Red-Line: The Shift (Volume One) (3 page)

“Nothing’s wrong, Leroy. And thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“You’re calling me in the middle of the day while you’re on assignment. The last time you did that—”

“Never mind the last time I did that,” said Ramsey, interrupting. He remembered the incident Leroy spoke of, and he didn’t need to be reminded of it now.

“And so, I repeat, what’s wrong?”

Ramsey paused for a moment before answering. He could picture his tall dark-skinned friend, Sampson Leroy, sitting in his home office, looking out the large picture window surrounded by his potted plants, and rubbing his hand over his shaved head. “I’m not sure at the moment,” Ramsey said. “That’s the reason I’m calling. I think something’s up. I smell something I don’t like smelling.”

“And it’s not a bouquet of flowers, I’m guessing?”

“No, it isn’t. More like something died and a few hot days have passed.”

“What are you talking about?”

Ramsey had met Leroy after his first assignment as a Protector and they found that they worked well together as a team. Leroy had helped Ramsey through some difficult past cases, including his most recent, and Ramsey had supported Leroy after Leroy had met and married one of his past assignees, an act frowned upon by the Council and one that had resulted in Leroy taking a supervisory role and moving out of field work. They shared a close bond and a mutual fondness for each other, even though Ramsey rarely befriended anyone.

“Something’s up on this one,” said Ramsey. “Morgana just showed up, checking on me.”

“Morgana? What does she want? It’s not like her to bother with field assignments.”

“Exactly. My ears have perked up and my radar’s going off. You heard anything?”

“I know the Council’s watching this one. They want to see how you do. Don’t know anything about the assignee, though.”

“Yeah, well, do me a favor,” said Ramsey. “See what you can find out, will you? I’m curious. Don’t need to find myself in deep water without a life jacket.”

“I’ll look into it. See what I can find. Have you made contact?” Leroy asked.

“Yes and no.”

“What does that mean, or should I even ask? Did you embarrass yourself, Sherlock?” His chuckle traveled over the line.

“Let’s just say I’ve had better introductions.”

“They’ve never been your strength,” said Leroy. “Remember that bar in New Orleans? The young guy, Randal was his name, I think, that you were assigned to? Now that was a memorable first contact.”

Ramsey sighed into the phone. “He was a cross-dresser. How the hell else was I supposed to get to know him?”

“Did I ever tell you, you look great in heels?” Deep laughter carried through the phone.

“You never forget to remind me. Just let me know when you’ve got some info for me.” He hung up before his friend could respond.

He stood by his car, debating his next move. If there was more to this story than he was aware of, then maybe he should move his timetable up a bit, be a little more aggressive. If Sarah Randolph had some mystery about her, then he should figure it out sooner rather than later.

He looked at the time, thought for a moment, and made up his mind. He had a few hours to kill, but he headed back down the street.

AFTER ENTERING THE diner, Ramsey approached the counter and perused the menu on the wall. He wasn’t hungry, but he figured he should order something. He’d already appeared a little strange in the bookstore. He could at least try to appear less awkward in the diner.

“Um, let’s see. Can I have the tuna salad on wheat? And a cup of coffee, please?” he asked the cashier behind the counter. She rang up his order and gave him a number. He paid and went to find a seat. He didn’t look around, just took a seat nearby. He pulled out his paper, opened it up, and started to read.

Two tables down, Rachel elbowed Sarah. “You should go talk to him.”

“What? What for?” asked Sarah.

“Because you should! Heck, you talked to him this morning. It’s the perfect icebreaker.”

“He was a customer! Of course I talked to him. That doesn’t mean I should talk to him now. I don’t know him.”

“But you should. Look at him. He’s cute. So what if he was a little odd before. He seems perfectly normal now. I think he likes you.”

“You think he likes me?” said Sarah, keeping her voice down. “What are you talking about? He doesn’t know me. He doesn’t even see us. I doubt he would recognize me from this morning.”

“I bet he would,” said Rachel. “Go get some more coffee and make eye contact. I bet he’ll say something to you, and then you can go from there. What’s the harm in that?”

“I told you I’m not interested in meeting anyone. Come on, let’s go. We’ll be late if we don’t.” Sarah started to gather her things.

“We’ve got a few minutes. Don’t be a fuddy-duddy. Go for it!” said Rachel with impatience. “I’m here to back you up if you need it.”

“Back me up?” asked Sarah. “What are you going to do? Punch him if he rejects me? Please be serious. Can we go now?” She started to stand, but ducked back down as the cashier called a number and the man they were discussing got up and grabbed his sandwich from the counter. He walked back to his table and sat down to eat. He never looked up.

“Fine,” said Rachel. “I can see when you’ve put your foot down. You know I’m just thinking of you. I want you to find some happiness, you know? You’ve been so down lately.”

Sarah relaxed a little, accepting her friend’s concern for her. She tried to be a little less defensive. “Thank you, Rachel. I know you’re trying to help. I’m just not feeling the need to start anything new right now. To be honest, it scares the hell out of me. I just want to finish my day, go home, and go to bed.”

Rachel sighed. “Well, I won’t push you then. Do me a favor, though, and go get yourself another cup of coffee. You look like you’ll need it.”

Sarah eyed Rachel suspiciously.

“You don’t have to talk to him or even look at him,” said Rachel. “Just go get a refill, and we’ll head out.” She put her chin in her hand. “Party pooper.”

Sarah did want a little more coffee. She figured she could safely get a refill without having to bump into her prior customer, considering how his nose was buried in his paper as he munched on his sandwich. She decided she could walk by his table without being noticed.

“I’ll be right back.” She stood and swung her purse over her shoulder. Rachel stood as well and headed for the door as Sarah walked to the counter. She passed his table without looking down.

“Can I get a refill, please?” she asked the cashier. The lady took her cup, refilled it, and handed it back to her. Sarah grabbed a lid and covered the drink. As she turned to leave, the busboy approached to clean a table behind her. Sweeping at a mess of spilled chips, he arced the broom out, and Sarah’s foot caught on the bristles just enough to upset her balance and cause her to fall forward. Instinctively, she moved to stop herself on the chair in front of her to slow her forward momentum. Successful in preventing an embarrassing fall, she unavoidably let the coffee cup slip from her fingers. She stared in mute horror as her mind processed in mere microseconds where the coffee would fall - right at the feet of the man she was trying so hard to avoid.

The coffee hit hard, the lid flew off, and dark brown liquid spewed out in a wide spray. The man jumped up, yelping in the process. The hot liquid splattered up on him, and his pant leg took a direct hit. He looked down at the mess, assessing the damage. Then he looked up, directly at Sarah.

Sarah stared back, completely frozen, at the scene before her. She didn’t know what to say. Rachel, seeing the scene unfold from across the room, also stood in shock. For what seemed like several seconds, no one said a word. The moment was broken, though, by the agitated busboy, who exclaimed how sorry he was as he moved to clean up the mess.

Finally, Sarah’s vocal cords released. “Oops.” She could feel her cheeks redden.

“Oops?” said Ramsey. He broke his eye contact with her and made to blot the liquid from his pants. He couldn’t believe his luck. He’d been about to stand and deliberately bump into her when the perfectly timed coffee spill had occurred.

“I mean I’m sorry! I’m so sorry,” said Sarah, still tongue-tied. “I’m such a klutz. Did you get burned?”

He swiped at his pants again with a napkin. “I’ll live. No permanent harm done,” he replied. “Were you aiming for me?”

“What?” she asked, confused.

“That was a hell of a shot. Guess I should be glad it didn’t end up in my lap. That would have been unpleasant for a variety of reasons,” he said, sounding lighthearted. He noted her stricken face. “Are you okay?” he asked her.

“Um, what? What do you mean?” she asked.

“Well, you look a little ashen. You’re not going to faint on me, are you?”

“Faint on you?” Sarah asked, finally getting her voice back. “No, I’m not going to faint on you. I’m just so embarrassed. God, I just spilled hot coffee on you. You’re sure you’re not hurt?”

“I’m fine. But does this mean I get a free book?” he asked, unleashing his most charming grin.

“A free book? Why…?” She surmised then that he remembered her from the bookstore. “Oh, sure,” she retorted, surprising herself by playing along. “I’ll buy you a book on homemade remedies. I’m sure there’s something I can find about treating burns.” She finally unfroze and moved out of the way as the busboy returned with a mop and began cleaning the floor. “Or I’ll at least buy you something about avoiding klutzy women.”

Ramsey had moved out of the way as well, and now they stood across from each other. “I prefer the book on home remedies,” he said.

She was unsure how to interpret his answer. She didn’t have to wonder long, though, as Rachel walked up and broke the moment.

“Oh, my! Everybody okay? Sarah, you’re lucky you didn’t fall on your face! Sir, how are you?” she asked with animated concern. “Wait a minute.” She stared at Ramsey in mock surprise. “You were in the bookstore this morning, weren’t you? I thought I recognized you. Sarah, remember?” Rachel grinned at her, while Sarah stared back as only a friend can when they want to strangle you.

“Yes,” said Sarah, flustered. “Yes, I remember him, Rachel. Speaking of the bookstore, we really need to get back, or we’re going to be late. You ready?” she asked with warning in her eyes.

“Yes, I’m ready. You ready? Said all your apologies?” She turned to Ramsey. “You really need to forgive her. She hasn’t been sleeping well.” She avoided Sarah’s look and continued to address him. “It’s no wonder she almost tripped and fell. You’re lucky she and the coffee both didn’t end up in your lap.”

Ramsey smiled. “I think I could have endured it.”

Sarah wanted to melt into the floor. “We really need to go. Sorry again about the coffee. Let’s go.” She took her friend by the arm, but Rachel wasn’t swayed easily.

“This is Sarah, by the way,” she said, “and I’m Rachel.”

“Ramsey. John Ramsey,” he replied. “I’ll stop by the bookstore later to pick up my book, Sarah.”

Sarah looked back at him as she pulled Rachel away. “Your book?” she asked.

“Yes, on home remedies? I believe you offered to buy it for me.” He watched her, waiting for her reaction.

Sarah started to object, wanting to say she wasn’t serious, that he shouldn’t bother stopping by later, but she didn’t. She just looked back and found herself agreeing to it. “I’ll see what I can find for those burns,” she said as they walked out the door.

Ramsey watched them leave. They crossed the street and headed toward the bookstore a few shops down. Something in him stirred. Something he didn’t expect. Silent warnings flared as unexpected emotions surfaced. He stood for a moment, staring, but then he turned and walked back to his table. Leaving the rest of his lunch uneaten, he gathered his things and left.

And at the counter, unnoticed as he sat amid the others patrons and ate his lunch, a gray-bearded gentleman turned and watched him leave.

RAMSEY HEADED BACK to his car, planning on returning to the bookstore around closing, giving him the opportunity to see Sarah again after work if things went according to plan. At the moment, though, he needed some time to sort things out. This assignment was dredging up some long-submerged memories he’d put aside and rarely recalled without absolute necessity. He sat in his car for a while, lost in thought until the ringing of the phone interrupted him.

“Sherlock?” asked the voice on the other end when he answered.

“Leroy. What’s up?” asked Ramsey.

“I need to speak with you privately.”

Ramsey sat up in his seat. “What’d you find out?”

“Not on the phone. Meet me at the house, soon as you can.” And with that, Leroy disconnected the line. Ramsey sighed and looked down the street toward the bookstore and then at his watch. Making up his mind, he started the car and drove off.

**

RACHEL COULD NOT contain her excitement. “I knew it. He likes you! He’s coming by later. You have to be ready.” She signed back in to the register, apparently too distracted to even complain when the computer gave her another error message.

“Ready for what?” asked Sarah as she hung out by the counter with Rachel. She knew Arnie would be watching to see that they were back from lunch on time. She felt hesitant as she prepared to return to the aisles. She had not expected so much to happen during a one-hour lunch break and wasn’t sure what to think about the unexpected turn of events.

“Ready for him to show up, of course,” responded Rachel. “He’ll probably ask you out, get your phone number. What are you thinking? What will you say? He should take you to dinner, someplace nice. Or maybe you two should do lunch, or a coffee break together. That would be good. Help you get to know him a bit. Or dancing! He should take you dancing! That would be great. You need to get out and have some fun. Oh, my God, this is so exciting!” Rachel exclaimed while Sarah looked at her like she’d lost her mind.

“Who’s going out with him?” Sarah asked. “You or me?” She rolled her eyes. “You’re getting a little ahead of yourself, don’t you think? Let’s see if he even shows up.”

“Shows up?” asked Rachel. “Did you hear him? He was flirting with you. And he wasn’t shy about it either. Oh, he’ll show up. You can count on that. And you better not screw it up when he does.”