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“A business card,” I said I took it out of my wallet “Max Bond The new counselor over at the health department”

“A shrink? That’s why you’re here?”

“I thoughtthe divorce and the drinking”

“You think I’m crazy And a drunk You’re as bad asMaybe you two deserve each other You’re so fucking sanctimonious Get out, and don’t co toward the door

I left It wasn’t worth hanging around if he wasn’t going to listen I had cared enough to try and help hi In part, I’d done it for Sarah Jo Because I knew he needed counseling, but he wouldn’t take the suggestion very well I didn’t want her to have to take the heat for giving hiht actually be able to help him All I could do was hope he made an appointment

At Cecil’s, I mixed up a third dirty martini for a woman who said she was in town on business at the factory Several guys had approached her, but she’d refused theuys from my creho ca When I gave the wo tip and the number of her room at the B&B down the street I shook my head

“That’s kind of you,” I said “Do you have a ride back to the inn?”

“I’ It’s a small town, I’ll be fine,” she said I shook my head

“Jake,” I said “Would you and Rick walk this young lady back to the B&B?”

“We’d consider it an honor,” Rick said

“Yeah, we’re the welcoon around here,” Jake said I rolled my eyes at him For all their bullshit, they were trustworthy to the core

“So I have the local firefighters acting as le

“At your service,” Jake said, offering her his arm

“I’ll text you e drop her off,” Rick said “And I won’t even let Jake give her his number”

“Thanks,” I said “I’ve got to close”