Tomorrows Yesterday

Chase

     Dinner with my old friend an his fiance was good. Lila is a very good cook, and I'm beginning to see how Darren put on his weight. We are sitting in the living room sharing a beer when his phone rings. He says a few words then grunts a couple times. 

     "I knew something like this would come up when Chase mentioned seeing him on his way here. I'll head to the bar now. Is Kellum already there?' He listens a moment then nods. "Okay, okay Freya. Heading there now." I watched Darren go to the kitchen and speak to Lila then he grabbed his keys and headed for the door. " Come on, lets go to the bar and have a beer." He said over his shoulder. I stood and followed him outside and followed him to the bar in my own truck. We parked out front and headed inside. He went behind the bar spoke to Kellum and then came back around and sat on a stool a little farther down the bar. Kellum drew up two mugs and handed them to us and then moved back up the bar. 

     I looked around the bar. It seemed like the regulars. I was confused with what was going on. "Okay. Want to fill me in?" I sipped my beer.

     Darren looked around then in a quiet voice said. "Freya is having a date with Jeb Hawkins. Remember I told you he was interested in her? I nod. "Well what I didn't mention was that Freya worked intelligence in the military. Very well. We have some shady folks moving into town and setting up meth labs and drug trafficking. She has a private task force working on it, because the king pin appears to be connected. She has some leads, and so far they have been leading her to Jeb. He comes into town on the pretext of checking on properties he has here in town. He throws some money around and acts like a big shot. He thinks he has Freya fooled, but she too good at her job. She knows he still has a thing for Clara. It's been on again off again for years, but he still stops in to see here when he's in town. Usually before he calls Freya, because Freya doesn't put out. So... they should be coming in, in a minute. She always calls and has both myself and Kellum in place, and Scott on the outside to keep an eye on things. She's getting closer to blowing this wide open. I think he's feeling the pressure because he's been in town a little more frequently. Freya is playing the country bumpkin to the hilt on this one. As if she's taking him into her confidence. It's funny to watch really. Her being all flirty with a scum bag like him. But she feels it's necessary to get the intel she needs."  He drank down his beer. When he put it down on the bar top the door opened and in walked Freya with Jeb. He was dressed in a suit and stylish shoes. His brown hair slicked back and styled. A slimy smile on his face. His hand resting in the small of Freya's back. She was dressed in a summer dress with tiny straps holding it up. Bright yellow and it nipped into her waist, making her hips look more delicious. Her black hair was one thick braid that hung over her shoulder. She exuded calm and friendliness. She made her way towards Darren and I. Placing a hand on his and my shoulder she leaned in between us. 

     "Hi guys!" She kissed Darren's cheek then mine. "You remember Jeb Hawkings don't you Chase?" She turned to include him. 

     He had a smirk on his face. His green eyes meeting mine. "I vaguely do. Weren't you that dweeb in school that liked to pick on girls and other kids younger than you?" I asked the slim ball.

     He narrowed his eyes at me. "Weren't you the asshole that wanted the girls everyone else had and you couldn't get because your parents were pieces of s**t and abandoned you?" He countered.

     Freya straightened. "Jeb!" She admonished. "Lets be adults here! Come on, we aren't on the play ground anymore." She rubbed her hand up his arm. He smiled at her.

     "No your right. My apologies Freya." He rested his hand on her back again and moved her away from us. "Lets get a table so we can talk." She nodded and moved willingly with him. They took a table closer to the door.

     "Dude!" Darren whispered. "You need to chill!" He shook his head. "I don't like him anymore than you do, but Freya knows what she's doing and has it under control. Our only purpose is to make sure she has back up if she needs it." Kellum placed two more beers down then took over drinks to Frey and Jeb.

     I was watching him from the mirror behind the bar. His smirky face and fake tenderness was sickening . He kept reaching over and touching her. She'd giggle and acted like she was hanging on his every word. I wanted to go over there and put a fist through his face. Darren slammed a meaty hand on my shoulder. "Relax. Enjoy your beer. She'll sit there and flirt with him, put him at ease then call it a night. Mom will call her in a bit an give her an excuse that April needs her and she'll call it an evening. I'm waiting for her cue to text mom to make the call." 

     I glance back over my shoulder. I'm actually impressed with how she has everything set up. She's alone him him, but not really. My concern is his driving her home, and I quietly express that.

     "Oh she'll ask me to take her to Mom's. I'll act like I was on my out anyway may as well. Then he'll go over to Clara's again and most likely stay the night. He thinks Freya doesn't know he's still seeing her. He has been ever since high school. He even knocked her up, but she had a miscarriage and now can't have any kids. Spose that's why he won't marry her. He thinks he's going to run for public office. The proper wife and family shtick. You know?"

     "And I'll bet he thinks Freya would fit in there real nice. Being a Vet and widow with a small child." I growled.

     "Hit the nail on the head." Darren grinned. "My sister is no fool though." He said proudly.

     "No she's not. But I really don't like him pawing her." I stated. He chuckled. Then he grabbed his cell phone and I saw him text someone. Shortly after he hit my arm and indicated I follow him towards the front door, as Freya's phone was ringing.

     "Oh okay Mom. I'll be right there." I heard her say. We were just getting ready to step out the door. "Darren! Are you going by Maw's?" She asked. We stopped int he doorway.

     "I could be. Why?" He asked.

     "April isn't feeling well. I left my car there. Give me a lift?" She smiled at Jeb. "You understand don't you Jeb?" 

     "Ah sure Freya. Your daughter should always come first." Jeb stood and leaned in to give her a kiss. She turned her head and the kiss landed on her cheek. I grinned. She was good. Acting so innocent.

     We walked into the parking lot and as she said goodnight to Jeb she climbed into Darren's truck. "Hey buddy, meet us at Freya's. We'll pick up the kid and Kellum can close up." Darren said through the window. 

     I moved to my truck and watched Darren head toward his mom's and Jeb's limo took him in the opposite direction. I also noticed a dark suv follow behind the limo at a safe distance. Freya's deputy Scott behind the wheel. I headed to Freya's and parked at my place and walked over to park my butt on her front porch.