Meet Me Where the Oak Tree Grows novel Chapter 29

I shook my head, saying, "He's not back yet."

Right then, Jonah appeared from behind me, practically bumping into me. The two of them locked eyes, and the silence was thick with tension.

Time seemed to slow down, and just when I thought they might start throwing punches, Officer Cooper's eyes started to water, turning red.

With a fierce tone, he blurted out, "Jonah, I've been searching everywhere for you!"

Jonah paused, his voice friendly but distant, like he was catching up with an old acquaintance. "Cooper, it's been too long."

Cooper sneered, then suddenly burst like a firecracker, shouting, "I don't give a damn about your 'long time no see.' Acting all high and mighty now that you're a big shot, forgetting your old pals?

"I'm telling you, the only way you're ditching me is over my dead body!" Tears streamed down his face like a dam had burst.

Jonah rubbed his temples, exasperated yet amused, as he nudged Cooper onto the couch and tossed him a box of tissues. "Wipe those tears yourself."

Officer Cooper flung the tissues back at Jonah, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't bring any cash. I can’t pay for them. After all, we're not that tight, right?"

Then he got up from the couch, saying, "How could I sit? I'm only good enough to stand, since we're not that close."

Jonah frowned and said sternly, "Cooper!"

"Yes, Captain."

"Talk properly."

"Alright, alright."