Page 28 of Black to Light

THE HUSBAND

I’d just clipped Panther’s leash to his collar and climbed to my feet, when my mobile phone buzzed on my old desk.

I saw Black’s name flash, and a smile twitched my lips.

I was tempted to not answer and just get in my car and drive. Show up at his building, demand he make me a coffee, and ask him which office would be mine.

But now it struck me that he might not be at the California Street building.

I had no idea what cases they were working on right now.

I hadn’t let myself ask him about any of that.

I hit the green button and set it to speakerphone. I began gathering up the few things of mine I’d brought from around my desk and in the top drawers. I grabbed an empty box from the floor and began placing them inside. Panther watched me with interest, his ears perked as he sniffed the box while I filled it.

“Hey,” I said to Black.

“Hey,” he said back, a smile in his voice.

Panther barked, hearing Black. It was a light, sharp, “What’s up?” the big dog used to say hello, but right then, it also sounded like, “Where are you?”

Black chuckled. “I see you’ve got the fuzzy goofball with you.”

“Yep. He gets bored in the penthouse, even with everyone taking turns walking him.”

“I know.”

I felt a faint tension in the silence, and realized he was hesitating.

Stalling, maybe.

“You’re calling,” I commented.

“I am.”

“So you remembered how phones work?” I teased.

“It took me a minute, but it’s like riding a bike, doc.”

“Ah. So you ride bikes then?” I struggled suddenly to picture that as I put a stress ball, an old photo frame, and a few pens in the box. “When have you ever ridden bikes before, Black?”

“It’s happened. Not recently. But it’s happened.”

There was another pause. He cleared his throat.

“So,” he said.

“So?” I prompted. I checked the lower drawers. Empty.

When I didn’t say anything more, he clicked under his breath.

“So, hey,” he said casually. “I know it’s your first day back at work and all…”

“Maybe,” I hedged.

“Maybe?”

“I’m reconsidering your previous offer.”

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