Finding You Always

Lightning Before the Thunder

Chapter 180: Lightning Before the Thunder

Night had fallen in Seattle, but that didn't hinder the Taste of the Heights food fair. In fact the area was lit up with street lamps and twinkling lights decorated the area, creating a fun, exciting atmosphere.

Rogers smiled and paid Tilly the money, as she helped run Sabine's food truck. A Taste of the Heights food fair was a rousing success so far, especially for Sabine. But it almost hadn't happened. Earlier in the day, Sabine's permit came into question and she couldn't help but suspect that her old classmate from cooking school, Drew, might be behind it. However, Rogers had shown up to vouch for her to the other officer and promised to fix the snafu when he went to the station later, so the other officer had let is slide.

Sabine had been so grateful that she begged Rogers for a way to thank him and he responded by asking her to hire Tilly, which she gladly did so. Drew's food truck, also serving Cajun style food, was in direct competition with hers. But so far, they were both seeing sales.

"Your beignets are selling like hot cakes," Rogers mentioned. Sabine smiled.

"And it wouldn't be happening without you," she replied.

"I'm just glad I could help and thank you for giving Tilly a chance. Not many will with her issues," he said. She smiled.

"She's a good kid...you care about her," Sabine said. He nodded.

"I...do. I guess it's because I was on my own at a young age too. I hated that she was homeless, but my partner and his wife took her in, which I've been so grateful for," he mentioned.

"David and Margaret are wonderful people. I hear you two have a third partner these days, though," Sabine said. He nodded.

"Emma Swan...she is family to them, though she is vague in telling me exactly what kind of relation. I was a bit miffed at first when she came in like she was taking over...but she's a good detective," he replied Sabine smiled.

"Heard she's a real looker too," she mentioned. He gave her a sideways glance.

"Please...we just met and I get the distinct feeling that David sees her as a daughter, despite their close age. He's protective, that one, though he has reason to be, I suppose," he mentioned.

"Yeah...I can't believe all they've been through and then reporters and a trial on top of all that?" she said, shaking her head.

"I know...but I have an inkling that things are about to go south for Clayton Stavros in the morning," he replied.

"Oh...do tell," she said. He chuckled.

"All I can say is that I hope he'll be cozy in Federal prison," Rogers replied, as Henry, Jacinda, and Lucy approached.

"Hey guys..." Sabine greeted.

"Aunt Sabine...this is amazing!" Lucy said, as she hugged her.

"Yeah...everyone is raving about your beignets. I'd say financial independence might become a reality," Henry mentioned, as he looked at Jacinda fondly.

"Thanks...but I could have never done it without my best friend," Sabine said, as she and Jacinda shared a hug, just as Drew came over. She rolled her eyes.

"What do you want?" Sabine questioned shortly.

"I wanted to congratulate you...sincerely on your success tonight. I'd say the Rollin' Bayou is going to be here to stay," he replied.

"No thanks to you..." she commented. He sighed.

"I didn't want to do it..." he pleaded.

"Then why did you? Why did you try to get me ousted from the food fair tonight?" she demanded to know.