Winter Reunion by Roxanne Rustand Page B

tightened his grip until his knuckles turned white.
    When he opened his eyes he found several passersby on the sidewalk had slowed and were bending over to look through the passenger side of the Jeep with expressions of concern.
    â€œIs everything all right with this man, Frank?” A heavyset woman in an orange jacket frowned. “He looks white as a sheet.”
    Her friend’s eyes widened. “Oh…this is Vivian’s son, right? Is he okay?”
    He hadn’t blushed since he was a kid. Maybe not even then. But now Dev felt heat rise at the back of his neck.
    Frank straightened. “Of course he’s fine. We’re just visiting.” Under his breath, so only Dev could hear, he added, “Old friends. They mean well, but they’re busy-bodies. Sorry about that.”
    Dev opened his door partway, letting the elderly gent step aside, then he got out, needing to escape the oppressive confines of the vehicle. “I…I was just checking out my building. What are you up to?”
    Frank arched his spine, one hand at the small of his back, then unbuttoned his suit jacket. “Morning constitutional. I walk three miles twice a day, no matter what the weather or I stiffen right up. Sunshine and exercise do the trick.”
    The innocuous conversation felt like a healing balm to Dev’s raw nerves. “Must be tough.”
    â€œShouldn’t happen at my age, but there you are. I’m only sixty, but I got my white hair by fifty, and I even needed a hearing aid when I hit forty-nine—just like my dad.” Frank gave Dev a piercing look. “But I’d guess things aren’t so easy for you either, eh?”
    I’m fine had been his constant refrain since coming to Aspen Creek and he started to say it again, then stopped, all too aware that Frank had just witnessed his meltdown a moment ago and would know it was a lie.
    â€œYou’re hoping to return to active service?”
    â€œI…was.” Saying the words aloud once again made them even more painful. More real. “The VA says I have permanent hearing loss and a bum shoulder. I won’t ever qualify again for my old unit.”
    â€œI don’t suppose you want to ride a desk somewhere.”
    â€œNo, sir.”
    â€œJust Frank. And I don’t blame you. I imagine you’ve had to see and do things that most people couldn’t…but having to leave that adrenaline rush behind would seem empty, somehow.” Frank stepped up on the sidewalk and studied the front of the Walker Building. “I always admired the architecture along Hawthorne. Could you show me the inside of your building, if you’ve got a minute? I haven’t been in there for years.”
    Relieved at Frank’s tactful change of topic, Dev rounded the bumper and went to unlock the front door, then ushered him inside.
    The older man moved to a wide square of sunlight beaming through the windows on the second floor and turned slowly, taking it all in. “I always loved thisbuilding. Nice and open in front, clear up to the rafters, but the back half will give you extra space on that second floor. And it’s rustic—just the kind of interior that fits the historic district.”
    Dev nodded.
    â€œI think there was a lawyers’ office in here, some time back. A person could come in here and put in offices or a store in no time flat.” Frank strolled through the main floor. “Build some shelving, order merchandise and you’d at least have a start at some income—then the whole winter to finish it right. Looks like you did a fine job clearing it out.”
    â€œThanks to the youth group at church. And Beth,” Dev added with a short laugh, “who wouldn’t let me say no to them.”
    Frank pinned Dev with a measuring look. “She’s a good woman.”
    Dev knew where the old guy was heading, and wanted no part of it. “Have you ever seen the lower