Page 37 of Dutch

She'd asked in enough time for me to make the turn to my mama's house. After a short drive, we pulled up to the ranch-style home in a quiet neighborhood.

As we approached the porch, the screen door swung open, and my mama, in her five-foot glory, came out with her arms wide open.

"Dutch, what a surprise!"

I took her in a big bear hug, but she quickly kicked me to the side when she noticed Makari.

"Hey, you," Mama greeted, her eyes lit up as she and Makari hugged and rocked back and forth.

"It's so good to see you, Mama Knight," Makari stated.

Mama ushered us inside.

"We're just passing through and can't stay long, Mama," I noted.

"Nonsense, you two sit down. I have a homemade sweet potato pie, and Lord knows my hips don't need a whole pie." Mama laughed.

"Oh no, you're beautiful, Mama Knight, but I know what you mean," Makari joked.

"I'm telling you." Mama laughed.

As we walked through the living room, Makari eyed the photos on the mantle like she hadn't seen them so many times before.

Makari picked up a photo, and my stomach dropped. "Are those police blues?" she asked, pointing to the photo. "I always assumed you were in ROTC when I saw this photo. I hadn't noticed the badge before."

I swallowed hard, but before I could speak, Mama confirmed Makari's suspicions. "No, Dieterick was on the police force in that photo. I was so proud of him following in his father's footsteps," she said.

"Mama, why do you have to call me by my government name?" I scoffed.

"Fool, that's the name I gave you. Didn't no government name you Dieterick Knight," Mama hissed.

"How about that pie?" I reminded her, searching for a way to deflect. "I don't know how I'm supposed to survive in a room with two sassy-ass women in it." I chuckled.

I moved to the dining room table and sat down with Makari lagging around the photos on the mantle. Mama headed into the kitchen and returned with a pie and a picture of sweet tea.

I got up and grabbed some glasses out of the China cabinet.

"Come on, Makari, I'll fix you a plate," Mama offered.

While we were eating, Makari eyed me and the photo on the mantle.

"Dutch, when we dated, you told me you were a code enforcement officer, not an officer of the law," Makari pointed out.

I knew she wasn't going to let it go, and the truth was I'd kept that story buried for so long that Makari might just push me away for good.

I cleared my throat. "Mama, I hate to eat and run, but I have business at the club to handle."

Makari's eyebrows shot up, and I avoided her glare.

"Oh, Dieterick, you never stay for long." Mama sighed.

"I'll come back soon," I promised in an attempt to push down my guilt.

As we said our goodbyes, I practically had to drag Makari out the door as she stared at my old police photo.

Back on my bike, Makari didn't hold me tight the way she had before. I felt the weight of her questions on my back. Luckily, the ride to the safe house went by fast, and as soon as we were inside. I headed for the bathroom, knowing I would take a shower faster than Makari could gather her things.

"I won't be long," I muttered, not meeting Makari's eyes.

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