culinary school?” I asked, surprised.
“No, I didn’t. Bev is older now and can’t get around as well as she used to. Her son deals with the rental and the building issues more now. I run the store for her.” She looked up as Ashley walked into the shop.
Before I could answer, Ashley greeted us, “Hey, guys! Glad you are both here.”
“Hi, Ashley,” we said.
“Stella wants to meet at Annie’s Wine Bar tonight. Are you closing up soon?” She directed her question to Samantha.
“Yes, just finishing up now,” Samantha answered.
Ashley looked at me.
“Oh, no, that’s okay. I don’t feel like going out tonight,” I answered. I much preferred to hang out at home with a good book. Navigating social situations was nerve wracking.
“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that. You’re definitely going out with us,” Ashley said. When Ashley wanted something she usually got her way. I sighed in defeat. There was no point in arguing with her.
As we approached the wine bar on the corner, I took in the teal siding, chocolate brown shutters, and bright yellow umbrellas over the outdoor seating area. It was quaint and cheery.
“You want to sit outside?” Samantha asked. “It’s a beautiful night.”
“Sure,” we agreed.
“Where’s Stella?” Samantha asked.
“Oh, you know her. If she shows up, she will be late,” Ashley said, rolling her eyes. Ashley was still in her suit. I was sure she’d worked late again and come straight to the bakery afterward. She turned to me as I took a seat. “Stella will suggest meeting somewhere and then inevitably forget about it. Or she shows up really late and full of apologies.”
“That sounds annoying,” I said, and then worried I had offended them with my comment. I didn’t know Stella, but she was their friend.
“You would think so, but you can’t stay mad at her. You’ll see, if she ever gets here,” Ashley said and looked around to see if she was on her way down the street. Not seeing her, she turned back to our table. “So, how’s work so far?” Ashley asked me as a waitress dropped the wine list in front of us.
“Pretty much the same as in the city I guess. Caseload is a little smaller though,” I answered, looking down at the menu. I liked the excitement and fast-paced nature of the city. I had so many cases I rarely had a chance to breathe when I was in court. I liked the challenge it brought. I was worried I’d be bored here.
Once the waitress took our order, Samantha asked, “Why are you here temporarily, though?” At my questioning look she added, “You only needed the apartment for three months.”
“Oh, right.” I nodded in understanding. “The prior attorney is on maternity leave, so I’m here to fill in,” I explained.
“Yeah, you remember Penny Shaw, right?” At Samantha’s nod, Ashley continued, “She had her baby.”
“Oh, ok. She was a few years ahead of us in school?” Samantha asked.
“Yes, I think she was in Jack and Luke’s class,” Ashley said.
“Luke Hudson?” I asked.
“That’s the one,” Ashley answered.
“Oh my gosh, guys! I’m so, so sorry! I completely forgot about meeting up with you until the last second,” said a tall curvy woman with red curly hair as she plopped into the empty seat at the table. She wore a short flowered dress, flats, and a red chunky necklace around her neck. She hung her canary yellow tote on the back of her chair and turned to me. “Hi! Are you Emma?”
“Yes,” I answered, not sure what to make of Stella yet.
“I’m Stella. I’m so excited to meet you. Don’t you just love Chestertown?” she asked, looking around.
“It’s nice to meet you, too. I like it here so far,” I said. I wasn’t sure I liked it at all. It would be impolite to say anything negative about their hometown, though.
Stella was practically bouncing in her seat. “Did you guys see that Luke is running for sheriff against that prick Brad Campbell?” Without waiting for an answer, she continued, “Sheriff Robinson is retiring.”
“Stella works at the paper so she hears everything first,” Ashley offered by way of explanation.
“I saw the signs going up around town this afternoon,” Samantha answered. “Brad’s not so bad.”
“You’re too nice, Samantha. Brad is an asshole,” Ashley said.
“You don’t like him because you can’t talk him out of a ticket,” Samantha said with a smile.
“That’s true. He’s the only one who follows through with giving me tickets. It’s maddening,” Ashley complained.
I laughed at that. Ashley was definitely used to bossing everyone around.
“It’s more than that though,” Ashley continued. “A sheriff should at least be seen in the community to know what the issues are. Since he became chief deputy, no one even sees him around town.”
I noticed Luke walk down the street, his eyes scanning the street. When his eyes rested on mine, he came to a stop at our table. “Good evening, ladies,” he said.
He was in uniform, so he must have been out on patrol. His lips were turned up in a knowing smile, which made me wonder if he was thinking about the drawing he’d given me. I blushed in response and hoped no one noticed.
“Good for you, running for sheriff,” Ashley said. “We hope you win instead of that asshat.”
Luke turned his gaze to Ashley. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. You know if you’d slow down you wouldn’t get so many tickets.”
Ashley groaned in frustration. “Why does everyone keep saying that? It’s not just that. That guy’s a jerk.”
“It should make for an interesting race. Sheriff’s races can get downright nasty,” Stella explained.
“Stella loves drama,” Samantha said to me by way of explanation.
“I hope it doesn’t get nasty,” Luke said. “There are things I’d like to change, but as chief deputy, Brad has put a stop to any suggestions of change. We need to do more about the opioid and heroin crisis in this county. It’s the root cause of so many other issues. Unfortunately, Brad’s pretty old school. He doesn’t see the value in getting to know the youth in the community and heading off issues before they start. That cops should be approachable and well liked, not feared. There should be a community approach to policing. I think if we had that, we could circumvent some of these issues before they start.”
“You sound like a sheriff already,” I said approvingly.
Luke smiled at the compliment. “Now I just need to win. I know Brad has more experience, but I have the backing from a lot of the businesses already.”
“See? I said you were better liked. You’re in charge of patrols now, right?” Ashley asked.
“Yeah, my official title is Patrol Commander. I’m technically one rank beneath Brad. I’m sure he will use that to his advantage.” His phone rang and he answered it, “Hudson.” He listened intently for a minute and then said, “Sure thing. I’ll go there now.”
He placed his phone back in his pocket. “Well, I’d better get back to work. A call went out that kegs have gone missing at the pub. I need to go supervise the investigation. Have a good night, ladies. Don’t get into any trouble.” He winked in my direction and walked down the street toward the pub.
I
SAT DOWN ON THE bleachers in time for the first pitch. Ashley had called this morning telling me to get to the park for a baseball game between the firefighter/EMT workers and the police officers. The park was a green space near the Chester River and the marina. I could hear the sails on the masts clinking in the breeze.
With her eyes on the game, Ashley said, “Hey, right on time.”
“This had better be good. I’m not really into sports,” I replied, sitting down next to her and Samantha on the metal bleachers. “I didn’t even watch sports in high school or college.”
“Really?” Ashley asked, turning her head to get a good look at me. “Not even football games?”
“No, I wasn’t exactly social in high school or college. I think I exasperated my parents. They were the popular kids and never understood why I wasn’t,” I explained. Sometimes I had wished it could be different. It wasn’t that I didn’t dream of being on the homecoming court. Every girl probably does, but I didn’t have that it factor my parents had. I overheard them discussing my lack of popularity with their friends. It never failed to make me feel insecure.
“I think most women are here to admire the view,” Samantha said, pointing to the men on the field.
I turned my attention to the field and observed Luke taking some practice swings in the batter’s circle. He was facing away from me in his batter’s stance so I had a perfect view of his tight butt. “You might be onto something, Samantha,” I said, smiling back at her.
“I told you. The only thing that would be better is if they were in those tight baseball uniforms,” she said. It was a fundraiser for their respective departments so they were wearing their department issued T-shirts and sweatpants.
After the game, some of the guys wandered over to talk to us. I didn’t really know many people yet, but I didn’t have much of a social life to begin with. I went to work and then went back to the inn. I still needed to move my things into the apartment.
