Page 50 of First Date: Divorce
K.D.also stared straight ahead.“Yeah, and as long as you don’t mention my badge.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
FRIDAY
K.D.thought she’d be up and out for a run — a solitary run — before anyone else stirred.
But Pauline sat in the kitchen, sipping a cup of coffee when K.D.went to get water to take with her.
Not all that surprising since the older woman would leave today, too, flying to Chicago to visit family while Eric was at Marriage-Save.
“Morning.I’m going for a run.”As if the woman couldn’t figure it out from her outfit.
“Heard you two come in last night.It’s natural to take the tension out on each other.”
“We didn’t say anything—”
“No, you didn’t,” Pauline said with emphasis.“But you clearly had.Or you’d have said good-night to each other, talked about what’s happening today.As I said, it’s natural to take out the tension on each other, but silence isn’t the answer.
“I don’t know you well, K.D.Have some ideas, but don’t know you well.But I do know Eric.He’s come through the other side of his marriage even stronger, though he’s not convinced of that yet.He’s also come through it needing — requiring — someone who tells him the truth.To be completely honest with him.”
“Isn’t that what everyone needs?”she said lightly, hoping to turn aside the other woman’s intensity.
“Absolutely not.Some people want anything but honesty.They want the pleasant fiction.”
K.D.felt her eyebrows rise.“Pleasant fiction?That’s not something law enforcement deals with a lot.”
“Exactly.You deal in facts.That’s perfect.”
*
K.D.got out of there fast.She had a run to get in.A long run.
Perfect…
Pauline meant perfect for Eric because it fit what Pauline thought he needed.
Great.Pauline could think perfect for Eric Larkin was all that mattered.Didn’t mean that mattered to K.D.Hamilton.
What about her?What didsheneed?
The questions pounded at her as she ran, her mind never clearing as it did during most runs.
Pounded and hounded … until the only answer to what did she need became easy — a shower.
She needed a shower.
And to get started on this investigation.
*
Pauline was alone in the kitchen, her suitcase by the front door.
“You can quit skulking in the doorway, Eric.K.D.’s come and gone already this morning.Took a run, showered, had her breakfast, and back upstairs in her room.Alone.”
Of all that, he responded to, “I’m not skulking.”He strode in, gathering the makings and tools for scrambled eggs.
“Well, maybe you should be,” shot back Pauline.“What did you do to that young woman?”
