The Edge by Bill Noel

Author:Bill Noel [Noel, Bill]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781936236398
Publisher: iUniverse
Published: 2011-01-03T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 31

A hefty wind blew in from the ocean and rattled the tin roof. The unsettling noise startled me from my nap; it brought back feelings of Hurricane Frank sweeping over the house.

It had been hours since Charles, Dude, and I told our story—most of our story—to the “proper officials” and I headed home for a nap. Once I realized I wasn’t going to blow away, the next sound I heard was my stomach pleading for nourishment. My cupboard was bare—its normal state—so I decided the short walk to Bert’s would be my best bet to quench my hunger. A pizza warming bin was near the door. The smell of the warm, enticing pizza made my supper selection simple. I grabbed two slices of pepperoni and cheese and then walked to the cooler for a six-pack of soft drinks. From the crowd in Bert’s, I knew I wasn’t the only needy person on Folly Beach. But most of the customers were focused on the beer cooler and chip rack. I felt like a zookeeper studying the eating habits of my charges when I heard Cindy’s pleasant voice behind me. She was wearing hot-pink shorts, a florescent lime-green sleeveless top, and pink Crocs—a drastic departure from her police garb.

“That’s a healthy supper you have there.” She pointed at the pizza and drinks.

She carried an identical box that had a distinct smell similar to mine. She hadn’t made a drink selection yet.

“You’re welcome to join me for supper,” I said. There wouldn’t be any pressure for me to fix food.

I was pleased when she said, “Sure. Now I don’t have to buy anything to drink.” She laughed.

I smiled and said, “Aren’t you afraid the king will see you with me?”

She looked around the store. It was full, but no one paid attention to us. “You don’t live that far from here; I’ll make a run for it. You can go ahead of me and signal when the coast is clear.”

“I’ll get home and grab my flashlight. One flash for all clear; two will mean a king spotting.”

“Hey, I’m a cop. We live on the edge.” She paused and giggled, “I even live at the Edge. I’ll take the chance. Now go ahead and do what men do, throw your dirty clothes under the bed and pick up the empty beer cans off the floor.” She turned and headed to the rear of the store.

She was half right. There weren’t any beer cans.

Cindy knocked and then opened the door before I could get to it. She stepped in and looked back outside before closing the door.

“I made it,” she said. “Didn’t see a single king.” She was breathing heavily, and I suspected she actually did run.

During our heart-unhealthy meal, Cindy shared stories about how some of the officers had hidden some of the acting chief’s papers so he couldn’t find things when he needed them. Two of the guys actually let the air out of the tires on his unmarked car. And one

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