Trouble And Money #12
t was a lovely night, but something was off with Tammy. I kept my mouth shut. The food was great; the sex was tender and sweet, which was a little different for Tammy. She might be saying goodbye, which would suck!
Tammy and I are getting close. There are many things to like about her, one being that she is a Masshole like me. I live just north of the border now, but the stuff in my veins comes from that coffee and donut chain that started in Quincy, Massachusetts and is iced with cream and sugar.
It Started In Worcester, Massachusetts
I was born in the Woo (Worcester) in Central Massachusetts. My upbringing was happy, without speed bumps. In my teens, I was a know-it-all jerk. Was I a bad kid? Maybe, but I was smart enough to listen to a few good men and turn that around.
For many, the U.S. Military is an answer that offers direction and the right kind of thumbscrew to a jackass. When I was seventeen, my father gladly signed the USMC enlistment papers that sent me "Mr. Know It All" to Parris Island, South Carolina.
I learned to shoot, to kill, and to stay strong. I found something larger and more significant than myself. The Corps did what they do very well. They set my mind right. My journey started the day I got off the bus and stepped into the yellow footprints. I am thankful and think of that day every evening.
My paralegal, wildcat Tammy, was raised in Toney, North Andover, Massachusetts, the gateway to Lawrence. In both cities, there are many places where the pink and orange sells their wares.
The more I learn about her, the more I like her. Like me, she's slowly dropping the episodes in her life so I can get to know her.
I don't know why she's doing that, but I know why I let loose at a slow rate. The full throttle would scare the hell out of anyone.
I'll give her what I think she can handle.
The evening went well. She set up a corner for Gator with a few toys.
Tammy cooked a chicken dish that almost made me drop to one knee, and the wine and beer were perfect.
It's Not Me
I looked at her, brushing her dark hair as we got ready for bed. I see some sadness in her eyes and feel a little darkness. I was married once, and I learned to avoid the trap of asking, "What's wrong?" She'll work it out and let me know if I can help.
There are things to consider. This was my first time at her place. Who was I replacing? Perhaps she's unhappy with me?
I looked at Gator, and he thumped his tail on the floor.
I thought, "There is no way in hell that she is unhappy with little old me."
Time will tell.
The Darker Part Of Today
Later today, I will accidentally run into Violet Hakstrom and have a heart-to-heart with her. I will ask her if she had anything to do with two guys beating up my friend Taveon McMahon.
She or her grandfather, Oskar, who is on the board of directors of Wilson Teller Solutions, or both of them.
Either way, Violet will not be happy when I speak with her.
Trouble And Money is published Monday through Friday. It is a free serial fiction detective story with characters you will love. Read the adventures of Conrad Grange as he solves cases and contends with a harsh world.