Page 55 of Protecting the White Bear

“That’s true. But I doubt they’ll all be together. I’m sure they’ll have split up so we don’t catch them in one place.”

“I figured that too. So you do plan to go after them.”

“We’re just going to try to learn what we can about it. You know how that goes. Lots of research and lots of dead ends. I don’t know how long Monica plans to stay with me. She’s from Anchorage, you know. But we’ll try to get some intel while I'm off.”

“All the bachelors are talking about how you rarely are seen out on a date, and now you pick up an FBI agent, and she’s living with you. They want to know how you managed that.”

“When you’re busy saving each other’s lives, you build a special connection.”

“That’s what I told the guys.”

Andy chuckled. “I’ve got to grab a gun and the handcuffs and get out of your hair so you can work.”

“Just remember to call me if you need help.”

“I sure will. Thanks, Roger. And thank the guys for me for getting all this together for us.”

“You’re welcome. They wanted you to be safe if you had trouble.”

Then Andy signed out another gun, grabbed the handcuffs and his parka, goggles, gloves, facemask, and backpack that he’d left behind at the cabin, said goodbye to Roger, and headed out. Before he returned home so he could let Monica rest longer, he stopped by the tavern to say hi to his mom, dad, and Ben.

When he walked inside, his mom frowned at him. “Where’s Monica?”

“She’s at home resting her back.”

“Oh.” Then his mom frowned again. “Why aren’t you at home looking after her?”

Andy smiled. “She’s sleeping. I told her I had to get a replacement gun and handcuffs.”

“You better not be planning to chase after these villains when she’s still injured.”

“We aren’t. We’ll do some research though.”

Ben hurried over to see him. “Hey, how are the two of you doing?”

“Great.”

“You’re not together.”

Andy laughed. Maybe he should have skipped seeing his family this morning, but he knew they would be annoyed if they learned he was in town and hadn’t dropped by to tell them what was happening. They hadn’t wanted to intrude on them while they were at home.

“She’s resting,” their mom quickly said.

“Oh, of course. So I guess there’s no hope for me.”

“None,” Andy said.

Their dad left the kitchen and joined them. “Family gathering, I see. Is she staying here for good?”

“No, Dad. She’s just here for as long as she wants to be. I doubt she wants to leave her job to stay here.”

“Do you know her favorite dessert?” his mom asked. “We know yours is cheesecake.”

“We haven’t discussed our tastes in desserts yet.”

“All right. We'll make it for her when you learn what she loves.”

“Thanks, Mom. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it. I’m headed home but just wanted to check in with you all.”

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