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Daddy’s Fortitude

Page 5

by Laylah Roberts

If he wasn’t around them, then they couldn’t stare at him.

It was a win-win, as far as he was concerned.

Unfortunately, he was going to have to talk to someone as he didn’t have an address for Charlie’s widow. He just knew where the funeral was being held on Sunday. But it couldn’t take much to find out where she lived. Small-town people love to gossip.

First, he needed some coffee and breakfast. Caffeine was vital for dealing with people.

He walked into a small bakery, and ordered himself a black coffee and a breakfast sandwich. The girl behind the counter stared at him while snapping her chewing gum.

He shuddered. If there was one thing he couldn’t stand, it was people chewing with their mouth open.

Mind you, there were a lot of things he couldn’t stand.

After he sat down, it didn’t take long until someone approached. A dark-haired woman wearing a pair of jeans and a very tight T-shirt that made it quite obvious she wasn’t wearing a bra.

He sat back in his chair and waited for whatever she was going to say.

“Hi,” she said breathily. “You’re not from around here, are you?”

Great observation, but he didn’t say that out loud. He was trying to get some information here.

“That’s right,” he said. He should probably try to make more conversation, but he just really couldn’t be bothered.

“I’m Meg. If you want anyone to show you around, I’m happy to volunteer.”

“Well, Meg, I’m actually looking for someone. You might be able to help.”

“Sure, I can help you,” she said in that same breathy voice as she sat at the table.

Shit, he hadn’t meant that as an invitation to sit.

Thankfully, his coffee and breakfast sandwich arrived. Maybe he’d be able to make a quick getaway.

Meg leaned forward and licked her full lips. He was sure she was considered gorgeous, but he wasn’t really into her. The only interaction he had with women was at the club or with Honey and Keira, who didn’t really count.

“I’m looking for Charlie Charleston’s widow. Do you have her address?”

Her face went kind of blank, and she sat back in her chair.

Hmm, that was an interesting reaction. She definitely knew who he was talking about, but she’d also shut down. Maybe she was feeling protective of Aimee because she just lost her husband. He could understand that.

Even admire it.

“Why would you care about Aimee?” she snapped.

He raised his eyebrow at the change in her tone. “I knew her husband a long time ago. I’m here for Charlie’s funeral.”

“You knew Charlie?” Her face grew more animated and she relaxed slightly.

“Yep. And I want to go see his widow. Do you know where she lives?”

“Yeah, but you don’t really want to see Aimee. You can see her at the funeral. Wouldn’t you rather view the sights of Greasy Knob?”

Somehow, he didn’t think that would take that long.

“Got plenty of time for that,” he said. “I want to go see Aimee. So have you got the address?”

Because he really wanted to eat his breakfast and get on with his day.