Page 16 of Avery's Hero

When I back the truck out of the lot and start down the street, I let my curiosity drive the conversation. “I know you haven’t had much time to explore, but what do you think about Lynn’s Cove so far?”

Stiffly sitting in the passenger seat, she replies in a clipped voice, “It’s nice.”

“You know… I didn’t mean to open up some kind of old wound when I asked about your brother.”

She shakes her head. “It’s not your fault. There’s just a lot of… water under the bridge. He’s part of the reason I took the job here. I am hoping maybe he'll move here as well when he can. It would be a good fresh start for both of us.”

She rolls down her window and lets her hand float on the wind outside. After a few miles, she says, “The other reason I wanted to move is because I wanted to get away from the limelight.”

“From the arson cases?”

She nods.

“I rather not be the face of the department.”

“I don’t exactly take you as shy.”

She half-snorts. “You just think I’m not shy?”

My brows draw together. So, maybe this is why Averyhas a hard time being close with me. “You consider yourself shy?”

She starts to speak, then stops. “Actually, shy is the wrong word. I prefer not to be the object of attention. That’s different. My comfort zone is in the shadows. I can be bold when I need to be, but it’s definitely not my preferred mode.”

“You were getting too much attention in San Diego after you solved those cases?”

“Yes. From all kinds of angles.”

“What happens if you solve a case here and the media picks up on it?”

I can feel her looking at me as I drive.

“Actually, Chief, that’s something I wanted to talk to you about. I wanted to see if you can protect me.”

Sounds like this is getting into serious conversation territory. I pull over and park in the hamburger place’s parking lot.

It’s nearly lunchtime. The lot’s starting to fill up with the usual crowd. Shifting the truck in park, I turn and rest my arm on the back of the center seat so I can face her. “Alright. I’m all ears.”

“If I do solve any cases, I want you to take the credit. Of course, it’s a hypothetical that I can solve this case. There are many factors that will affect that outcome. I assure you that I’ll apply my skills at maximal effort based on my limited expertise, because I’m not really an arson specialist after all. I just happened to solve two cases. But as you know, outside variables can’t be controlled. For example, we’re limited by the samples that were collected at the scenes, and the capabilities of forensics laboratories.”

“Take a breath, Avery. It’s okay.” I offer a grin. “That big brain of yoursis cooking.”

She pinches at her eyebrow, something I’ve seen her do before. “Sorry. I kind of went down a rabbit hole. I’ve been told I should keep it short and simple. Frankly, I am not very good at that. But sometimes, I get a clue when people’s eyes glass over.”

“You don’t have to keep it short with me. I like hearing you talk. I just want you to know you don’t have to stress about this. I’ve got your back.”

Chewing on her lip, her eyes locked on mine, she asks, “You’ll keep me out of the spotlight?”

That protective feeling she stirs in me rears up. It makes my voice grow rough. “Of course, that’s my job.”

For a few seconds, she just looks at me with those big, luminous eyes of hers. That look stirs things deep inside of me. A longing. Loneliness. Wrapped up in a need to take care of her.

The way she searches my own face, I know she’s looking for sincerity.

How many broken promises has this woman been dealt?

The look she has in her eyes comes from one thing. Disappointment by the ones you trust.

“When you come to work for me, you’re my responsibility. I take your well-being seriously.”

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