it’s good to hear your voice. We haven’t talked, other than at work, for months.”
Alex mentally kicked herself. “I know. I’ve been a terrible friend.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant I’ve missed you. I know you have a lot going on right now. And I also know when you’re hurting, you work that much harder.”
“You know me too well.” Secretly, she was glad. Wayne Thomas reminded her of her father in so many ways. They were both strong and supportive but gentle and intuitive, especially when it came to her. Wayne supervised her in Narcotics and mentored her toward a more politically advantageous position in the department. His advice in matters of the ol’ boys’ club politics had proven invaluable. But it was his support when her parents died that changed their working relationship to friendship.
“So, how’s the assignment coming along?”
They spent the next thirty minutes discussing progress and possible directions the investigation might take. He offered encouragement and advice. She listened to the kindness and acceptance in his voice as he reviewed tactics that, thanks to him, were already second nature to her.
Talking to her friend and mentor helped. She felt more reassured and comfortable about the case. “Thanks for listening and letting me bounce some things off you.”
“No problem. You’ll get this guy. I have faith in you.”
“You’re good for my ego. Don’t stop.” Alex hesitated.
Wayne’s voice softened. “You’re really missing them tonight, aren’t you?”
Alex exhaled a long breath. “Yeah, I am. Sometimes I just feel like I failed them.” She wanted her parents to be proud.
“You know your parents just wanted you to be happy. Remember, your father used to say that real living wasn’t based on the size of a bank account or a successful career. It was based on love and commitment.”
“I remember.” Alex thought of Keri and her pulse quickened.
“So, Alex Troy, whoever’s got you thinking about your parents, disappointment, life, and the future, go after her. Don’t let her get away.”
Alex was stunned by Wayne’s insight. “But I didn’t say—”
“You never do. Life’s too short, Alex.” A slight hitch sounded at the end of Wayne’s statement. “Now, I’ve got to go. There’s a gorgeous woman in my bed and it sounds like you’ve got a big day tomorrow.”
Alex had no idea she could be so transparent, but she knew he only had her best interest at heart. She hung up the phone with Wayne’s encouraging comments like a warm blanket around her. Perhaps life was too short to rationalize her feelings away or pretend they didn’t exist. The more she thought about Keri, the more the younger officer entrenched herself in Alex’s mind and soul. But it seemed everything in her life was suddenly happening at warp speed. Everything demanded her attention and everything was critical. How was she going to juggle it all at once to honor her parents’ lives, vindicate a friend’s death, catch a killer, and fall in love?
Something would have to wait, and with sadness and regret she hadn’t imagined possible, Alex knew what it would be. As she prepared for the first task force meeting the next day, Alex relegated her interest in Keri Morgan to the pending file. She only hoped her feelings could be so easily contained.
Chapter Seven
When Keri entered the cramped conference room, Alex felt the temperature rise by degrees. She was dressed in tight jeans with a baggy denim shirt and a pink camisole peeking out at the neckline. Her mahogany brown hair waterfalled across her shoulders, hanging in naturally curly ringlets around her face. An infectious smile radiated enthusiasm and way too much happiness.
She waved a paper bag in the air and the smell of warm bread permeated the room. “I brought bagels for everybody. I hope there’s coffee.” When Alex didn’t respond, she teased, “Come on, Lieutenant. I know you want it,” and
Alex mentally kicked herself. “I know. I’ve been a terrible friend.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant I’ve missed you. I know you have a lot going on right now. And I also know when you’re hurting, you work that much harder.”
“You know me too well.” Secretly, she was glad. Wayne Thomas reminded her of her father in so many ways. They were both strong and supportive but gentle and intuitive, especially when it came to her. Wayne supervised her in Narcotics and mentored her toward a more politically advantageous position in the department. His advice in matters of the ol’ boys’ club politics had proven invaluable. But it was his support when her parents died that changed their working relationship to friendship.
“So, how’s the assignment coming along?”
They spent the next thirty minutes discussing progress and possible directions the investigation might take. He offered encouragement and advice. She listened to the kindness and acceptance in his voice as he reviewed tactics that, thanks to him, were already second nature to her.
Talking to her friend and mentor helped. She felt more reassured and comfortable about the case. “Thanks for listening and letting me bounce some things off you.”
“No problem. You’ll get this guy. I have faith in you.”
“You’re good for my ego. Don’t stop.” Alex hesitated.
Wayne’s voice softened. “You’re really missing them tonight, aren’t you?”
Alex exhaled a long breath. “Yeah, I am. Sometimes I just feel like I failed them.” She wanted her parents to be proud.
“You know your parents just wanted you to be happy. Remember, your father used to say that real living wasn’t based on the size of a bank account or a successful career. It was based on love and commitment.”
“I remember.” Alex thought of Keri and her pulse quickened.
“So, Alex Troy, whoever’s got you thinking about your parents, disappointment, life, and the future, go after her. Don’t let her get away.”
Alex was stunned by Wayne’s insight. “But I didn’t say—”
“You never do. Life’s too short, Alex.” A slight hitch sounded at the end of Wayne’s statement. “Now, I’ve got to go. There’s a gorgeous woman in my bed and it sounds like you’ve got a big day tomorrow.”
Alex had no idea she could be so transparent, but she knew he only had her best interest at heart. She hung up the phone with Wayne’s encouraging comments like a warm blanket around her. Perhaps life was too short to rationalize her feelings away or pretend they didn’t exist. The more she thought about Keri, the more the younger officer entrenched herself in Alex’s mind and soul. But it seemed everything in her life was suddenly happening at warp speed. Everything demanded her attention and everything was critical. How was she going to juggle it all at once to honor her parents’ lives, vindicate a friend’s death, catch a killer, and fall in love?
Something would have to wait, and with sadness and regret she hadn’t imagined possible, Alex knew what it would be. As she prepared for the first task force meeting the next day, Alex relegated her interest in Keri Morgan to the pending file. She only hoped her feelings could be so easily contained.
Chapter Seven
When Keri entered the cramped conference room, Alex felt the temperature rise by degrees. She was dressed in tight jeans with a baggy denim shirt and a pink camisole peeking out at the neckline. Her mahogany brown hair waterfalled across her shoulders, hanging in naturally curly ringlets around her face. An infectious smile radiated enthusiasm and way too much happiness.
She waved a paper bag in the air and the smell of warm bread permeated the room. “I brought bagels for everybody. I hope there’s coffee.” When Alex didn’t respond, she teased, “Come on, Lieutenant. I know you want it,” and
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