Haunted (Michael Bennett 10)

After the parade, everyone headed to the historic firehouse on the north side of town. It was easy to find because the parade ended directly in front of it.

Sandy had stepped into the reviewing stand and sat next to Mary Catherine. I saw them whispering and giggling, then Mary Catherine told me the entire family was going to a clambake at the firehouse.

We walked, as a family, almost half a mile to the firehouse. Seamus was given a ride in a golf cart by a heavyset Kiwanis Club member. With his top hat on and riding in the comfort of an electric cart, he really did look like a parade official.

I noted that every storefront was filled and businesses seemed to be prospering in the small town. They had three separate schools: an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. And it didn’t take long to hear people boast about the high test scores and the number of kids who went on to college.

I sat on a picnic bench with Seamus safely tucked in next to me. I was keeping a close eye on my grandfather, but aside from looking a little tired, he seemed okay.

I lost track of some of the kids, but mainly it was because they had gone off to play various games. Trent was playing baseball at a diamond across the street. Bridget and Fiona were playing a kind of hide-and-seek game with some local girls. Even Eddie and Ricky were playing soccer in the open field next to the firehouse.

Somehow the atmosphere had gotten me to drop my usual guard-dog attitude toward the kids. Is this what the real world looks like? Is this what normal feels like? It sure seemed nice. Friendly people, comfortable atmosphere. A guy could get used to this.

I looked over at Mary Catherine as she tried some clams coming right off the grill. She laughed at something a woman said, and I realized this was the best possible place we could’ve come for vacation.

Maybe this could be more than just a vacation spot. If a tough cop like Sandy could find her work rewarding in a little town like this, why couldn’t I?

r /> The idea intrigued me so much that I even started to worry about the one sticking point. What would happen to Seamus? Would he be able to transfer to a church up here? We couldn’t just leave him in the city with none of his great-grandchildren close by. Who would listen to his wild stories?

Then there was Brian. I had no idea what would happen to him. But maybe Maine would be a good place for him to get a fresh start when he got out of prison.

Sandy walked over and said, “Your family seems to be enjoying themselves.”

“You were right, Sandy. This place is perfect.”

“Almost. We do have problems, just like everywhere.”

“Like what?”

“Heroin use is up. Way up. It’s cheap, and there are a dozen dealers with connections in the city. But it’s nothing a big-city cop like you couldn’t handle. That is, if you had a mind to help.”

“This place has a drug issue?”

“Every place has some kind of drug issue.”

She gave me a lot to think about.

Chapter 44

Mary Catherine joined me at the picnic table, bringing a plate of clams and two bags of potato chips.

With a broad smile she said, “Isn’t this wonderful?”

Seamus muttered, “I think it would get boring after a while. It’s a nice vacation, but that’s it.”

I looked at her and said, “The kids seem to love it.”

Mary Catherine said, “Everyone is so friendly. I’ve already met half a dozen women who want me to join one club or another. I keep having to explain that we’re just visiting.”

Sandy sat on the bench directly across from me. Her blue eyes found mine, and she reached across and took hold of my hands. She said, “I’m so glad you guys came.”

I caught the look Mary Catherine slipped me. What did she want me to do? Jerk my hands out of Sandy’s? Instead we both listened as Sandy said, “You could probably lease the house you’re staying in year-round, if you’re interested.”

Mary Catherine snaked her arm around my shoulders and gave me a hug. “It’s certainly nice here, and people are friendly. Maybe too friendly.”

The dig went right over Sandy’s head as she looked me in the eye and said, “It’s time you get that family out of New York. They can always move back when they’re adults if they miss it that much. They should at least have a chance at a normal childhood.”

I said, “I was raised in New York, and my childhood was normal.”