New Around Here

Posted on Sat Sep 9th, 2023 @ 1:15am by Harina True & Kyle Schaffer & Antony Lockwood

943 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Rescue
Location: Brookhaven
Timeline: MD 6 1100

Kyle wandered around Brookhaven taking in as much as he could. It was his first true exploration of the settlement. He made mental notes of where the largest gatherings of people were, mainly at the expected locations of shops, common open space areas, etc.

Eventually he made it to the first of his two intended destinations. The text on the sign out front of the building read “Antony Lockwood - Real Estate Broker”.

This was one of the two individuals he was told to introduce himself to upon his settling in at Brookhaven. The other was the doctor and while he appreciated and respected the profession, he was sure that meeting would end in some sort of medical physical. He decided to save that interaction for later.

Walking past the sign, he entered the building and into the unassuming but professional reception area. Walking up to the desk, the woman behind the desk looked up from her work and asked, “Good morning. Do you have an appointment?”

Kyle responded with “Good morning,” and shrugged. “No I don’t. I actually just arrived and was directed to introduce myself to Antony Lockwood.”

“He’s currently in a meeting,” was the reply, “but if you don’t mind waiting, I’ll let him know you’re here and see if he’ll be available soon. What’s your name?”

Kyle nodded, “Much appreciated. And Kyle Schaffer.” With that he took a seat at one of the few chairs across from the reception desk and waited.

Dr. True took her daughter's hand and said, "Thank you for your time, Mr. Lockwood. I've enjoyed getting to know you. The clinic should be set up in only a couple of days, and if you have children, you're welcome to bring them in for check-ups if you think they need them. I'll return the favor - half price for yours." She gave him a second smile, then looked down at her daughter.

"Shall we get out of this man's hair, Punkin?" she asked.

Fannie rolled her eyes. "Mama! You say the silliest things!"

"Y'all make sure to come see me if you have any problems." Antony said as he watched Fannie and and her mother walk out of the office. He felt good being able to help another family find suitable housing that matched their needs, but especially their wants. That was important to him.

The real estate agent looked over and found a new face waiting in the reception area. He smiled with anticipation, wondering what this wonderful encounter would bring.

"Are you waiting for me?" Antony asked.

Kyle returned the friendly smile and extended a hand, “If you’re Antony Lockwood, then yes. I just arrived in Brookhaven and was told to make my acquaintance with you and a Dr. Harina True. But I decided to see you first. I’m Kyle Schaffer. Not sure if you were told to expect me or not.”

Lockwood looked at the PADD in his hand and began to read over the different sets of names that were forwarded to him from various sources.

"Well, Kyle, I don't see you on my list for today, but that doesn't mean we can't talk. How may I serve you?" Antony asked as he extended a hand to the young man while he sized him up.

“Appreciate the time. Forgive the ambush,” Kyle answered quickly, “Like I said, I just arrived to Brookhaven and was told you could give me the lay of the land;” He paused to add, “I was also informed I would be Chief of Police here. Perhaps I should have lead with that.”

Lockwood looked up in a bit of surprise, shocked to hear about the new appointment. "Well, I must admit, I am a bit surprised to hear that. I consider myself well in the know of ... such things."

The realtor took his PADD and placed it down on the desk beside him. "I tell you what, Kyle. Let me grab a few items and we can take a walk around the village. Since you are our new Chief of Police, I think you need some insight on our little place here."

Kyle gave a small smile and nod in acknowledgement, “I’d appreciate that. I must say this has all been a whirlwind to me. But if your day is full and a better time works for giving the grand tour, I think I can manage until then.”

Antony smiled at Kyle while waving for him to follow. "No, no, no." Antony replied with laughter. "Now is the perfect time, my friend."

He looked over at his secretary and said, "Stella, cancel all my other appointments for the day. I will be back in a little bit." Before she could reply, he added, "Oh, let me grab one little thing before we go." Lockwood ducked into his office for a few seconds and then came immediately out.

"O.K. We can go now," he said as he made his way to the front door of the office. "So, Chief Schaffer, how did you come about finding our Brookhaven?" Lockwood asked as he crossed the threshold of his office and into the village street.

Kyle was used to being called Chief but felt uncomfortable this time, considering the context of the title. He shrugged off the thought and fell into step with Antony leaving the office, “Finding would be an interesting term for it.”

"Ahhhhhhh, yes," Lockwood said as he continued walking without giving Kyle a look. "Our mutual friend surely does get around, but she's helped a lot of people." He left it at that, for the moment.

 

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