Free The Discovery, A Novel by Dan Walsh Page A

off. She had the brightest smile and the kindest eyes. “I’m really okay,” he said.
    “I was just bringing a bowl of water out for Brownie,” she said. “It’s so hot out here.”
    “I’m all cooled off now.” Ben smiled. “Is this your dog?”
    “No, he’s sort of the downtown mascot. I don’t think anyone owns him.” She finished drying Ben off as best she could. “I’m Claire, by the way.”
    Ben introduced himself, and they shook hands politely. He didn’t want to let go of her hand.
    Standing there now on the bridge, Ben still remembered the moment their hands first touched. She’d said she worked part-time at Woolworth’s. He found out she got off at 4:00. Before she went back in, Claire insisted he allow her to make it up to him somehow. Ben suggested his honor might be restored if she met him for dinner when she got off work.
    That’s when Ben found out about Jim Burton.
    But it didn’t matter. Ben knew he had to keep seeing her, so he kept coming back to Woolworth’s every chance he got. He’d found a seat in the diner that let him view the entire store. Over the next several weeks he’d come in for lunch or a cup of coffee and watch her as she went about her various tasks. As he did, his attraction and affection for her continued to intensify. Beyond her physical beauty, which had thoroughly captivated him, Ben was struck by how incredibly kind she was. Bringing water out to a thirsty dog on a hot day was just Claire being Claire. She treated everyone at the store the same way: her boss, co-workers, even grouchy customers.
    He did his best to be discreet but whenever he’d see her, he couldn’t help but stare. Once in a while, she’d notice him and smile or wave. Occasionally, they’d even talk, but she’d always keep a respectful distance. He never once felt the green light to ask her out.
    A few weeks ago, she’d walked over to where he sat and invited him to join her and “the gang” down the street at McCrory’s. That’s where they hung out, she’d said. He thought it might be the beginning of something positive and instantly said yes.
    Nothing came of it, however, except the opportunity to spend more time with Claire. That alone made it worthwhile. But she must have discerned his growing interest; she’d regularly insert little Jim reminders, like she had done that afternoon. But Ben kept seeing little glimmers of hope, like he did that afternoon.
    Ben sighed, turned, and started walking down the bridge toward the beachside. He realized Claire would probably stay true to Jim Burton, even if she did have feelings for him. She was that kind of girl. Not just beautiful, not just a delight to be with and talk to. She was a nice girl, an honest girl. The kind of girl who would always do the right thing.
    And Ben knew, he was the wrong thing for someone like Claire.
    For so many reasons.

Chapter Three
    After coming off the bridge, Ben walked the few blocks toward his apartment on Grandview Avenue. It seemed quiet for a Friday night. Few cars had driven by, and few people were out walking, all of them on the opposite side of the road. No more conversations. He turned the corner, saw his two-story apartment building ahead on the left. It was set one block back from the beach, close enough to hear the waves breaking when the wind blew in from the ocean, as it did tonight. A pleasant sound, but he wasn’t quite ready to head down the beach for a night stroll.
    Not after what had happened that night.
    The memories were so real and terrifying that he was still having nightmares. But something Joe had said at McCrory’s this afternoon forced him to face the fact that he’d have to go back there, to the place where he, Jurgen, and the other two-man team had landed onshore. And he’d have to do it tonight. Go back to the sand dunes, twenty minutes north of here, before the Coast Guard had a chance to get those new teams out patrolling the beaches at night with horses and dogs.
    Ben