Page 7 of True Valor
“What does yourguttell you is goingon with this girl, Nic?You’ve always had good instincts, even ifyou didn’t become a cop.”
Mickey had never gotten over the fact thatNic had preferred battling fires to fighting bad guys.Then, whenhe and Joey had made the jump to pararescue, Mickey had again pledhis case for them to come back to Boston and join the force.Nicnever doubted that he’d made the right decision.Well, not untilJoey died.
He forced himself back to the present.“Ithink she’s telling the truth.I think she really does haveamnesia, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Partly.But what I’m really asking is this:what does your gut tell you to do?”
Nic was silent.
“Don’t think, Boyo, just answer.”
“She’s in trouble and she needs my help.”
“And?”
“And I don’t want that responsibility.”
“Look, Nic.You and I both know that longterm isn’t in your vocabulary.A few hours, maybe twenty-four hourson the side of the mountain, okay.But you’re the master of themomentary.”
Nic winced.
“Grow up, Nic.Help this poor girl out, oryou’ll regret it the rest of your life.Now, give me the licenseplate number and a description, and I’ll see what I can findout.”
Nic gave him the information and slammed downthe receiver.Damn it all.Mickey had acted like Nic had alreadyagreed to this crazy scheme of his, like he already knew what Nicwould decide.
The shower shut off.Nic paced the length ofthe small living room in three steps, turning his options over inhis mind.A knock on the door, announcing the arrival of theirbreakfast, made the decision for him.He decided to decide later.Citizen Nic was fully in control again—for the moment.
By the time Julie came out of the bathroom,wearing the only thing she had—her pajamas—Nic had the table filledwith food.“Eat something.I’m going to shower.”He hadn’t intendedto sound so testy but, hewastesty.
Julie slumped into a chair, picked up amuffin, and took an obedient bite.
Nic shrugged and headed for the bathroom.
He was too tall to let the water pound on hishead—the problem with hotel showers.Still, the warm water feltgood on his chest.At least there was decent pressure.As heshampooed his hair the delayed conversation in his head startedagain.
Citizen Nic gave him all the common-senseanswers.Take Julie to the people who solved these kinds of thingsfor a living.But the nagging little voice, the one heard beneaththe rustle of the cape, was accusatory.You’re just avoiding acommitment here.But what you’re really afraid of is getting yourheart involved.You are at a crossroad, my friend.It’s time, Nic,to let down your defenses and take on something that will take morethan a few hours of your precious time.
The argument went on.Nic shut his eyes andinhaled the steam, letting the water beat on his back until itshould have been cold.When he could avoid it no longer, he raisedhis head and stepped back, shutting off the water.
“All right, Batman, you win…again.”Nicmuttered, as he pulled on jeans and a sweatshirt.“You happy?”Hegrabbed socks and walked toward the living room.
“Damn it!”
The room was empty.
Chapter Three
Julie was gone, plain and simple.Ahalf-eaten muffin left on her plate.She must have taken off assoon as he’d turned on the water.Nic ran his hand through hisstill damp hair.Where could she have gone in her pajamas?On thetable was the pad he’d written the police department addresson.
“Damn it all!”
Nic skidded to a stop at the front desk,interrupting the desk clerk to ask if there were any messages.Hewasn’t surprised when the clerk, with lips pursed, handed him anote.
Nic,
Thank you so much for everything.I willfind a way to pay you back for the clothes.Sorry, I just can’t goto the police.
Julie
