The warden tapped the side of his coffee cup impatiently. “Trust me, we have to report every quarter.”
“I know, but now there is a new program with a loophole. Check this out. It’s a lot of reading, but I’ve highlighted the sections and what you may be able to get. It also refers to the Prison Reform Act.”
He raised his eyebrows in what looked to be respect. “This is impressive. You’ve done your due diligence.”
I smiled broadly. “I work for the Department of Human Services. I have to.”
He pushed the documents aside. “I’ve meant to ask you something for a while now.”
Warden Smith was not an attractive man. His face was lined with pockmarks, and his belly protruded over his pants even though his legs were incredibly skinny. I said, “Warden, I have a keen interest in prison reform, and as you know, my brother was in here for a while.”
“Yes, yes, I remember. Let’s get past all that.” He waved his hand as if directing traffic out of the way. “I wanted to know if you would like to have a drink with me sometime.” He bared his teeth in a greasy smile.
“Uh. No, thank you, Warden. I appreciate the offer, but I have a boyfriend, and you have a wife.”
The greasy smile remained. “Well, if that changes, just give me a call. You know where I am.”
I balked and packed my things up. “Thanks, Warden. I have a busy day, so I’d better be going now.”
“Okay. I do, too. See you soon, Amber.” Warden Smith hitched up his pants and left the table. He swiftly opened the door. I walked past him, and I caught him closing his eyes, inhaling. I picked up the pace and headed for the outdoors. The guy made my skin crawl.
As I drove back to the office on my usual route, I mentally patted myself on the back. I’d done my best, and that’s all anyone could hope for. Today was a half-day because the next day I would be in training for my new role. The other issue that hung around the back of my mind came to the forefront. Colt and Hector. They were going to settle things tonight. My head had been pounding with mortifying scenarios.
I grabbed the lavender-scented oil I carried in my bag for stress reduction and sniffed it. I let the velvety scent float into my nostrils and soothe me.
As I packed up, I saw Lucy’s car leaving the parking lot. Another problem eliminated, at least for the day. Work went well and the day passed quickly.
I called Colt, wanting to hear that sexy, down-low, California cowboy accent. I peeked outside. I saw a few of my work colleagues heading to the coffee shop for their break. I waved, and they waved when they saw me.
“Hi.”
“Hi, beautiful. Missing me, huh?”
I paused because I wanted to say something about what was coming. It hung in the air like the elephant in the room between us. “Yes, I am.”
“How’s your day?” he reached.
“As good as can be. How’s Hector doing? Driving you bananas yet?”
“No. He just needs a little guidance. I see the route he’s heading down. I’m going to turn that around for him if I can. He’s a good kid.”
“Colt? Be careful tonight. I don’t want to talk about it or anything. I think I’ve said enough.”
“I understand. I love you. It will be like nothing ever happened.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. Just be careful.”
“You think I’m going to let anything happen to me when I got your fine ass, Bella, and your brother out here? I’m not a stupid man.”
“Bye, baby,” I replied silkily.
“Bye, honey.”
“Colt?”
“Yeah?
“I love you.” I couldn’t hold it in any longer.
