Page 86 of Her Guardian
“I like the sound of that,” I say, tossing my cigarette and pulling her into a hug.
We finish getting ready and head toward Salvalagio. Sarah points out a store that sells the disposable vapes she likes, so I turn into the parking lot and find a space.
The store looks like a head shop. Reminds me of the places I frequented when I was younger, before they legalized marijuana in the state. A thin guy with dreads behind the counter offers to help, but we decline. Sarah walks over to a row of disposable vapes and looks at the selection. I wander around for a few minutes before finally walking behind her.
“Do they not have strawberries and cream?” I ask. “We can go somewhere else if they don’t.”
“No, they do, but I’m considering sour apple or cranberry grape this time,” she says, pointing them out.
“Whatever you want.” I shrug and pick up a watermelon one. “You were able to quit smoking with these things?”
“Worked for me,” she replies. “Why? Do you want to try one?”
“Maybe,” I say tentatively. “I do need to quit. Been meaning to for a few years, but there’s always some bullshit getting in the way and stressing me out.”
“Let’s find you something a little stronger,” she says, taking my hand. “Those are better for people who smoketrainingcigarettes.”
I laugh under my breath as she leads me to a different selection. I’m a little hesitant, but I buy one anyway and open it once we get back to the SUV. Even I have to admit it has a kick, and Ifeel a slight buzz when I take a puff that fills the SUV with an enormous cloud, blinding us both.
“Fuck!” I mutter, rolling down the window.
“Yeah, don’t have to hit it that hard,” Sarah laughs.
It’s a new experience, but I get the hang of it on the way to Salvalagio. Once we arrive, Sarah goes upstairs to pack her things. I head to the war room to see if there’s any news about the Mafia Prince Killer. I’m not expecting anything, but I spot Massimo and Dante in the middle of a conversation when I walk in.
“Big Boyd!” Massimo calls out. “How was your date?”
“It was a date,” I grumble.
“Come on, big man. At least tell me if she liked the hot air balloon,” Massimo says. “Lea said she would.”
“She did,” I confirm. “And you don’t have to worry about her hanging around Salvalagio anymore. She’s going to stay with me the rest of the time she’s here.”
“Then I’d say it wentgreat,” Dante remarks. “Big Boyd with a lady. Been a long time, hasn’t it?”
“Yeah,” Massimo answers before I can.
“Didn’t come here to discuss my personal life,” I grunt. “Are we any closer to catching this fucker, or still sitting on our asses?”
“Absolute silence since the last murder,” Dante sighs. “But I guess that fits the pattern. Cops didn’t find anything useful at the crime scenes. Same as the other cities. Fucker is like a ghost.”
“So, still business as usual until he trips a sensor?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.
“Yeah,” Massimo confirms. “Which… means you don’t really have anything to do. I’ll get that shit figured out soon. There’s so much to do with my dad retiring. And I’m trying to make all the appointments for the baby, but now that I see how much work this job entails, I’m beginning to see why my dad wasn’t very involved in our lives when we were young.”
“No disrespect to the ex-boss, but I think you’ll be a much better father than he was,” I say.
Massimo sighs and nods. I can see the stress he’s under. He’s tense. He’s showing his age more than he has recently, but I’m sure the lack of sleep has a lot to do with it. It won’t be any easier once the baby arrives.
“If you need me to do anything, I’m here,” I assure him. “Not doing anything else, except looking after Sarah, and I know you didn’t mean for that assignment to last this long. That’s partially my fault.”
“Appreciate that, Big Boyd,” Massimo says. “And I’ll keep my word. As soon as I can get around to it.”
We talk for a little longer, then I leave the war room and head back to the lobby where we agreed to meet. Sarah is already waiting for me, a big smile on her face, suitcase sitting on the floor beside her. I walk over and grab it before she can.
“All set?” I ask.
“Yep!” she chirps, looking around. “I’m going to miss this place. The casino more than my room.”
