After pouring herself more coffee, she went to work on finding someone she or her mother had arrested with a dagger tattoo. It was slow going, though, and by the time Jordan came back inside with Cutie, she had only gotten halfway through her list of suspects.
And hadn’t even started on those her mother had put away.
“I hope you don’t mind bacon and eggs again,” Jordan said as he washed up at the sink. Cutie crawled beneath the table to cuddle against Bear. Whatever the puppy had done outside had worn her out.
“That’s fine. I usually settle for oatmeal topped with fruit.” She didn’t cook on a regular basis, only on the weekends where her goal was to make enough that she’d have leftovers for the week. She gestured to her laptop. “This is taking longer than I’d hoped. There are plenty of former inmates who have tattoos, but the process has been time-consuming.”
“Is there a way I can help?” Jordan had the bacon sizzling in the fry pan and the scent made her stomach rumble with hunger. “I don’t mind lending a hand.”
“I wish, but I can’t load the precinct software on your personal computer. I’ll have to go through it myself.” As she said the words, she realized that wasn’t exactly true. She could call on Detective Peters for help. He’d actually sounded more concerned about the perp after their last conversation. “I’ll check in with Peters.”
“Good idea.” He cracked eggs into a bowl. “Breakfast will be ready shortly.”
“Thanks.” She was grateful for Jordan’s hospitality and somewhat surprised that there wasn’t any awkwardness between them despite their kiss.
The camaraderie between them was akin to what she shared with her fellow police officers. The thought startled her, because she’d never experienced that before with someone outside the police force.
Certainly not with her ex.
She gave herself a mental shake, knowing she’d allowed Jordan to get too close. She needed to stay focused. As she went through the next few names, though, she was far too conscious of him moving around the kitchen as he prepared breakfast, even topping off her coffee.
Way too close.
When Jordan brought their plates to the table, she closed her laptop and pushed it to the side. “Looks amazing.”
He smiled and gestured to the dogs, who were snoozing under the table. “Should we feed them now, or wait?”
She glanced at her watch. “Let’s wait. It’s early for Bear. Besides, they’re sleeping.”
“Works for me.” He slid into the seat beside her and clasped his hands together. “Would you say grace?”
“Sure.” She was surprised by his request. Up until now, she’d assumed he’d just gone along with her prayers without really participating. She bowed her head and gathered her thoughts. “Dear Lord Jesus, we ask You to bless this food and bless the ranch. We ask for the strength and courage as we seek those who would harm innocent women and their babies. And lastly, please keep us safe in Your care. Amen.”
“Amen,” Jordan echoed. “It’s hard not to think about the babies,” he added as they began to eat. “Like Jenny’s daughter. Is there anything new with the task force?”
“Not that I know of.” She chewed a slice of bacon. “I wish I could give you something hopeful to look forward to, but we don’t have as many leads as we’d like.”
“I understand.” He sipped his coffee. “Although patience is not my strong suit. Unless it’s dealing with animals.”
She had noticed his tolerance with Cutie and could only imagine he was the same way as he worked with the horses and cattle.
They were just finishing their meal when she heard the rumble of a car engine. Autumn jumped to her feet, reached for her weapon and bolted toward the window to face the oncoming threat.
Bear woke up and followed her, with Cutie trailing behind. She relaxed when she recognized the police vehicle sitting in the driveway.
Then she frowned when Detective Daniel Peters slid out from behind the wheel. He hitched his belt up and strode to the door, his perpetual scowl engraved on his features.
“It’s Peters,” she said, crossing over to open the door. “Stay back, Bear.”
Bear didn’t move.
“Detective.” She greeted him coolly. “I’m surprised to see you here so early.”
He flushed. “Redding asked me to follow up on the shooting incident last night first thing.” He glared at her as if she’d done something wrong and her earlier thoughts of him coming around vanished. “Seems like a hotshot like you wouldn’t need any help, but I had no choice but to follow orders.”
Hotshot? He was still upset that she’d been put on the task force over him. Which was ridiculous, since the task force was comprised of all K-9 handlers. Peters didn’t have a dog. Swallowing her annoyance, she opened the door wider. “Come in. Would you like coffee?”
“Black, no sugar.” She noticed he didn’t thank her. Bear growled as Peters crossed the threshold, which caught her by surprise. Did her K-9 know something she didn’t?
