“I leave and what, Cherie? You go into hysterics because after a while you can’t keep up the tough girl act.” Reese knew he’d struck a nerve when she glared at him.
“For your information, I don’t get hysterical.” She closed her eyes and blew out a breath. “I need to be alone so I can process what just happened to me.”
“What you don’t need is to be alone.”
“Look, Reese, I don’t need a babysitter. I’ve been on my own even before I graduated college. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my life, and like the others, this too shall pass.”
“Are you telling me this isn’t the first time you’ve been attacked?”
“It’s the only time I’ve been attacked. And I must thank you for coming along when you did because things could’ve turned into something much more tragic.”
“Do you believe in destiny, Cherie?”
A beat passed before she said, “I do now.”
Her answer meant she hadn’t believed in it before tonight. Reese had arranged for one of the other deputies to drive to the Seaside Café to pick up the food because he’d wanted to keep his cousin away from the station house long enough for Elizabeth to finish decorating the chief’s office. However, when Parker began complaining that he had to get back to the station house, Reese had no alternative but had to tell him about the surprise celebration.
“I’ll leave, but only if you give me your cell number.” Reaching into the pocket of his jeans, Reese took out his cell phone and handed it to Cherie. “I’ll text you rather than call, and whenever you wake up, you can return the text.” He waited as she tapped the keys with her information, then returned his phone. “I’m going to have to take a picture of your neck as evidence.” She tilted her head back, and he took three shots in rapid succession. “I’m done.”
“Thank you,” she said, smiling.
Reese returned her smile. “You’re most welcome.”
Chapter 8
Reese returned to the station house in time to see Parker Shelton thanking everyone for making his fifty-fifth birthday a memorable one. He winked at Elizabeth when she smiled at him, and then turned his attention to his cousin. At fifty-five, the never-married, retired Marine Corps drill sergeant was an incredible physical specimen. He stood an even six-foot and worked out every day; whenever off duty, weather notwithstanding, he could be seen running along the beach.
Thirteen years Parker’s junior, Reese felt more like his younger brother than second cousin and had always looked up to him as his mentor. And it was Parker’s counsel he’d sought once he’d made the decision that he wanted a military career.
A slight flush darkened the chief’s khaki-brown complexion. “And I’d like to personally thank the deputy who is responsible for this impromptu get-together. What do you know? He just happened to walk in.” Everyone turned to look at Reese and applauded.
He gave Parker a snappy salute. “It’s not every day someone gets to be double nickels along with celebrating their fifth anniversary as chief on the same day.”
Parker’s light-brown eyes sparkled like newly minted pennies. “You’ve got that right.”
“You’re the best chief Coates Island has ever had,” Elizabeth shouted. “And I’ve been here before some of you were born, so I know what I’m talking about.”
“No one is disputing you, Miss Elizabeth,” countered Ian Burrows.
Reese had learned that Ian had hoped to be promoted to chief before the mayor appointed Parker to the position. However, months after his being sworn in, Parker selected Ian to be assistant deputy chief.
Parker crossed his arms over a crisp gray shirt. “There’s enough food here for everybody to take home, so don’t be shy. Miss Elizabeth will pack up whatever you don’t take and store it in the fridge. Now it’s time we get back to protecting and serving. Reese, I’d like to see you in my office.”
“Don’t worry, sweetie,” Elizabeth whispered to Reese as she approached him. “I’ll make a plate for you before these vultures devour everything.”
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth.”
She patted his arm over his jacket. “You know I’ll always look out for you.”
“And I you,” he whispered. “Got to see the chief before he reads me the riot act.”
Reese entered Parker’s office and closed the door. He admired his cousin because he didn’t give him preferential treatment because of their familial relationship. He was just another deputy expected to follow a direct order, and the only time he wasn’t the chief’s subordinate was away from the station house. Then they were family.
Parker pointed to a chair facing his desk. “Please sit down.”
Reese complied and gave his boss a direct stare. “I know you want to talk about what went down in the Seaside Café’s parking lot. And right now, I don’t have much information to give you other than a man attempted to strangle one of the restaurant’s employees.”
“Did you interview the woman?”
