Page 41 of Serve and Protect
“Of course it is,” Ruth says. “Isn’t it always? Now, please enlighten us.”
I’m not ready to tell them Chris confessed his feelings for me when he was under the influence of a sedative. “We’ve been talking.”
Ruth raises an eyebrow. “Talking?And?”
“Well,” I begin, unsure how much to share this soon. Chris and I have hardly had a chance to discuss it. “It’s complicated.”
Before anyone can say another word, Chris and Jack return. Maggie, Ruth, and I all stand for the update.
“The building is safe now,” Jack says. “The fire is out. Jennie, your office is off limits until the fire inspector can investigate. But the room is pretty much destroyed. The wood floors around the desk are badly singed and will need to be repaired. Your desk, chair, and computer are ruined. And there’s smoke damage in the kitchen and dining room.”
“Don’t worry,” Chris says. “Your insurance should cover everything. Once the fire inspector gets here and makes his report, we can start on repairs.”
“Did anyone say how long the diner will be closed?” I ask as this is starting to sink in.
“I’m guessing a few days at least,” Chris says. “You won’t be able to reopen until the health department gives you the okay.” He pulls me close, wrapping his good arm around me. “It’s going to be okay. No one was hurt. That’s what’s important. The rest can be fixed.”
* * *
Officer Stephens offers Chris a ride to the station so he can requisition a temporary replacement vehicle until there’s a determination on his SUV as to whether it’s repairable or not.
“We’ll give you a ride home,” Chris says. “There’s nothing you can do here right now. Besides, it’s not safe. No civilians are allowed in the diner until further notice.”
“Ruth thinks David might have done it,” I whisper to Chris.
Chris nods. “Believe me, he’s my number one suspect. I’m going to pay him a visit this morning to see if he has an alibi.” Then he surprises me when he reaches for my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze.
As I nod, I get a whiff of his scent—a combination of clean laundry, soap, and something distinctly male. Something that makes my insides quiver in anticipation.
And then, to everyone’s surprise—including mine—he kisses my cheek.
Our avid audience—Ruth, Jack, Maggie, and the servers—are watching our interaction.
Chris’s deputy gives me a ride home. When we pull into my driveway, I thank him for the ride and tell Chris I’ll see him later.
Chris gets out of the vehicle to walk me to my door. He leans close and whispers in my ear. “We need to continue our discussion from earlier.” Then he slips his good arm around my waist and kisses me. “Go inside, and lock the doors. I’ll come back after I question Braggart.”
It’s not until Chris and his deputy drive away that I realize he forgot to put on his sling.
Chapter 14 – Chris
“Let’s head straight to the Braggart ranch,” I tell Ricky. My gut tells me he started the fire in Jennie’s office. On the way there, I realize I forgot to grab the sling, but that’s too bad. There’s no time to go back for it. My shoulder will just have to keep aching like a bitch.
When we arrive at the Braggarts’ place, Ricky pulls up to the circular drive in front of the house. We get out of the cruiser and approach the front door. He knocks while I peer through the front windows trying to get a bead on Dave’s location, assuming he’s even here. But I don’t see anyone.
The housekeeper, Marguerite, comes to the door. When she sees us standing here, her eyes widen. “Yes? Can I help you?”
“Is Dave here?” I ask.
“No, sir. He left early this morning, and he hasn’t been back. I don’t know where he is.”
I need to search this house to be sure he’s not here. I can’t take the housekeeper’s word for it. I also need to look for evidence of arson, both in this house and in his vehicle.
“Looks like I need a search warrant,” I tell Ricky. “Let’s head back to the station. We need to put out an APB on Braggart. He’s got to be around here somewhere. I want all eyes looking for him.”
On my way back to the car, I call Jennie to let her know Braggart’s not at home. That means I have no idea where he is, and I want to give her a heads-up.
When she answers my call, I say, “He’s not at home, Jennie. We’ll keep looking. In the meanwhile—”
