'Til Death Do Us Part - Part 5

“I'm Officer Brady. You did some real fine work on that case,” the man said as he walked toward Sarah. He extended his hand to her and they shook. “I'm a huge admirer!”

“Why thank you!” she said. “These are my friends from Franklin.” She waved a hand toward the trio.

“Afternoon,” Officer Brady said to the party and then returned his attention to Sarah. “It might be a bit bold to ask, but we've got our hands full with the blueberry festival and now a murder investigation. If you're inclined to help, we'd be mighty obliged.”

“I might have a little time to help. I'll get back to you,” she replied.

“Of course,” he said, handing her a card. “Also, if you'd like, I can show you around the town a little later, maybe even take you to dinner?”

“That would be nice,” Sarah said.

Roger felt a twinge of anger well up inside when he heard the officer's words. Why was this guy so interested in Sarah? Didn't he have anything better to do than to stand around and hit on their friend? He saw the two of them laugh and he clenched his teeth.

Roger felt a tug on his sleeve and looked over at Buck.

“You coming, or should we just leave you here in the lobby?” Buck said.

“Oh, sorry, I was just lost in thought,” Roger replied.

“Don't hurt yerself!” Buck smiled and laughed at Roger.

Roger returned a halfhearted smile and chuckle. The trio said their goodbyes to Sarah and Officer Brady. Roger trailed behind Shirley Sue and his brother. He glanced back and saw Sarah smiling and talking with Officer Brady.

“Didja see how Officer Brady was throwin' himself at Sarah?” said Roger. “I mean talk about desperate.”

“He was just being nice,” Shirley Sue replied. “Besides why does it matter to you if he does? Jealous?”

“No way, I'm not jealous,” Roger scoffed. “He just seemed really needy. I mean, Sarah is smart and good lookin', so I can see why he would be interested in her, but I'm not.”

“You are jealous,” Buck laughed.

“Am not!”

The party loaded their luggage back into the truck cab and boarded the vehicle. Roger glared at Buck from the back seat as his brother pushed the key into the ignition and started the truck.

“Roger and Sarah sitting in a tree!” Buck taunted as they drove off.