Page 106 of Antagonist

“I don’t have a tattoo, Pete. I don’t have a tattoo.” I stand because I’m too keyed up now. “I can prove it. I can come down to the station now if you want.”

“Thank you. There’s no need to rush, but if you come over, we can take photos for evidence. We’re already pursuing other lines of investigation.”

When we end the call, I grab my keys and head over there. That’s at least one thing I can stop worrying about now. And I can finally look forward to enjoying the fair.

I message Harrison the good news, and he asks if I want him to come over tonight so we can work together.

It’s a resounding yes from me. He just doesn’t know the kind of work I’m planning on doing. I still haven’t made up my mind about Europe, but what I told George this morning applies to me too.

Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, and tonight I’m going to learn if Harrison can be quiet in bed given the right incentive.

30

HARRISON

“Oh wow,Daddy. Can we paint the wall? Please?” Megan asks, jumping up and down.

“Of course.”

Stella and I share a smile. Megan has been great with her home exercises and has grown so much in confidence. Her injury from the accident is a thing of the past now. I wouldn’t say she’d go jump on a trampoline given the chance, but I’m glad she no longer fears less impactful playing.

We follow Megan to the mural Fletcher sketched on the school wall. After the fire, Principal Lewis decided the mural should have a place of pride in the school to show everyone that the community will stand together against bullies.

I hate that they still haven’t caught the culprit, but at least Fletcher is no longer a suspect and we can enjoy the fair we worked so hard for.

“Hey,” Fletcher says.

“Hey.”

Stella greets Fletcher with a hug, sending me a confused glance.

Fletcher and I haven’t seen each other much since the night he came over to my place after he got the news about not being a suspect anymore. Mostly because I’ve taken on a big client that would usually have gone to one of the managing partners, so I’ve been putting in extra time.

With the Spring Fair approaching, we divided tasks with me working with parents from Sage’s store after hours and Fletcher working with the teachers at the school.

Fletcher gives his attention to Megan.

“Megs, do you want to pick something to paint?”

“Yes, please. Can I paint something yellow?”

Fletcher smiles. “Of course. How about this child’s shirt?”

He helps her put on a plastic smock so she doesn’t get paint all over her clothes and lines up the paint and brush.

“I can do it on my own, Fletcher. I’ve learned how to paint with Arlo. He’s really good, did you know?”

Fletcher laughs. “Yes, I’ve heard.”

Stella pulls me aside and whispers, “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Your less-than-warm greeting didn’t look like nothing.”

I sigh. “We’re just…working through some stuff.”

She frowns. “Hare, don’t mess it up. Fletcher is the real deal. I can tell.”