Book 1 - Back of the Shadows

Chapter Two

Friday morning traditions. Pancakes! When Gunnar started to get serious about sports, Will and Sadie made the game day mornings a traditional pancake breakfast. When Will passed, Sadie continued the traditions.

"Gunnar! Wake up, it's game day!"

"Yeah Mom, I'm up! Pancakes?"

"With chocolate chips! Grab a shower and get dressed. Ben will be here to pick you up shortly" Sadie says.

Walking back into the kitchen to finish both the pancakes and bacon that have been cooking, Sadie always reflects on days like this. On the surface, Sadie and Will seemed like the picture-perfect couple. She was a hard-working mother who did everything she could for their son, and Will was a devoted father. Taught Gunnar as much as he could and boasted about his boy to as many people that would listen. They held hands in public and went to gatherings together but beyond all of that, Will and Sadie were face value. Behind the scenes were quite different. The relationship they had developed became one of friendship. They had been together since high school and really tried to have a real relationship but the fact of the matter was they were never in love with each other. They became best friends who cared for the reputation of their only son. Will had a few late nights over the years prior to his death and the last woman he dated during that time was someone that he fell in love with. Sadie had set a date with a divorce lawyer, ready to give up a comfortable life so that Will could finally be happy. Unfortunately, he passed before any of this could move forward. It was at this time that Ben stepped up and did as much as he could for Gunnar. Ben came around for the traditional breakfast and drove Gunnar to school. He made a point to keep a good influence on Gunnar's life. Even when Ben's attitude was cold and distant towards Sadie, he has always been good to Gunnar.

The doorbell ringing pulls Sadie from her thoughts and she opens the door to let Ben in. She can't help but take in his appearance and the sense of smell that infiltrates the air around her.

" Hey Ben," she says as she guides him to the kitchen.

"Hi, where is Gunnar?" Ben says as he stares at Sadie. He can't help think of how amazing this woman looks without even trying. Will was a lucky son of a bitch to wake up to her every day.

"He's in the shower, will be down soon. Pancakes and bacon are on the island, grab a plate, and help yourself." She says.

"Chocolate Chips?" he questions.

"Can you think of any other way for game day?' She responds sarcastically.

Ben nods his head in approval. Finally working up his courage to apologize for his actions at work. "Look, about that shit call yesterday. I am sorry for yelling at you. The big crash you all worked, they said everyone was ok. The kid in the car just had a broken leg but will make a full recovery. I know you guys don't get a lot of updates on situations after they happen and Chief said you all did an amazing job."

"Thank you, I appreciate the apology. That was a crazy call." Sadie slightly smiles at Ben. "I keep telling people that you are not a dick but they don't believe me."

"Well we can't let know I am a good guy, no one will take me seriously," Ben says while laughing.

"Ok deal, the secret is safe with me. Oh! By the way, homecoming is the end of this month and next month is Gunnar's birthday. He has requested a paintball day with you and a few friends. If that is something you could pull, I know he would really like that."

"I'm on it," Ben replies happily. They sit in silence just looking at each other. Both are waiting for the other to say something. Luckily Gunnar comes barreling into the room breaking up the obvious tension.