Page 165 of Liar's Point

“Nik?”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s go back to bed.”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-TWO

Nicole opened the door to the police station and nearly bumped into Joel Breda.

“Oh, hey.” She held the door for him as he stepped outside. “Long time no see. What are you up to?”

“Not much. It’s been a while.”

“It has.”

Joel wore an LBPD golf shirt and jeans, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen him here at the station house. He’d been consumed with the task force for months.

She shielded her eyes from the sun as she looked up at him. Like his brothers, Joel had an athletic build and those swoony blue eyes. But he had a quieter, more serious way about him, maybe because he was the oldest.

“How’s the baby?” Nicole asked.

He smiled. “Good. Real good. She’s sleeping through the night now.”

“Well, that’s awesome.”

Joel looked over her shoulder, and something in his expression made Nicole turn around.

Miranda was crossing the parking lot with little Janie in one of those strap-on baby carriers.

Nicole gasped. “Oh my gosh, there she is! Look at her.”

Janie’s pudgy arms stuck out, and she wore a little pink cap to protect her head from the sun.

“Sorry I’m late,” Miranda said. “We had a slight mishap with the car seat, but it’s all good now.”

“What’s wrong with the car seat?” Joel asked, frowning as he stepped forward to help Miranda unhook the carrier.

“I couldn’t get the latch to work when I switched cars. No biggie.” She leaned up and kissed him. “I got it fixed.”

Joel hooked the straps over his shoulders and kissed Janie on the head as Miranda smiled at both of them. Then she turned to Nicole.

“Hey, Nicole. How’s it going?”

“Great,” she said, nodding at the baby. “I can’t believe how much she’s grown since I last saw her!”

“Yep,” Joel said, kissing her head again.

“Has Brady started the meeting yet?” Miranda asked.

“Actually, he bumped it to one o’clock,” Nicole said. “Didn’t you get the text? I think you were on the thread.”

“I missed it.” Miranda took out her phone.

“Yeah, we’re waiting on Owen. He’s wrapping up a witness interview. Said he’d be in soon.”

Nicole watched as Joel gazed down at little Janie and then looked at his wife. It seemed like they were having a moment, so Nicole wanted to give them some privacy.

---