Chapter 7

“That’s Harold.”

 

The sudden voice from behind Brian had his stomach swooping as he startled hard, hands again falling to his holstered weapons. He swallowed, took a breath, and resolved not to embarrass himself by running for his car. Turning, he noted the small older woman and ignored the fact that she was almost taller than he was. 

 

“Mrs. Gimblestone, it’s like 2:30 a.m., what are you doing out?”

 

“I saw Arthur’s light on.” 

 

Brian noticed her eyes dart toward the tall older man before snapping back to him. “So, Harold’s here.” Her voice definitely held a bit of tension. Were her cheeks pink? 

 

“Harold? That’s an alien,” Mr. Longfeather corrected. 

 

Mrs. Gimblestone started to speak but exchanged a knowing look with Brian. “Right. An alien. Um, I happen to know this one likes tomatoes. I’ll take care of it.” She patted Brian on the shoulder, again nearly making him stumble. “You go get Carol those rolls while they’re still hot.” 

 

Minutes later, Brian walked back into dispatch carrying a warm to-go container and handed it to Carol. 

 

“Yes,” she exclaimed. “This is why Mr. Longfeather calls are annoying, but he always makes up for them.” She took a deep breath of sweet cinnamon goodness. Then she noticed Brian’s face. “Why do you look weirded out?”

“Mrs. Gimblestone called Mr. Longfeather by his first name.”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“I think… I think maybe she likes him?”

 

Carol drew back and frowned at the mental image taking over her mind. “Ew.”