Page 131 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

He kissed her. “Okay.”

As they got out and walked up the pathway, the curtains moved in one of the front windows. Seconds later, a petite, redheaded woman opened the door with a homely, heavy-set man standing behind her.

“Are you the sheriff?” the redhead asked.

“I am.” Nate pulled out his badge. “Nate Carter.”

“What about some sort of ID—a picture that shows me that your badge number matches up?”

Nate reached in his back jeans pocket again and pulled out his identification.

The woman took it from him. “Carter County Sheriff’s Department. Nathan Carter.” She glanced from him to the picture and back. “I’d say you’re you.” She looked at Callie. “But what about you? Who are you?”

“This is my girlfriend, Callie,” Nate interjected, putting his arm around her waist before Callie could respond. “We’re heading into the city for the weekend after I finish my business here. I hope you don’t mind that I brought her along.”

Ms. Battleman eyed Callie again. “I guess that’s fine. As long as you’re not the press.”

“No. I’m not the press,” Callie reassured her.

“Come on in, then.” Ms. Battleman opened the door wider and stepped back.

Callie walked into the tiny living room first, glancing around the small, minimally decorated space, breathing in the scent of freshly baked goods.

“It’s not much,” Ms. Battleman said. “But I hope you’ll make yourselves comfortable while I get us all a drink.”

“You don’t have to go to any trouble for us,” Nate said as he took off his coat and draped it over his arm.

“We’re fine, but thank you,” Callie added as she studied the woman who’d helped her so long ago.

“Nonsense. I’ve got coffee ready and the cookies will be out of the oven in just a moment.” Ms. Battleman looked at Callie again. “But you look like you prefer tea.”

Callie blinked. She did prefer tea.

“I’ve been waiting tables a long time. I’ve got an eye for keeping my customers happy. Or guests, in this case.”

Callie smiled. “Thank you.”

“Go ahead and take a seat. Max, my son, will keep you company while I get things taken care of in the kitchen.” Ms. Battleman wandered into the next room.

“Sit wherever,” Max invited them as he took one of the chairs.

Callie sat next to Nate on the couch—more of a love seat—and crossed her legs to make more room for Nate’s well-muscled thighs.

“So, Max,” Nate said to the auburn-headed man who had to be right around the same age as them, “do you live in the area too?”

“I live here.” He shoved his thick glasses farther up his nose. “Help Mom out with the bills.”

“What’s your line of work?”

“I do the night shift down at Filmoore’s Gas ’N Go on North Street.” He looked at Callie. “Probably gonna see if I can get myself a seasonal shift over at UPS now that the holidays are approaching. Money’s not bad.”

Nate nodded. “Sounds good.”

Max sat forward, resting his thick arms on his thicker legs. “So you’re a cop out there on that tiny island up in Mass?” He smirked. “Must see a lot of action—serious crime in the middle of nowhere.”

“Nah.” Nate sat back, resting his ankle on his opposite knee. “I pretty much put up my feet, surf the Internet, eat a few donuts, and pass the time until Deputy Dog comes in and takes his shift.”

Max smirked again. “Must be nice.”