Page 28 of Redemption

Raven nods, a hint of a smile finally touching those serious eyes. “Teamwork.”

We haul the guy to his feet, reading him his rights as we lead him back outside. The street feels different now, alive with the dim glow of justice served.

As we load him into the back of the cruiser, I glance at Raven. There’s a new lightness about him, the shadows he’s been carrying around seeming a little less heavy.

“Looks like Laurel Springs isn’t too quiet after all,” he quips.

I chuckle, slamming the door shut. “Guess not.”

The night stretches ahead, dark and full of things that go bump. But with Raven as my partner tonight, I feel ready for whatever comes next.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

RUBY

"Molly, don't forget your lunch,"I yell as she comes to a stop and then turns back to me.

"Thanks mom, see ya later." She lifts her head so I can drop a kiss on her cheek, and then she's out the door.

This morning has been bananas for every single one of us. Caleb was running late, and that put all of us behind. I have to meet Stephanie at The Café to go over plans for the upcoming Policeman's Ball. She took the apartment that Caleb left, and has been happily living there while Mick and Becca moved into Madden's.

As the door clicks shut behind Molly, I grab my keys and head out to meet Stephanie. The brisk air nips at my cheeks as I make my way to The Café, the familiar aroma of coffee and fresh pastries greeting me even before I step inside.

Stephanie is already seated at our usual corner table, her laptop open and a coffee cup cradled in her hands. She looks up and smiles as I approach.

"Hey, Ruby," she greets, pushing a chair out for me with her foot.

"Hey, Steph. Have you already got everything pulled up?" I ask, settling in and reaching for the menu, even though I already know it by heart.

"Yeah, I've got the budget and vendor list here." She nods toward the screen. "We need to finalize the decorations and the entertainment for the ball."

We're deep in conversation, flipping through sample photos of centerpieces and debating band choices, when the bell above the door jingles. I glance up to see Raven and Caleb stroll in, looking sharp in their uniforms. They both spot us and wave, making their way over.

Stephanie shifts in her seat, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Raven steps forward with his signature grin, leaning casually against our table.

"Evening, ladies," Raven drawls, eyes twinkling as they land on Stephanie. "You both look entirely too serious for a Friday."

Stephanie laughs lightly, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "Just plotting for the ball. You coming, Raven?"

"Wouldn't miss it," he replies, his smile turning mischievous. "Especially now that I know you'll be there."

I catch Caleb's eye and wink, a playful smirk tugging at my lips. "What about you, Caleb? All set for the ball?"

He chuckles, crossing his arms, playing along. "You know it, Red. Thinking about saving a dance for me?"

"Maybe," I tease back, tapping my pen against my notebook. "If you're lucky."

We chat for a bit, Caleb and I flirting like the married couple we are while Raven and Stephanie fall into an easy conversation. It's clear Raven is enjoying making Stephanie laugh, and I can't help but grin at how perfectly natural it all feels.

Eventually, the conversation circles back to the ball, and I nudge Stephanie gently, bringing us back to task. "So, the grand finale plans?"

Stephanie nods, eyes bright. "Fireworks. Definitely fireworks. I think we can get it okay'd. I mean you do know the Chief pretty well, right?"

"If I can't I'm sure Caleb can." I shoot him a wink.

Raven whistles appreciatively. "Impressive. That's gonna be one heck of an end to the night."

Caleb nods in agreement. "Sounds like you've got it under control."

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