Two

Cal drags a damaged antique desk into his garden to repair drawer runners and, more importantly, to provide cover while waiting for his suspected watcher to return. The sunny school-day morning lets him work naturally without seeming vigilant.

Neighbor Mart arrives with Kojak the dog, bantering about food, women, and Cal’s appearance. Through their talk, Mart shares local context: Cal’s house belonged to Marie O’Shea, empty for 15–20 years after her death; her children emigrated; a niece, Annie, lives nearby but likely wants nothing from the place. Cal deflects a shop errand to stay home, maintaining his quiet stakeout. Memories of Donna surface while he works.

Hearing movement in the hedge, Cal invites the hidden observer to help. A wary boy in a red hoodie emerges and sands a runner. Cal explains the carpentry, observes the boy’s care and focus, and confirms his capability. When Cal references the bite on his hand, the boy tenses but stays.

Cal questions the boy about motives—robbery, being sent, spying—receiving terse denials and shrugs. Cal sets a boundary: no more covert watching; any contact must be face-to-face. The boy gives his name, Trey, and Cal offers cookies, leaving Trey sanding while he fetches coffee.

When Cal returns, Mart is back with ham and a quip about the still-intact desk. Trey has slipped away, leaving the half-sanded runner behind, and Cal is left with only a name, a hint of urgency, and the sense that the matter is far from over.