Free Windigo Soul by Robert Brumm Page B

pulse,” Seamus muttered to himself as they set to work cleaning up.

Chapter 11
     
     
    The LED display on the treadmill hit the six mile mark and Sanderson mashed the resistance reset button with his thumb. He slowed his pace to a quick walk and wiped the sweat from his face.
    He checked the blank display on his cell phone, grateful to be able to get a run in. Technically, he had the morning off, but word of a possible mission had been going through the agency for the last couple of days and everybody in his department was on call.
    He took a deep breath and a sip of water as his heart rate slowed. He stared at the blank brick wall in front him, enjoying the endorphin rush from the run and the sweat covering his body. His workout room was simple. A single treadmill in the middle of their basement storage room. The walls were bare and a single dim bulb hanging from the ceiling provided the only light. It was a dark, dusty, and depressing cobweb filled space. He loved it.
    One of the perks at the office was a state of the art gym with top of the line equipment for the operators to use. It was one of the few places where the State spared no expense since John and his colleagues were expected to stay in peak physical condition.
    For whatever reason, Sanderson had a hard time working out there. He could never get into the zone and lose himself in the simple action of physical exertion the way he could in his basement room. Down there it was just man and machine, removed from the world and it’s distractions. Only the steady rhythm of his feet on the conveyor to keep him company. His sanctuary. He never felt quite right on the days he didn’t have the time to fit in a run. John clicked off the light and locked the door behind him before heading up the stairs to the apartment.
    Sara stood in the middle of the living room sorting clean laundry into different piles. “Good run?”
    “As good as it gets.” John picked up a black nightgown from the basket and held it up. “Hey, this is new.”
    Sara snatched it from his hand. “Gimme that! It was supposed to be a surprise. I was saving it for a special occasion.”
    He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close. “Well until that happens, why don’t we get a little practice in?” He kissed her on the cheek. Things had being going pretty well between them lately and he wanted to take advantage of the good times while they lasted.
    “Ugh, get away from me, sweaty man.” She pushed him away and playfully swatted his chest. “Besides, Mom is right in the next room.”
    “Hey, I won’t tell her if you don’t.”
    Sara threw a towel at him. “Down, boy. Put that energy into folding laundry.”
    “What’s your mom doing anyway?”
    Sara sighed and glanced at the wall clock. “Still in bed.”
    “Still? It’s almost eleven.” John watched as his wife’s playful attitude evaporated.
    “I know. Yesterday she almost slept until noon. I don’t know if I should force her out of bed or just leave her be.”
    “She seems to be getting worse.”
    Sara’s lip started to quiver. “I’m trying to be understanding, but at the same time it’s hard not to feel angry. We have such little time left and it’s like she doesn’t want to spend it with me at all. I thought it would be different.”
    “I’m sure it’s not intentional, babe. She’s just having a hard time, and can you blame her? She lost Hank and her home and…” John left the last part unsaid and hugged his wife. More than anybody, she was fully aware her mother’s retirement grew closer with every passing day.
    Sara rested her head on his chest. “I know. Do you have to go into the office this afternoon?”
    “I should, but I don’t have to. Maybe we could take Peg out for a late lunch. Do a little shopping or something to lift her spirits.”
    “Really? That would be great.”
    “Sure, just let me…” Sanderson’s phone vibrated in his pocket. “Hold that thought.” He flipped it open.