Emma's Secret: A Novel

briefcase,” Peter said. When Megan tilted her head to look at him, she caught the wink he gave Emma.
    As Emma left the room, Peter leaned his face toward hers and whispered into her ear, “You never meant to mail that, did you?”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
    J ack coasted his old Ford into the parking lot and glanced around. It was still early. Late enough to miss the morning rush of those heading in to work, but early enough to miss the mothers getting out of the house with their noisy kids in tow. Jack tried to stay as far away from small kids as he could. He didn’t need any reminders of Emmie. Of her laughter and giggles.
    A handful of vehicles littered the parking area, including the boys’ trucks. Jack grunted. They’d actually beat him there today. He was usually the first one to arrive. He hoped they’d kept his seat open. He preferred the corner seat so that he could look out across the tables and at the front door, as well as see who drove into the drive-thru area. He knew it was pointless to hope, but maybe, just maybe, he’d see Emmie.
    “Wondered when you’d get here; the boys are getting impatient,” the waitress at the counter said as Jack entered the store. The tiny bells above the door jingled as it closed behind him.
    “Not my fault if they’re early.” Jack watched her pour him a cup of black coffee.
    Jack looked at the far booth in the corner. Both the boys, Doug and Kenny, were slouched over their coffees as they stared at him. His best friends. Before Dottie had passed away, Jack used to makea trip into town once a week just to have coffee with them. Now it was daily.
    “I might as well get a honey dip too. Can’t let these boys eat alone.”
    Jack shuffled his way toward the table. “Where’ve you been? You’re late. Dougie and I have been sitting here like two old cows chewin’ cud,” said Kenny as Jack set his coffee and plate down on the table. They’d saved his chair for him.
    “Slept in.” Jack grunted. He narrowed his eyes, daring them to say something. He took a sip of his coffee and peered over the rim. Doug looked like Jack felt. With his salt-and-pepper hair all over the place, he looked old.
    “You never sleep in.”
    Jack shook his head. Leave it to Doug to not leave things alone. “I did today.”
    “Why?” Doug leaned back in his chair and tilted his head down to look over the top of his glasses at Jack.
    Jack shrugged and took another sip of his coffee. “Does it matter?” He was getting annoyed. A vehicle drove by, but there was only a single passenger. A man.
    “Of course it matters.” Kenny piped up with a scowl on his face.
    Jack shook his head and scowled before glaring at Doug. He wasn’t an invalid or a child. And he wasn’t moving. Not now, not ever. He was going to die in that house. It was a promise he’d made to himself back when he was a prisoner of war.
    He took a bite of his honey dip but kept quiet as the waitress came over with a full pot of coffee.
    “You boys look like you need another cup. Things are a little quiet this morning, and I made too many pots.” She refilled Kenny’scup and topped off Doug’s and Jack’s; then she winked at them before walking away.
    Jack jerked his head after her and smiled at Kenny. “I think she has a crush on you.”
    Kenny’s face turned red before he hunched his shoulders. “She’s too young.”
    Doug laughed before slapping Kenny in the shoulder. “Everyone is too young compared to you. Maybe she’s looking for a sugar daddy.”
    Kenny scowled, deepening the lines on his face. “She’d better look elsewhere then.”
    The three sat in silence while they all nursed their coffees. It was Jack who broke the silence.
    “You aimin’ to die at my place?” He cleared his throat while Kenny’s eyes widened moments before he cast his gaze downward.
    “I’m tired, Jack. The quiet at your place is what I need.” He shrugged. “And if I die in my sleep while sitting out on your front porch staring at the flowers you planted, then so be it. It’s better than dying in my bed with a nurse hovering over me.” His voice lowered to a mere whisper, but Jack heard every word. And he understood.
    “You’re waiting for Emmie to come back, aren’t you?” Doug coughed as he broached the one subject neither man was allowed to discuss with him. But Jack let it be.
    “Wishful thinking, most likely.” Jack wiped at a tear that slid down his cheek.
    Doug leaned forward. “Just because she hasn’t