Page 9 of Blind Date with a #FIREFIGHTER
He motions to the couch, and I take a seat. “How long have you been seeing Mr. Zander?”
“Officer, I’m not sure the word is seeing. We were set up on a blind date via a charity auction of some kind being held by the Book Nook and Brew. Nan asked me to fill in for someone else who had to cancel.”
“But you know his son?”
“I volunteer as a reader at the Book Nook in the children’s section. Aaron sat in on one of my sessions. We talked about firemen books, and I made a couple recommendations for other books. He’s an engaging child with a passion for books. I also volunteer at the library in the children’s area. I believe it was a coincidence that Mr. Zander and I ended up on the blind date. But you can talk to Nan.”
“You know about the restraining order on Mr. Zander’s ex-wife?”
“No, I was not aware of anything regarding Mr. Zander and in truth our dinner conversation was very generic. We did not get into much personal other than his son and his love of books.
“I can tell you that once he got the text from Aaron, Mr. Zander was very concerned about his son and what hisemotional and physical state might be when he got home. I got the sense that there have been difficulties in the past. I had mentioned earlier to him that I work at a daycare. I have a master’s in social work and child development. I offered to come with him if he thought I could help. Even if only to entertain Aaron while the adults did what they needed.”
“I see. Do you know his ex, Cersei Strong?”
“No. I’ve only been in town for a few months to help open the new twenty-four hour childcare facility.”
“Did you know about the restraining order?”
“Officer Davis, I realize what you’re trying to do. Let me be clear. I do not know, nor have I ever seen or met Cersei Strong. I have no knowledge of her, or her relationship with Alex Zander or Aaron Zander. If by chance she has other children that have come into the facility I manage, I have no prior knowledge of her or them. But I’m not on staff twenty-four-seven, nor am I the only one who interviews potential clients. If you’d like to take me to the office, we can go through our records.”
“Perhaps tomorrow.”
“Speaking of checking, has anyone contacted the sitter to see if she’s, okay?” I ask.
“Someone at the precinct is handling that. Thank you for your time. Where can we reach you if we have more questions?”
I pull a business card out of my purse and write my personal number and address on the back. “Please feel free to contact me at either of those numbers.”
“Thank you. We appreciate your help.” He stands with me.
Alex is waiting in the hall. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pull you into all this.”
“You did the right thing, Alex. You took care of your son. He should always come first.”
“I’ll call a ride share to take you home. I…” He runs a hand through hair. “I’ve called off tomorrow because I need to contactmy lawyer and go to the station. But I’d like to talk to you. May I call you tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
“May I have your number? I didn’t get it yet. I was planning on it but….”
I pull out another business card and record my number again. “My shifts vary, not as much as yours, but you can get to me at one of these numbers.”
“Thank you. And thank you for being a calming influence for Aaron.”
“It was my pleasure. You have a lovely son.”
CHAPTER 5
Alex ~ Spark
As soon as everyone leaves, I call my lawyer and good friend.
“Hey Spark, what’s up?” Brad answers.
“Did you know she was back in town?”
“Oh hell no!” I hear him rustling in his bed. “Marie doesn’t have anything to do with her anymore, Spark. I swear. But let me ask her if she’s heard anything.”
