Fence Jumper by Mark J. Brandenburg

Author:Mark J. Brandenburg
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Koehler Books
Published: 2023-01-26T11:12:04+00:00

James always felt strange driving into his old Chantilly neighborhood. This Sunday was particularly odd due to this week’s revelation that he was the Secret Service agent who’d refused to compensate a Brazilian hooker’s carnal services. The unseasonably warm, sunny afternoon motivated residents to begin yardwork or wash their cars, so many a curious gaze slanted James’s way as he pulled his F-150 in front of 3535 Evergreen Terrace. In the driveway sat an unfamiliar, red Toyota Tundra pickup.

Exiting his truck, James waved at Tyler across the street, whose expression was a mix of awkward discomfort and dread. The red truck had a license plate frame declaring that the owner’s other car was a firetruck. If this wasn’t enough to convince anyone of the occupant’s valor, a firefighter decal and IFAA sticker adorned the rear windshield. Stopping at the end of the driveway, he took a deep breath as he processed matters. This was no accident. Audrey knew he was picking up the kids today.

Exiting the house wearing an OBX tank top and short athletic shorts, Audrey stormed his way, her blond ponytail swinging. She had lost at least fifteen pounds and looked good as hell, but she didn’t appear happy.

“You’re late,” she accused.

“Good to see you too. Have a visitor?”

“Yes. A friend of mine is here.”

“A friend?”

“Don’t get accusatory. He planned to stop by well after you got the kids. But like I said, you’re late.”

“Sorry, I’ve been busy.”

“Busy? Doing what? You’re suspended.”

“Hard to explain. I suppose we aren’t getting back together.”

Audrey scoffed, rolled her eyes, and placed her hands on her hips. He figured it was her way to bide time lest she say how she honestly felt.

“What’s his name?”

“Matt,” she answered flatly. Matt immediately became James’s least favorite name.

“What does he do for a living?” he asked, eyeing the truck.

“Can you go one day without being a smart-ass?”

“Rather be a smart-ass than a dumbass.”

“I knew you were going to say that. Pardon me if I don’t laugh; it’s not quite as funny when reporters are ringing your doorbell and shooting live shots with your house as a backdrop. You know, it’s hard enough on Emma and Jimmy having their daddy gone. And now there are strangers showing up for no reason. Try explaining that.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Not good enough, James,” she snapped, her arms folded. “You only give a shit about yourself. It’s all about your needs, your job; it’s all about you. That’s the one good thing that’s come from all this: I know exactly who you are.” Her words stung. They stung all the more because of the sincerity. There was a time he couldn’t imagine his sweet Audrey speaking with such venom, but he’d changed that. He changed her.

“Didn’t take you long to start dating,” he noted.

“Well, at least I waited until I was no longer married.”

“Touché. But did it have to be a firefighter?” She was keenly aware of his animosity for firefighters, thinking them self-aggrandizing glory hounds.

“It’s not serious, but he’s a nice guy, and he’s around.

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