Where Trouble Travels

Where Trouble Travels

Diana DeRicci

Published By Purple Sword Publications, LLC at Smashwords

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

Copyright © 2016 DIANA DERICCI

ISBN 978-1-61292-163-1

Edited by Traci Markou

Cover Art Designed by Traci Markou

Image Copyright Andriy Petrenko, fotolia.com

Chapter 1

Kelly walked into the Silo Police station, taking in the quiet booking area with a single sweep of his gaze. There were two semi-cluttered desks, computers, printers, a couple of file stands, and not a soul in sight. To his right was a shatter-proof glass window, half open, with a cash slot cutout. Beyond the window were two doors. One stood open. Directly ahead past the desks, was a solid metal doorway to another section of the station. He could only assume that led to holding cells and more private areas. Overall, he’d seen worse, but it looked like what it was. A working station.

Hi. Can I help you?

A petite woman walked through the open doorway.

He held out a hand. I’m Kelly Archer. I have a meeting with Dave Hanlon.

She gripped his offered handshake offering a burgeoning, kind smile. Right. He’s expecting you. She moved to the door beside the one she walked through and entered a code on the security panel. Are you carrying?

No, ma’am.

She nodded. It’s the second door on the left.

Thank you.

She held the door to let him pass and closed it with a sharp click behind him.

Kelly was nervous and he really didn’t know why. He’d come to talk to Dave by request. He wasn’t there specifically for a job. He didn’t rightly know if there was a job or why he was there. It’s what I get for telling Dean I was done in Cassan. He supposed that was as good a reason as any.

He approached the door hanging ajar and tapped a knuckle to the frame.

The gentleman in a city Sheriff’s uniform sitting at the desk waved him in, hanging up the phone at the same time. He stood and held out a hand. Nice to meet you, Kelly.

Same. He sat when he was pointed to a chair.

So, I guess you know how gossip works in a small town. I’d like to hear it from you, though. Why are you leaving Cassan?

Kelly sat stiffly on the plain, metal chair. I imagine the gossip is close to the truth. I’m gay. After it came out at work, it was either so uncomfortable I hated my job, or I lost the trust of men I’ve worked with for the last eight years.

Dave only nodded, his arms crossed in front of his chest as he leaned on the desk. He pushed into the frame and tapped the end of the armrest with restless fingers. I see. They don’t have policies against that?

On paper, he replied.

Dave’s expression said he understood. And what is your next plan? Have you quit Cassan?

For a polite answer, yes.

Dave’s eyebrows hitched.

As for what’s next, I really don’t know. Dean suggested I come talk to you before I make any large decisions.

Are you looking for work? Or just wanting to move away?

That was what Kelly didn’t have an answer for. He loved what he did. Being pushed out of that job and his home had stung, deep.

Honestly. He drew a slow breath. I don’t know.

Dave assessed him. You need something.

I suppose.

Where would you go if you left?

Kelly didn’t have an answer for that, either. The rumors about his sexuality had started around the holidays. He’d blown off the whispers, argued against the accusations, but months later, it hadn’t mattered. Cassan, his adopted home, had turned into just another bigoted town with small minds after all. They’d turned their backs on him. Going home to Seattle wasn’t an option. His father had made that much clear years ago.

When he didn’t answer, Dave leaned forward, crossing his arms to rest on the desk again. What if you took some time to regroup? Do you like the area?

Kelly nodded. He knew he had a friend in Dean, at least.

Dave gave him an unblinking stare. That took control considering the juxtaposition of Kelly’s eye color to the rest of him. "Silo is not like Cassan. Heck, from what I hear, we’re not much like any place."

Kelly stayed quiet. He’d learned a long time ago that staying quiet forced others to talk and usually provided far more information than the basic answers he’d get to any question. Dave was kind enough to prove him right.

Lisa Matthews is a lesbian. She’s on the city board of directors. Tom Orstwile is gay. He’s also on the board. You can’t treat people in the manner you were treated in Cassan, not here. People won’t stand for it. I’m not saying we’re a gay Disneyland. I am saying, we have a live and let live mentality. We take pride in our Pride citizens, if you understand, because they’re citizens, people, before they are anything else, and we take pride in all the people who live here because they all contribute to make Silo work.

Kelly refrained from making a comment, keeping his breathing even. He’d lived in big towns and small ones. No place was that good. And Silo was pretty small to have that kind of free-thinking happening. He knew exactly how it felt too, to be judged with a glance. He was gay and half-black. Try that on for size, Sheriff Hanlon.

If you don’t want to stay in Cassan, but would like to stay in the area, I can put you on the streets within the next three days.

I didn’t come asking for a job.

Then why? Dave asked. You didn’t say if you had a place to go to now that you’re tetherless.

Unofficially, I don’t.

It’s not a handout. The position has been empty since Ira retired four months ago.

Whose was it?

Mine.

That surprised Kelly. So you were promoted?

Yes. I share the supervisor’s responsibilities with another Sheriff, Lex Staples. When Kelly didn’t ask for more, Dave said, I even know of a place that’s available, unless you’d rather move into the new apartments.

I’m not really an apartment kind of guy, Kelly said, offhand.

It’s not large by any means, but it’s private.

How private?

Dave didn’t show any reaction to his interest. It’s a detached garage. A single woman owns the property, but she’s quiet. Works in Stiller Springs. The only reason I know about it is because the tenant who was there is a fireman at the station down the street, so I see them pretty often. She doesn’t advertise it. She wants a certain type of renter.

What kind of renter?

Responsible. Mature. Not a party hound college kid. She lives alone so she’s picky about sharing space.

Kelly could see that.

Of course, the apartments have the pool. Dave grinned. I’d be willing to share those calls.

Kelly bit his tongue to hide the snickers. You’d take the bikinis?

Dave didn’t reply, but the glimmer in his eyes said he wouldn’t be put out by such a tradeoff. There are some good looking men there, too. They live out here and go to school or work in Stiller Springs. There’s trouble, but it’s usually just drinking issues.

All the more reason to not live there, Kelly agreed. He’d hate to arrest a neighbor.

Exactly. Dave picked up a pen and wrote on a pad on his desk. Her name is Pauline Ackerman. He tore the page in half. Tell her I sent you. I’m more commonly known as Deputy Dave if she doesn’t remember my last name.

Why?

A nickname that stuck. He shrugged, appearing to not mind. A lot of people know I was promoted but, yeah… What can you do? At least they know who you mean if you call me that.

Kelly actually allowed a small chuckle to slip free. True. He stretched for the scrap of paper. He read the address. Let me think about it. The only person I know in Silo is Dean Eckler, and I guess his guy, Cade Rose.

Ah, the Rose boys. Dave actually relaxed a bit into his chair, musing out loud. Never thought Cade would be gay. I understand they’re doing well.

So far. Dean is happy. And that’s all that really mattered to him.

Well, consider the position yours if you’re interested. I do need the position filled, but someone with your background and track record would definitely be a score for Silo.

Decent pay? It wouldn’t hurt to know up front.

I can pay you on scale to what you were making at Cassan.

To start? Kelly hadn’t expected that.

To start, with a five percent leeway for probationary time.

Okay. He understood the condition. It was reasonable. That helped push the meter a little further over to the accepting side of things. He stood from his seat. You have my file, and recommendations. He palmed the scrap, folding it to tuck into a pocket. I’ll let you know by tomorrow.

That’s fair. He fished a card out of a standing display, stood, and handed it over. Call me. I may not be here.

I’ll let you know either way.

Appreciate that. They shook and Kelly left down the hallway, releasing the security door to the outside room when he pushed on the pressure bar.

Thank you for stopping in.

The lady who had greeted him stood at the open door to the cash room entry. He could see the closed interior door just inside. He smiled and nodded then left without saying anything else.

Once outside, he slid behind the wheel and started the car, urging the air conditioning to kick in with a push of a button.

Hard to believe how much had changed in the last several