Rocky Point Reunion by Barbara McMahon Read Free Book Online

on the Boston PD for a couple of years. After his wife died, whenhis father had suffered a minor stroke, he’d returned to Rocky Point and was elected sheriff the next spring in a special election after old Sheriff Montgomery had died suddenly.
    Maybe Zack should point out to Marcie that people did change their minds about Rocky Point. Tate was a perfect example.
    â€œNo patrol, just out walking around. In good weather it’s the best way to keep in touch with everyone.” He put a leg over the bench and straddled it. “In bad weather it shows everyone how devoted I am.” He gave Zack a sardonic smile.
    Zack laughed. “We all know you’re devoted. Had to be to leave Boston to come here. This is not exactly the big city.”
    â€œHey, it’s home. Boston was fine. Got good training there. But things changed, stuff happened. Now I’m settled in Rocky Point.”
    â€œI don’t suppose you are thinking of getting married again.”
    â€œNope. Did that. I think the Lord has a different plan for me.”
    â€œGood luck,” Zack said.
    â€œYou don’t think so?”
    â€œYou might have an inside track at that.” Zack did not want to talk about God or the plans He might have had once for Zack. “What do you know about a kid named Sean O’Connell?”
    â€œTeenager. Gets in trouble sometimes, nothing major. Needs an outlet for some of that teenage energy. Why?”
    Zack told him about meeting Sean at the picnic. “Any problem with driving too fast?”
    â€œHe doesn’t have a car. Sometimes he borrows hismother’s, but not often. Never heard of excess speed. So, he wants to race. You going to help him?”
    â€œMaybe. Anywhere around to drive fast?”
    Tate shook his head. “There was talk a few years back about a track in Portland, but nothing ever came of it. Liability insurance was prohibitive, I think.”
    â€œAny empty parking lots? Some of the driving techniques are more about controlling a car than speed. I could work with an obstacle course or something like that.”
    â€œThere’s a factory outside of Monkesville, not too far. Don’t know who’s in charge since they closed it down. Want me to find out?”
    â€œIf you could.”
    â€œYou planning to stay around long?” Tate asked.
    â€œDepends on a few things.”
    His old friend studied him for a moment, then guessed: “Marcie?”
    â€œFor one. Joe, for another. I want to see if he wants to go partners. He might like a bit more time off now that he’s going to have a new wife.”
    â€œWhat about racing?”
    Zack hesitated a moment, then said, “Racing’s been every bit as exciting and fun as I thought it would be. Living in Europe, seeing different cities in different countries on a regular basis was thrilling in the beginning. Life seemed good….”
    â€œBut?” Tate narrowed his gaze as Zack trailed off.
    â€œFive months ago my friend Jacques Burde was killed in a race. It was so unexpected. Jacques was daring but seemed to have a protective bubble around him. Until it popped. I’ve taken a long look at life since then. Touring Europe isn’t as exciting as it once was. Between practice races and working with the mechanics to get the most out of the car, there isn’t any time for sightseeing. I was on atreadmill from hotel to race course and back, then on to the next track.”
    â€œSorry about your friend,” Tate said.
    He was quiet for a moment. It was hard to accept that Jacques wouldn’t be celebrating victories again. Would never stay up late into the night discussing their different philosophies of life. Talking about a nebulous future where everything went their way.
    â€œI guess every job had its routine aspects. Still an exciting profession. And you’re at the top,” Tate said.
    â€œBeing away from home wears on a person. The races are