Riddle Read Free Page A

some of his other belongings were stored neatly inside. Pulling a pair of his old jeans from the shelf he realized they would be far too short and likely too big in the waist. But there were a few tee shirts he might be able to wear since the fashion had been to wear over sized shirts before he was sent away. Still, he would need to get some clothes for work.
    Dressing quickly he went back downstairs to call in to his parole officer. His mother was standing by the living room window. She turned when he entered the room. “All settled?”
    “Yes ma’am, thank you. I need to make a phone call if that’s all right.”
    Her eyes narrowed slightly, so he continued. “I have to let my parole officer know I am here and find out when I need to go see him.”
    She nodded and pointed toward the kitchen, then turned back to the window. As he went past her he glanced out and saw two women standing across the street obviously watching the house. Making no comment he continued to the kitchen. He was not surprised to see that room had also been redecorated. Digging the paper out of his jeans pocket he placed the call.
    A woman answered, “Jeri Lawrence.”
    Kort had not expected a woman; in fact it had never occurred to him. “This is Kort Eriksen. I’m checking in.”
    “Eriksen,” she murmured and he could hear papers rustling in the background. “Well I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.”
    “The paper said I had to call in as soon…”
    She cut him off. “You have an interview tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM with Riddle Construction. Do you have the address?”
    “Yes, I…”
    “It’s just a formality really. They have agreed to hire you. You’ll meet with the owner, Chad Lewis. You have transportation?”
    For a moment Kort was speechless. He and Chad had been friends in high school. He wondered if Chad realized who he had agreed to hire.
    “Eriksen, you there?” her voice was impatient. “Do you have a way to get there or do I need to take you?”
    “My mother is lending me a truck.” He focused on what Jeri Lawrence was saying.
    “Do you have a license?” Her tone was now exasperated.
    Kort dug into his pants pocket again and pulled out the license he had earned in prison. It had been required when he was assigned to the maintenance crew so he could transport tools and crew. “Yes, yes I have a license.”
    More paper rustling. “Right after you finish come see me. You know where I am?”
    Kort confirmed the address even though he knew her office was in the courthouse, a place he knew very well. Hanging up the phone he stood uncertainly, still wondering if Chad realized who he had agreed to hire. He didn’t hear his mother enter the kitchen and jumped slightly when she spoke.
    “Have you decided if you plan to eat at home this evening? I suppose you expect it.”
    There was no ignoring the tone of her voice. She did not want to cook for him. He didn’t really want her to. “I was thinking of going down to the diner and grabbing a bite. I don’t want to put you to any trouble.”
    Her eyes narrowed again. “Can you do that? Just go out and walk around?”
    “I’m not locked up any more Mother. I have rules to follow but I am not on house arrest.”
    Something in his tone must have startled her because she took a step back. “Of course you aren’t.” Hesitating a moment she asked if he had money.
    “I earned some money inside. I’ll be fine.” Kort brushed past her and headed for the stairs. Years had not changed her ability to get under his skin. He was determined not to argue, not to lose his temper. He had learned self control inside and he was going to exercise it now on the outside.
    “Kort,” she called sharply following him from the kitchen. “The keys to the truck are on the table in the front hall. Please do not be late. I lock up at nine.”
    Without looking back he muttered, “Thank you,” and scooped up the keys as he went upstairs to grab a jacket. By the time he came back