Her phone rang with a call from Gonzo.
“Hey, what’s up, Sarge?”
“I wanted to make sure you were okay after your first flights.”
While she was touched by the concern, she wondered if they all thought she was a bumpkin because she’d never flown before. “The first one wasn’t bad, but the second was really bumpy. I didn’t care for that.”
Gonzo laughed. “Most of us hate that.”
“I can see why.”
“Thanks again for making the trip.”
“Sure, no problem. Is there anything new in the Ahern investigation?”
“Sam and Freddie went to see the parents. It was rough.”
“Ugh, I’m sure it was terrible.”
“We had another chat with the Mayfield kid, and based on his behavior, we suspect there could be a personality disorder or something. Charity is requesting a psych eval.”
“Oh wow, that’s interesting.”
“It was fucking creepy. Anyway, get some rest and check in after you see Mrs. Carver.”
“Will do.”
Neveah plugged her phone into the charger, got into bed, shut off the lights and stared up at the dark ceiling, thinking about her mother, Law & Order, the mission she’d undertake tomorrow, and a sweet, handsome guy named Jeremy who’d held her hand on her first-ever flight.
Chapter Thirty-One
Archie arrived home after another long day and went looking for Harlowe. She was seated on the floor of his bedroom, folding a huge pile of laundry. He’d texted her to say he was on his way home, as he was still concerned about startling her as she recovered from her ordeal with Offenbach.
“Hey.”
She smiled up at him. “There you are. Another long day.”
“They all are lately.”
“I did the laundry.”
“Oh, thanks. I was planning to do that when I got home.”
“Now you don’t have to. I liked having something to do.”
Archie dropped to his knees next to her and kissed her cheek. “Thank you.”
“Welcome. Are you hungry? I used Instacart and got some stuff to make soup. It’s on the stove.”
“I could smell it when I came in.” He kept his head on her shoulder, breathing in the sweet scent that was all her. No enhancements needed. “I like coming home to you.”
“I was wondering if I’m outstaying my welcome.”
“What? No. That’s not possible. If I had my way, you’d stay forever. If you want to, that is.”
“Forever is a long time.”
“I have a feeling it won’t be long enough.”
