“I don’t know. We don’t have any other suspects. The bored teens of Serenity have taken over the Pizza Palace since they’ve added the arcade. They don’t care to vandalize anything. Saint scared the bejesus out of a couple of them smoking weed behind the building.”
“One of them pissed his pants. His mama shot me dirty looks at church the next day. Either they know we’re on to him or he told her I caught him with the stuff,” Saint said, grabbing a donut.
“Boss, seriously? You expect me to carry a bloated ass goldfish around town and find a replica?” Patch said, disgustedly as he stared at the box.
Leo raised his brow. “No. I expect you to drive into Seattle and find one. If Kit Kat gets even a whiff of me killing the damn thing, I’ll be searching for a pet dog to replace it.”
“What’s the problem? You like dogs. You hired Cole Martin to train them for us,” Shadow reminded him.
Leo stroked his chin. “I don’t want a divorce. I happen to love my wife.”
Patch grunted. “What does getting a dog have to do with a divorce?”
“You don’t have kids. Melody has begged for a puppy forever. But we all know I’ll be taking him outside to go potty and walking him. We know Catherine won’t allow Melody towalk him alone, and I agree. Derrick’s breastfeeding and Grace’s teething have made Kit Kat’s fuse very short. I’ve worked nights the last two months, which means she’s played single parent. If I have to tell her I killed the damn goldfish and we aren’t getting a freaking puppy, Melody will start crying. Then it’ll set Grace off and wake up Derrick. Gentlemen, I only have one set of balls and I’d like to keep them.”
“Can’t you buy her another fish?” Patch asked.
The men chuckled. Knight shook his head at his friend. “Marcus isn’t old enough to understand, but I’ve seen my niece, Nugget, at work. If they sniff weakness, you’re finished.”
“You’re a SEAL, it’s your job to notice every spot of color, every line, and the distinction of his tail. I don’t care if you have to dive into an aquarium and pull each fish out and examine it,” Leo ordered.
“Why did I get picked for the job? Most of you have kids,” Patch grumbled.
“Because we’ve paid our dues. You’re taking one for the team,” Leo said. “I’m getting a couple of hours of shuteye. Saint and Knight will take over surveillance from Lucas and José .”
Whiskey entered, appearing rushed as he took his seat. “I got word from Seattle. The substance all over the bread truck tested positive for pesticides.”
Leo sighed deeply. “Get the Serenity officers on the phone and share the news. Keep your eyes open. We need to catch him before he hurts someone.”
Scarlett walkedto the hospital cafeteria feeling restless. Her stomach growled as she and Ice waitedfor their turn.
“I thought you’d be tired of hospital food by now,” Ty’s deep voice came from behind her.
She smiled. “I have the afternoon off. Ice and I felt a little stir crazy in the cabin and decided to come here for the noise. Did you have a catering job today?” she asked.
“No. My sous chef felt bad for how crazy he’s acted about his breakup and offered to work the afternoon shift,” he explained. “I hoped to catch you at the cabin, but I saw you walking.”
“Oh, did you need something?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. It’s unseasonably warm today, and I thought to take advantage of it by enjoying a picnic. Do you know of anyone who might like to join me for a charcuterie board and lavender lemonade?” he whispered, conspiratorially.
“It depends,” she said cheekily. “What did you bring for dessert?”
“Hmmm. I must’ve forgotten. I guess you’ll have to go with me and find out. What do you say?” he asked.
“I think poor Randy, the cook, just lost a customer. Do we need anything else? My cabin’s not far,” she offered.
“No. I only needed you to accompany me. The trails have picnic tables placed along them. I’m parked out front. We can grab everything out of my truck and leave now if you’re ready.”
“Sure,” she said, turning toward him. Ty walked beside her as she navigated through the lunch crowd and stepped inside the elevator.
When they got to his truck, Ty pulled out a fold-up wagon and placed everything inside it, including a blanket in case the picnic tables were already occupied.
“Do you want to use your cane or hold onto my arm?” he asked, once he had everything situated. “The trails are paved.”
“Then, I’ll take your arm,” she said, folding up her caneand reaching for him. He placed her hand in the crook of his right arm and pulled the wagon with his left.
“How did you know to make a charcuterie board if you didn’t know your chef planned to kick you out for the afternoon?” she asked as they started toward the trails.
