Page 86 of Phoenix

“What did you do?” She’s lifting the wrapping to see.

“Got into a fight with drywall.”

She shakes her head and sighs. “Did you at least clean it?”

“Peroxide, then soap and water, keeping it dry and wrapped,” I tell her.

“I’m impressed.” She releases my hand.

“Learned a thing or two about treating immediate issues while in the Academy.”

“Ah, yes. That makes sense.” She then turns her attention back to Arya, who has been patiently waiting for more attention.

“Hungry? Thirsty?”

“For some reason, I have a feeling this conversation will require alcohol,” she says.

“I think you might be right. Jack and Coke good with you?” I say, heading to the kitchen.

“Jack and Coke sounds great.”

“Great. Make yourself at home. I’ll be right back and then we can talk.” I leave her alone with Arya and disappear into the kitchen.

I pause for a moment and gather my wits. I don’t like talking about this. I don’t like reliving it. I’m embarrassed by the effect it has had on me and my life, but after what I did today, she has the right to know why, and if she never wants to see me again, that’s her choice.

She leaves next week anyway.

My heart constricts at the thought.

I make my way over to the cabinet and pull down the bottle of Jack Daniels and two glasses.

I think I’ll need a double for this.

Nora

“Why am I doing this, girl?” I say as I pat Arya’s head.

When I took a seat on the couch, she immediately jumped up and laid her head in my lap. She’s so calm and loving. It’s hard to believe she’s an officer and is trained to hunt down bad guys.

“I like your dad a lot, but what he did today wasn’t okay. You agree, don’t you?” She just sighs heavily and nuzzles into my touch. “Good talk.” I laugh a little.

“Were you talking to my dog?”

I look up and see Case holding two drinks in one hand.

“Well...yes. She’s a good listener, but she’d rather cuddle than talk,” I say, scratching behind her ear.

“Yeah, she’s good for that.”

He walks across the room and offers me one of the glasses.

“Thank you.” I take the glass and immediately sip a little. “Mmm.”

“You’re welcome.” He moves across the room and sits in the chair across from the sofa, giving me a bit of space. I’m both sad and thankful for that fact.

“So...”

He drinks a bit more then places his glass on the coffee table. “So...” He takes a large breath. I can see his shoulders rise and then fall like he’s waging war within himself. I can see the entire battle playing over his face before finally, one side wins. “When I was nine years old, I nearly drowned in a backyard pool.”

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