Officer Jones

Chapter 28

The moment was fleeting. Seemingly appearing out of nowhere, a uniformed Rockfield police officer came up behind Gwen. I was still feeling the effect of the smile, and playfully said, “Thank you for you concern, officer, but I don’t plan to press charges.”

When I took a closer look, I realized it was Jones. The man was everywhere. A small, dark-haired boy rode piggyback on his shoulders. He set the child down and they slapped smiling high-fives. The boy ran to Gwen and hugged her, before rambling on about his ride on the roller coaster.

Jones put his arm around Gwen, marking his territory. “So who brings out the best in my girl?”

Gwen made the introduction. She referred to me as her “childhood friend” and simply called him Kyle. No mention of the BF word, even if it was implied. We awkwardly shook hands, before informing her that we’d already met.

“Congratulations on your award,” I said, trying to buy some time to wake up from my worst nightmare-maybe that was the reason for the bad vibes. I looked into Jones’ eyes as I said it. Once again they gave me an eerie feeling. I pulled away from the gaze and tried to look at Gwen, but she subtly turned away.

Jones looked back at me like he was sizing up his competition. “You are Noah Warner’s brother, correct? I’m sorry, when I was at the house the other day, I didn’t put two and two together.”

“Some would say he’s my brother.”

“It’s too bad,” Jones said, shaking his head while eying the ground.

I predicted his condolences about the accident, and mentally prepared my reply.

He stared at me so hard it actually gave me a chill, then said, “It sickens me that your brother murdered that innocent girl.”

The comment hit me like burning shrapnel. “That’s a family matter.”

“It’s the community’s business when someone chooses to drink and drive. It’s no different than if a sex offender moved into the community.”

I strained as hard as I could to convince myself to take the high road. I really did. But Gwen’s boyfriend calling my brother a murderer was just too much to take.

“Everybody makes mistakes. For example, your parents had you.”

Jones flushed, his beady eyes narrowing to angry slits. The subject seemed personal.

Gwen stepped in between us-the frightened child in her arms-trying to play peacemaker. “Doesn’t your shift start in a few minutes, Kyle?”

“Duty calls,” he said, forcing something resembling a smile. He gave Gwen a peck on the lips, which made me cringe. He then exchanged another high-five with the boy. “I’ll see you later, Tommy.”

“Bye, Kyle,” Tommy replied, waving at Officer Jones as he walked away. The boy then shifted gears-now pleading with Gwen to purchase a candy apple. Gwen agreed in motherly fashion, but warned him to return immediately after the purchase. Dollar bills seemed to magically appear in her hand. The boy gleefully grabbed them and ran to the concession stand.

Awkward silence filled the air, as if someone had hit the mute button. Finally I broke the silence, “Kyle seems like a really great guy.” I didn’t even attempt to sell the statement as sincere.

“I’m sorry for the comments about your brother. In his job, he’s seen some bad tragedies from drinking and driving, and he’s become quite close with the Spargo family. I’m sure he didn’t mean anything by it.”

I nodded, although I believed Officer Jones had meant every word of it, and most likely had held back due to Gwen’s presence.

My attention went to Tommy, taking special notice of the striking resemblance between Gwen and the boy. It was just starting to sink in that Gwen had a son. Just one of the many dynamics that I didn’t factor in during my daydreams about recapturing the past.

“I didn’t know you had a child,” I said. I wasn’t sure why this surprised me-Gwen was in her late thirties and had been married for years. It was logical.

“Not sure why you would know. Actually, I have three children, JP,” she said.

I remained quiet. This wasn’t exactly how I pictured this moment.

“What’s wrong? No wisecrack about how surprised you are such an old guy like Stephen could rise to the occasion so many times. Then flash that annoying smug smile of yours and quip ‘no pun intended.’”

She couldn’t jar me out of my serious mode. “How are the kids handling the divorce?” I remembered when Gwen’s parents divorced and how traumatic that was for her.

Gwen couldn’t hold back a smile, which confused me. “I’m just messing with you, JP.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“Stephen and I never had children. Tommy’s not my son-he’s my brother.”

I tried to do the genealogy arithmetic in my head, but I was never very good at math.

Gwen seemed to be reveling in my perplexed look. “My father re-married-a woman much younger than him. They had Tommy, she bailed, and then my father had a heart attack.”

My confusion quickly switched to concern. I’d always had a close relationship with Mr. Delaney. “Is he…”

“He pulled through, and has improved a lot this past year, but he needs a lot of help with Tommy. I temporarily moved back to Rockfield when Stephen and I split up, but temporary is a lot longer than it used to be.”

I was relieved that Mr. Delaney survived. But the stronger pangs of relief were because Gwen hadn’t started our family without me. I needed a whole team of therapists.

“So how’s your mother doing?” I asked.

“She’s good. Lives out in Tucson. Has a male companion, which I guess is a way to say boyfriend when you are over sixty. And yes, JP, you are still her favorite, which she subtly reminds me every time she sends me the latest newspaper clipping about your adventures.”

I was just about to smile, until Gwen added, “I guess mother doesn’t always know best.”

The return of Tommy was welcomed. If nothing else, he could fill in the awkward pauses. He pointed his candy apple toward the bustling carnival area, and exclaimed, “Can we go on the Ferris wheel, Gwen?”

I could tell that Gwen saw it as an excuse to get out while she was ahead, or at least not losing. “Of course, Tommy.”

Tommy flashed a satisfied look, took a big bite of his candy apple, and pointed at me. “Can the guy with the stick come?”

Gwen looked up at me, then at her younger brother.

She looked conflicted.

So I spoke for her, “I’d love to, Tommy.”