Page 42 of Serial Burn

Nathan stopped. “I am. Not the smartest move in my career.”

“Could I have your autograph?”

Jesslyn couldn’t quite cover up her slight snort. He glared at her but smiled at the woman. “I don’t think I’m going to be giving out autographs.”

“Oh, right. Okay. Well, I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks. I am too.”

She hurried off, her cheeks pink, and Jesslyn felt sorry for her. Andrew smothered a laugh with a coughing fit, and Nathan transferred his glare to his partner. This time Jesslyn couldn’t stop a soft chuckle from slipping out.

“Jess...”

The low growl almost sent her into peals of laughter, and only the sight of his sister and parents waiting anxiously doused her humor.

“We’ll let you say goodbye to your mom and dad,” she said and pulled Andrew to the side.

As soon as he was free, his parents rushed over to hug him gently, and while it took some doing, he finally convinced them to go home, that he was fine and not about to take it easy while he had a suspect in the interrogation room.

Once Carly had ushered them out the door with a fierce scowl at Nathan, he turned to Jesslyn and Andrew. “Anyone wanna give me a lift to the station? I’m very anxious to question this guy.”

“Well,” Andrew said, “you risked your life to save him, I guess you should have the opportunity to try and get him to talk. I’m sure there will be some officers there who’ll have seen the footage. You might have to sign autographs for your adoring fans.”

“Shut up.”

Jesslyn bit her lip on yet another grin, and Andrew looked like he was doing the same.

“Guys,” Nathan said, narrowing his eyes, “just remember I have a long memory.”

Jesslyn cleared her throat. “I’ll follow in my car. I need to check in on the status of the fire. I can do that on the way.”

Twenty minutes later, after watching her mirrors and determining she wasn’t followed, she pulled into the station and joined Andrew and Nathan as they climbed out. Nathan grimaced.

“Stiff?” she asked.

“Yeah. I can tell it’s going to be a fun few weeks ahead.”

“What made you do that?” she asked. “I can’t imagine how scary that was.”

He shivered and grimaced. “It was either jump or let him die. There’s no way someone would have gotten up there in time to grab him.”

“True. How long before you heal up?”

“Two to four weeks, the doc said. I’m aiming for one and a half.”

“You’re such an overachiever.”

He gave a light snort and this time she smiled. Why was it she always felt like smiling when he was around? She needed to stop that. It was weird. And disconcerting.

But ... nice too.

Good grief.

Andrew led the way into the station, down the hall, and to the interrogation rooms. An officer met them and eyed Nathan. “You’re the one who went after this guy?”

“I’m the one.”

“Glad you’re okay, Superman.”

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