Mitch could hear the warmth in Ross’s voice and swallowed down the flare ofjealousy. He was happy for Ross but slightly envious of his relationship. “So what’s stopping you?”
“I don’t like the thought of something happening to me. What if she’s left alone to raise the kid?”
“Jesus, Ross. That’s a bit pessimistic, isn’t it?” He glanced at Ross, who shrugged.
“Maybe, but fuck, cops are killed on the job all the time.”
“And a lot of cops aren’t. Half the departmentis married with kids. Hell, there are mothers out there on the front line.” Mitch indicated and pulled off the freeway, joining the line of cars heading downtown.
“I know. I know I’m not being logical, but these guys are bloody dangerous.”
“Too right they are. But that’s why we’re taking them down. We’re close, Ross, especially now with the tip-offs we keep getting. I know we’re closing in.”
“I hope you’re right.” Ross sighed. “I wish I could be like you, all gung-ho and positive energy, but it’s sucking me dry, mate. The hours, the shit we see every day….” They drove silently for a while.
Mitch had no idea what to say to Ross. He was shit at this type of thing. He was okay at listening, but when it came to advice? He couldn’t even make his own relationship work, so what good wouldhe be at giving advice to anyone else? And especially advice about women? No way in hell. His sister, Vanessa, was still a mystery to him, and he had grown up with her. He’d spent the last twenty-nine years of his life trying to get a handle on her and had finally come to the conclusion it was never going to happen. They might have been twins and had a special bond, but they were like chalk andcheese.
“You want me to get the coffees?” Ross’s question pulled Mitch from his reverie once he parked the car in the underground parking garage.
“Sure. That’d be great.”
They crossed the car park and got in the lift together. Ross exited when it reached the ground floor. Mitch continued up to the seventeenth floor, where the doors slid open onto the headquarters of Operation Solo.
