What is Not in a Name, page 1
Out of the Cage: When a law officer moves to a small town for a new start, the last thing he expects is coming face to face with the mystical.
If Goliath Dickman hadn’t had the most loving and supportive parents he could ever imagine—and he’s seen plenty of depravity during his years on the force—he would have thought his parents hated him. After all, how could they have named him what they did? Goliath would never tarnish the memory of his beloved mother by saying such a thing out loud, however. So when the opportunity arises, he transfers to a deputy position in a small town.
After losing his temper on the first day—thank goodness they’d been understanding guys—Goliath asks the others to call him Ollie, and he settles in at his new place in his new town. He runs across Earl Raukus at a local restaurant and finds himself enamored with the pretty, brown-eyed blond. Unfortunately, Goliath spots Earl laughing and chatting with a black-haired guy across the room, and his hopes are dashed.
Imagine Goliath’s confusion when Earl continues flirting with him. Uncertain, he switches to his default—he clams up, responding curtly. Confused by the hurt that fills Earl’s eyes, Goliath tracks him down... and discovers something the town can’t possibly want getting out. Could the world of shifters truly be real, and what would be his place within it?
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What is Not in a Name
Copyright © 2022 Charlie Richards
ISBN: 978-1-4874-3755-8
Cover art by Angela Waters
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What is Not in a Name
Wolves of Stone Ridge 60
By
Charlie Richards
Dedication
Don’t ask what else could go wrong? You won’t like the answer.
~Me
Chapter One
“How was your first week, Ollie?”
Pausing in his stroll across the relatively quiet bullpen, Goliath Dickman turned toward Sheriff Anthony Holsteen. He saw the way the slender male leaned one shoulder against the doorframe to his office. The sheriff’s hands were shoved into the pockets of his jeans, and he sported a small relaxed smile.
“Uh, good... mostly,” Goliath replied, and he did his best not to cringe at how tentative his deep voice sounded.
“Mostly?” Anthony quirked one brow up questioningly. The man looked beyond Goliath for a second, obviously surveying who was in the room. Returning his attention to Goliath, he narrowed his eyes and asked, “Someone bothering you?”
Goliath knew that only Deputy Markus Reussmin was in the room. The other deputy was manning the phones. Evidently, in order to speak so freely, Anthony didn’t think Markus would be the person who was bothering him.
In fact, no one was bothering him.
Quickly shaking his head, Goliath dispelled that notion. “Oh, no, Sheriff,” he replied. With a wince, he admitted, “Just still feel bad about the, uh”—he could feel his cheeks heat, but he continued gamely—”the Nathan incident.”
On Goliath’s first day, fellow deputy Nathan Kaldwell had teased him about his name, asking him if he lived up to it. He did, not that he intended to tell his co-workers that. The teasing about his name had been one of the reasons Goliath had moved from a precinct in Nashville. To face the very same problem on his first day had spiked Goliath’s nearly non-existent temper.
Goliath had grabbed Nathan by the neck with one hand and used the forearm of his other to pin the man to the wall. He’d snarled in the man’s face, ordering him to shut the fuck up. Deputy Nereo and Sheriff Anthony had needed to drag him away from Nathan, who’d apologized through his coughing as he’d caught his breath.
Goliath had immediately felt like shit and had begun to apologize, too. At Anthony’s questioning, he’d explained what had triggered his response. Then Goliath had requested that they all call him Ollie.
Stepping away from the doorway, Anthony patted him on the upper arm. “Try to move past it, Ollie,” the sheriff encouraged. “We have.”
“Thanks, Sheriff,” Goliath replied, nodding. “I’m tryin.’”
“I know Nathan doesn’t hold it against you,” Markus piped up from behind him, and Goliath pivoted to include the other deputy in the conversation. The strawberry-blond grinned at him from where he sat across the room. “But if you’re so concerned about it, offer to buy Nathan a beer at the pub.”
“Pub?” Goliath parroted. With a shrug, he admitted, “I’m still not too familiar with locations around here. Working on it.”
In fact, Goliath appreciated the hours out on patrol, since it helped him learn street names and business locations.
“Spiron’s Bar and Grill is the local watering hole,” Markus told him, relaxing back in his chair. He crossed his ankles before him as he added, “And Caribou’s is the local steakhouse. Both open at eleven and serve lunch and dinner.”
“Mama’s Diner is open for breakfast and lunch,” Anthony added, having returned to leaning against the door frame. “Their coffee is decent, but don’t try their lattés,” he warned, making a face. “If you want a latté, go to Miss Martha’s Muffins. It’s a bakery across from the elementary school.”
“Just don’t get their black coffee.” It was Markus’s turn to cringe. “Her bear claws are excellent, however.”
Goliath couldn’t help the soft chuckle that escaped him, and the tension that had knotted up his shoulders began to ease. “Coffee at Mama’s Diner. Lattés and bear claws at Martha’s.” With a crooked forefinger, Goliath tipped his cowboy hat farther up his head. “And Spiron’s is a great bar with pub food, and Caribou’s is for date night.”
Markus barked a laugh. “You got it.”
Appreciating their open acceptance and levity, Goliath smiled as he glanced between his new boss and co-worker. He knew he was going to enjoy this place’s laid-back attitude. When he’d applied to the small-town force, he’d thought that any place would be better than his old precinct’s toxic atmosphere.
This will be so much more than better.
“I think I’ll take you up on that idea and ask Nathan about a beer,” Goliath admitted as he started toward the front door. “Even if Nathan isn’t holding a grudge, it’ll make me feel better, at least.”
Anthony dipped his chin in a nod. “And who passes up a free beer, right?”
Goliath chuckled as he shrugged. “Guess there’s always a right circumstance for that.” He could even think of a few, considering the frenemies he’d had in his old precinct. Not wanting to explain, Goliath ignored both men’s questioning looks. “See you around.”
“Have a good weekend,” Anthony encouraged.
At the same time, Markus waved.
As soon as the door closed, as if on cue, Goliath’s phone rang. He pulled his cell from his inside pocket. Checking the screen, he saw that it was his father—Barton.
Goliath smiled as he connected. “Hey, Dad.”
“Hi, Goliath,” his father greeted warmly. “How was your first week? Everything go okay?” Before Goliath could reply, he continued with obvious pride in his voice, “Did you wow them with your mad police skills?”
“It went just fine,” Goliath replied. With a laugh, he told him, “And it was a quiet week, so I didn’t really have a chance to show off any mad skills.”
“Well, there’s always next week,” Barton stated with certainty. “A small town can’t be quiet all the time.”
Reaching his truck, Goliath chuckled. “Well, one can hope.”
After dealing with the crime in the city, Goliath wouldn’t mind a little peace and quiet. He also hadn’t shared his first day’s faux pas with him, either. Goliath had no desire to explain his name hang-up to his father, seeing as his mother had chosen the name, and she was now deceased.
Won’t say a wrong word about my momma, no matter how much I question her decision.
Goliath relaxed behind the wheel of his pick-up and chatted with his father for several minutes.
“Once you get that spare room set up,” Barton told him as their conversation was winding down. “Let me know. I’d love to come out and see the place where my baby boy ended up.”
Smirking, Goliath bit back a scoff.
Baby boy.
While Goliath lived up to his name, standing at six-foot-eight with a thickly muscled build to match, his father barely reached six feet. From what he understood, he’d inherited his size from his mother’s side of the family. His grandfather had stood six-foot-seven, but he’d passed when Goliath was six, and he didn’t remember him much.
“That sounds good, Dad,” Goliath told the man. He didn’t mention that his home was already set up. He had spent every evening that week putting his three-bedroom, two-bath home to rights. Goliath liked everything neat and tidy, and the boxes would have driven him nuts, even after just a few days. “Give me a few weeks to get a feel for the town. Then I’d love to have you out.”
That would also give Goliath time to figure out just how accepting the town was to a man of his dimensions. He’d found that, sometimes, his size scared women and children. There had also been plenty of cases where men decided they needed to pick a fight with him... just because of his size. No way did Goliath want his father to pick up on that and get offended... or answer an asshole’s desire for a fight.
Don’t need my fifty-five-year-old father trying to defend my honor.
Then there was also the fact that as soon as Barton hit town, he would probably start scouring the area for a wife or husband for Goliath. Both his parents had been accepting when he’d admitted to asking boys out on dates just as often as girls while in high school. They hadn’t cared one wit about the sex of his partner, as long as he was happy and cared for by his partner. So far, Goliath hadn’t found the one, but he continued to hope.
God, how embarrassing would it be to have my dad trying to set me up with every single man and woman he could find?
Still, Goliath appreciated the sentiment even if he didn’t need the action.
“Sure, son,” Barton replied. “Stay safe out there.”
“I will, Dad,” Goliath assured. “Thanks.”
After hanging up, Goliath started his truck, then pulled on his seatbelt. He glanced around the area before putting his vehicle into gear. Then he headed on home.
After a shower and change of clothes, Goliath stood in front of the open door of his refrigerator and grimaced.
“Right,” he muttered. “Was supposed to stop at the grocery store on my way home.”
Goliath thought about frying up his last half dozen eggs, but then he realized that he wouldn’t have anything for breakfast. With a sigh, he closed the door before heading to his room. He grabbed a pair of socks and pulled them on, then moved to the front door for his boots and jacket.
After grabbing his keys off the rack near the door, Goliath headed out to his truck. He’d just slid behind the wheel when his stomach grumbled. He sighed as he started the vehicle.
He hated shopping on an empty stomach.
As Goliath pointed his truck toward Stone Ridge, he recalled Anthony and Markus’s assessment of the town’s restaurants. He’d already talked to Nathan, and his fellow deputy had agreed to meet him for a beer at Spiron’s the following evening. Goliath decided to check out Caribou’s.
“I could use a good steak,” Goliath decided. “Then I won’t be hungry when I shop afterward.”
With that plan in mind, Goliath smiled. He turned onto Main Street and started checking out the signs on either side. He vaguely recalled seeing the sign, and he hoped he could find it again without difficulty.
A moment later, Goliath spotted it. He found a parking spot at the back of a small lot and turned off his truck. Sliding his keys into his pocket, Goliath shut his door as he glanced around.
Goliath thought the place looked pretty busy.
Right. Friday night.
Hope there isn’t too much of a line.
Heading into the restaurant, Goliath glanced around, feeling relief to see there was only one couple waiting—a pair of men. When the blond glanced over his shoulder at him, he noticed how the small man’s eyes widened as he looked him up and down. As if reacting to the blond, the broad-shouldered black man, who had his arm around him, peered at Goliath, too. That man’s gray eyes narrowed just a smidge.
Goliath offered the pair a small smile, hoping to help them relax.
The dark-skinned man turned fully. “Ye’re Goliath Dickman, aren’t ye?” Without waiting for a reply, he offered a hand. “I’m Declan McIntire, the area’s head park ranger.”
“Oh, yeah. Hi. Nice to meet you.” Goliath took Declan’s hand and shook, recalling the sheriff mentioning the names of not only the head park ranger but several others as well. “Please, call me Ollie.”
“As ye wish, Ollie.” After releasing Goliath, Declan indicated the small blond man he had his arm around. “This is my husband, Doctor Lark Trystan.” Declan jutted his chin toward Goliath and told his partner, “Ollie is Stone Ridge’s newest deputy. He just started on Monday.”
Goliath censored his strength as he shook the little guy’s hand. “Nice to meet you, too.”
Lark grinned broadly. “Back atcha.” His blue eyes twinkled as he peered up at him. “Welcome to Stone Ridge.”
“Thank you.” Goliath appreciated the pair’s friendliness.
“Hey, Declan,” a woman called from the hostess stand. “Your table is ready.” She grinned widely as she picked up a couple of menus. “Date night, huh?”
“Indeed it is, Talia,” Declan confirmed, smiling at the woman. As they began moving toward her, Declan peered over his shoulder and offered, “I’m certain I’ll be seein’ ye again soon.” With a wry smile, Declan added, “In these forests, our duties overlap often.”
As Goliath nodded, he watched the pair walk away. Declan tipped his head down, murmuring to his husband. Goliath bet he was explaining who he was to the other man.
A doctor. Damn.
The hostess—Talia—returned and peered up at him. Her smile appeared a little reserved, but at least it was there. “Hi. Just you tonight? Or are you waiting for someone?” As Talia spoke, she picked up a menu.
“Just me,” Goliath confirmed, offering a smile of his own.
Talia nodded. “I think one of our bistro-style tables would be the most comfortable for you,” she offered as she began moving to the right. “Is that okay with you?” After another glance at him, Talia added, “If you’re willing to wait a few minutes, one of our corner booths should open up soon. That’d be comfortable, too.”
Goliath had been working around standard accommodations and his large size for years, and he had to smile upon hearing her trying to help him out.
“The bistro table will be just fine,” Goliath told her. “Thanks.”
With a grin, Talia took him to the table near the center rear of the restaurant. “Here you are, sir.” As she placed the menu on the table, she asked, “Did I hear Declan right when he said you’re our newest deputy?”
Goliath nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
Talia giggled as she beamed at him. “So polite.” Then she touched his forearm, saying, “Welcome to Stone Ridge, Deputy.” As Talia backed up a step, she told him, “Earl will be your server tonight. Don’t forget to tell him you’re our deputy.” Talia turned back toward the front. “We give those in public service a discount.”
As Talia headed back to her station, Goliath grunted softly and picked up his menu.
Huh. How about that.
Goliath had only been perusing the menu for a moment when a shadow fell over his table.
“Good evening, sir,” a melodious tenor greeted. “I’m Earl, and I’ll be your server tonight. Our specials for tonight are—”
There was a slight huskiness to the man’s voice that went straight to Goliath’s balls, and he lost track of what Earl was saying. He looked up and nearly swallowed his tongue. The blond man standing at his table, dressed in black dress jeans and a pale-green polo, nearly made him swallow his tongue. As Goliath met his waiter’s brown eyes, he felt his mouth go dry.
Oh damn. He’s gorgeous.
Chapter Two
Earl Raukus could barely get his standard waiter’s spiel past his dry throat. Sweat popped out at his temples, and the hairs on his nape stood on end. His hands trembled, and he gripped his pen and order pad tighter in an attempt to steady them.
My mate is sitting right in front of me... and oh, gods! He’s huge and gorgeous and drool-worthy and... shit, Earl! Get it together!
At the age of sixty-seven, Earl was considered young for a wolf shifter. Having watched so many of his fellow wolf shifters find their mates, he’d longed for the day he would find his own. He certainly hadn’t expected it so soon in his life, though.
