Page 3 of First Date: Divorce
“Fully involved,” said Tal Bennett.“K.D.is a top-notch officer.Broke my record at the range last year.”
Bennett knew about that?K.D.felt almost shy.Stupid.
Damn right she was top-notch.Contribute?She could — would —runthis investigation.
“No disrespect to Deputy Hamilton, but this is more likely to require finesse than shooting,” Eric Larkin said without looking at her.
Matter of fact, he hadn’t looked at her since he politely shook her hand during the introductions.
First, Grainger introduced himself, Bennett, and the pregnant woman sitting quietly on a loveseat against the wall — Ellyn Griffin.
Then Grainger turned to Larkin, who stood and offered his hand to K.D.as Grainger pronounced his name.
In that moment, topping her nearly five-foot-ten by a few inches, he’d studied her like a wary dog studying the face behind the hand offering a tidbit.
Didn’t trust the face or the hand, but sure did want that tidbit.
Though where on earth that image came from she had no idea, because judging by his clothes, looks, and bearing, Larkin was not accustomed to taking handouts.
Grainger didn’t explain Eric Larkin’s position, just gave his name, then invited him to tell K.D.the plan.
That’s when he’d dropped thefirst-we-get-marriedbombshell.
“If these were drunk drivers or barroom fighters,” he said now, “I’m sure her skills would be needed.Following the legal and money trail requires expertise.”
Great, so her sheriff thought women were such delicate flowers that she had to constantly fight efforts to keep her at a desk and Mr.Financial Wizard thought she was only good for muscle.
“Icanadd,” K.D.muttered.“Even divide in a pinch.”
Ellyn Griffin, the pregnant woman sitting beyond the testosterone trio, covered her mouth, but not before K.D.saw her smile.
None of the three men in the room, however, responded to K.D.’s mutter.That figured.They already had her playing the role ofwife.
Oh, I couldn’t do that — I’m his wife.
How many times had she heard that?Every time she’d urged her mother to stand up to her husband’s rules, regulations, and rigid budget.
Mom, tell Mark you need a new dress and forget the budget for once.Especially since the budget never applied to his wants.
Oh, I couldn’t do that — I’m his wife.
“Hold on.”Grainger said with a drawl that didn’t sound like Wyoming or Montana.“We’re getting ahead of ourselves.We should explain to Deputy Hamilton.”
He smiled at her.It was hard not to smile back.Along with his authority, he was relaxed in the way of people whose world spins very happily indeed.
Which formed a sharp contrast to Larkin.
No happy spinning for him, despite those lines at the corners of his eyes promising a grin.
First glance said he wasn’t law enforcement.
It wasn’t his longer-than-regulation dark blond hair or his clothes’ quality, or even the distant focus that hid more than a blank expression could.
It was the trouble in his eyes that made her certain he wasn’t a cop.
Because the trouble surprised him, and trouble didn’t surprise cops.
“Explaining would be helpful, Sheriff Grainger,” she said.
