“And don’t you dare think about talking with the construction company. Maverick already told me who you’re using.”
Damnit. The woman was a mind reader.
“I want you to stay with me, Marcus.”
“Mom, your place isn’t pet friendly, and I’m working the night shift for two weeks starting Monday. I won’t disrupt your life like that.”
“Yes, well, one little kitten will be fine. It’s not like we have to walk her. I’ve started cleaning the spare bedroom, you’ll have your own bathroom, and we can even go to a knitting class together. The ladies would love to meet my youngest, and on your days off, you can help me in the garden and with my bonsai plants.”
She took a breath to take a sip of coffee, smiling at me and nodding like she had already decided what was going to happen. If a leaf fell outside, she’d wake up, and my crazy hours would put her out more than she’d admit.
Phoebe stared at me. “Mom, I appreciate the offer, but I’m staying with a friend. I’ve already accepted her offer.”
Shit.
“Her?”Mom said, setting Phoebe on the floor and crossing her arms. She gave me that look again, and I felt a drop of sweat drip down my neck. I still didn’t know if Jenna meant it, but it was the first thing that popped into my head. I should have said I was bunking with a guy from work, but it was too late.
“Yes, a friend. Her name’s Jenna, and she offered me her spare bedroom.”
I tried to act casual, but my hand drifted to my pendant, and my smile strained my face.
“She’s the vet that helped me with Phoebe.”
“A doctor, Marcus? Is she pretty?”
I could deny it to Mom, tell her I didn’t notice, but she’d see right through me.
“Yeah, she’s pretty and spouts off random facts like she’s a trivia champion.”
Mom gave me an all-knowing smirk but stayed quiet, sipping her coffee. Phoebe squeaked and made it halfway up my pant leg before I pried her loose and sat her on my lap with a piece of bacon. “Well, I’m just glad you’re not staying with your brothers. Not that they wouldn’t welcome you with open arms, but those boys are going to stay wild until they find good women to settle them down.”
I grunted in response and scarfed down the rest of my food. By the time I cuffed my sleeves and straightened my tie, Mom was waiting by the back door with a thermos. I gave her another kiss and took the offered goodies, hightailing it to my cruiser.
I cranked the engine and pulled out of the garage, glancing in the mirror at my house with no front steps. I flipped on my radio and called dispatch, letting them know I was headed in. I dreaded even thinking it would be a calm day, but the thought flitted across my mind. Maybe I’d have time to swing by the vet clinic after my shift.
My beard itched, and I rubbed my cheek, scanning the area around me as I pulled up to a four-way stop. Not many cars were on the road, but I still took an extra few seconds to look around. It was clear to my right and left, but I had to do a double-take when I looked straight. Something was wrong with my eyes. I pushed up my aviators and stared at the red mini cooper coming my way.
A giant white...something obscured the passenger window. It had a long neck, like a giraffe, and was wearing sunglasses. How long had it been since I’d been to the optometrist?
I kept staring as the white thing moved closer. The mini cooper stopped at the stop sign, and the driver raised his hand in greeting as I continued to squint at whatever the hell was in the front seat. It was partially covering the driver’s side window, so I sighed and flashed my sirens and lights, motioning for him to pull over. He held both his hands up and nodded, turning left into a gas station. My eyes couldn’t be that bad if I saw him nod, but I had no freaking clue what he had beside him.
I pulled my cruiser behind him and kept the lights flashing, picking up the radio to call in the license plate. While I waited, I looked for any telltale signs of nervousness from the driver. He sat calmly, didn’t fidget, and didn’t glance in his side or rear mirror obsessively. Regardless of whether or not he looked harmless, I didn’t let my guard down.
“Officer Hansen. Vehicle’s registered to a Anthony Goldstein, nineteen, of North Charleston. No outstanding warrants or violations. Proceed.”
“Copy that,” I said, opening the car door and making sure I switched my body camera on.
As I approached, the driver looked in the side mirror and gave me a tight smile, keeping his hands on the steering wheel. I touched his back panel and kept one hand loosely on my holster, my eyes daring between the giant white thing and the driver.
“Good morning, sir. My name is Officer Hansen with the North Charleston Police Force. May I see your license and registration, please?”
“Yes, Officer,” he said, passing over his information.
I looked over everything and checked the dates before realizing what was in the passenger seat. It was a giant swan float. Not a little child’s float for a backyard pool, but one that looked like it could fit several large adults. He had the passenger seat as low as it would go, and the swan spilled into the tiny backseat, taking up all the room and pushing against the back window. I couldn’t help but crack a smile when I realized that’s what had me so stumped.
My eyesight was fine.
“I guess you know why I stopped you. Your passenger is obstructing your field of vision.”
