Page 58 of Kian

“Ready? Everyone is looking forward to having you back.”

Kian nodded, opened the truck door, and stepped out onto the pavement. Together, they walked into the building, rode the elevator up to their floor.

When the elevator doors opened, they both stepped out and entered the bustling office. A hush fell over the room, then all the agents stood up and applauded. Kian and Killian exchanged looks before laughing. Dave saw them and made his way overwith his hand out.

“Kian, it’s great to see you,” Dave exclaimed as he shook Kian’s hand.

“You too, Dave. And everyone else,” Kian replied, looking around the room with a smile on his face. The other agents approached him one by one, shaking his hand and welcoming him back.

“You need to go to the hospital for a check-up. I won’t let you return to work until the doctor gives you the all-clear. I already made an appointment for you at two this afternoon. The department is paying for it, so don’t worry about that.” Dave said.

“No problem. But honestly, I feel fine. The woman who saved me took care of my injuries and bandaged me up. I’m ready to get back to work.”

“I’m glad to hear that, but you’re still getting checked out,” Dave reiterated.

“Understood, sir. Here are two bullet casings. One went through my arm, and I found it in a tree. The other was in the ground.” He handed the baggies to Dave.

“I’ll get these checked out.” Dave nodded.

“I want in on this case too, Dave,” Killian interjected.

“I figured as much. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your duties here, you can join in. But if it does, you’ll have to step back,” Dave said firmly.

“Yes, sir.”

“Kian? Go see your parents first. I’m sure they’re worried sick about you.”

“Thanks, Dave. I’ll head there now and then go to the doctor.”

“Take one of the department trucks.” Dave turned to Killian. “You can resume your case.”

“Got it.” Killian nodded.

Dave retreated back to his office with the bullet, while Kiangave Killian a nod.

“I’ll catch up with you later.”

“Let me know what the doctor says.” Killian removed his debit card from his wallet. “Here, use this.” He told Kian the PIN.

“Thanks, I appreciate it. I’ll come back here after my appointment to update Dave as well.”

“You can bet Dave will know before you even leave the doctor’s office,” Killian joked.

Kian chuckled. “I have no doubt about that. I’ll talk to you soon.” With a pat on Killian’s shoulder, Kian said goodbye to the other agents in the office and headed toward the elevator.

As he stepped out of the building, he glanced up and down Main Street with a smile on his face. He was happy to be back. As he headed toward the truck he was going to use, he saw the coffee shop across the street, and with a grin, headed there.

Holding the door open for a group of women exiting the shop, he almost reached up to tip his hat. But he didn’t have one.

“That’s next,” he murmured to himself as he made his way inside.

“We’ll be with you shortly,” Celine replied without looking up from her work.

“Take your time. I just wanted to say hello to my future sister-in-law.” A grin spread across his face when she looked up at him, gasped, and rushed around the counter to give him a hug.

“Kian!” She sobbed against his shoulder.

“Hey now, none of that. I’m okay.”

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