“A great one. I just reunited Jaye Lachlin with his parents.”
“Seriously?” Emerson said. He dragged Dash in for a hug. “That’s wonderful news!”
Dash squeezed him tight. “For a while, I wasn’t sure we’d ever find him.”
“But you did. Because you’re amazing.” Emerson walked backwards. “I need to go finish dinner. Get comfy and come talk to me. I’ve got news of my own.”
“You can’t leave me hanging like that!”
Emerson spun and stalked towards the kitchen. “Just go get relaxed!”
After restarting the gas, Emerson finished sautéing the vegetables. By the time the noodles came out of the water andthe sauce had been added to the wok, Dash appeared in pajama pants and a t-shirt, his tummy stretching the jersey material a bit.
Emerson couldn’t help himself. He crossed over to caress his mate’s expanding belly, sneaking a kiss, too. “Can you grab a couple of plates and some silverware out?”
“Got it,” Dash said.
“Want to eat at the island or dining room?”
“Living room,” Dash said. “The new season ofWickedly Ever Afterpremiered today.”
“Oh, shit,” Emerson said. “The couch it is.”
Once they had plates, silverware, and drinks, they carried their meal to the living room and got comfy.
“What do we need to discuss?” Dash asked.
“I was offered a promotion today.”
“Oddly enough, so was I,” Dash said. “Well, a new job, that is.”
Emerson grinned. “What’s the offer?”
“No,you go first.”
“Dad’s lieutenant is retiring, and he wants me to fill the role.”
Dash grinned. “Wow.Impressive.Emerson Keller-Walker, Lieutenant Chief of the Fort Seattle Fire Department. It has a nice ring.”
Emerson smiled. “I always assumed he’d tap Harry for that position one day. Seems he’d always seen me one day taking over as chief. At least now I know why he’s always ridden me harder than Harry.”
“My only question is—I thought you were hoping to get back into the field?”
“I was, but I have a family to consider. This is better than the drudgery of investigations. At least, I think it is. I’d lead a whole battalion of firefighters. I’d supervise the running of the Academy and be involved in the education of newbs. I’drun logistics in larger emergencies, like explosions that destroy office buildings. There will be a lot more excitement than reporting electrical fires to insurance companies.”
“You seem excited. I’m happy for you.”
“I am,” Emerson said. “What’s this positionyou’vebeen offered?”
“They’re opening a Black Guard field office here in Fort Seattle. Jackson is going to head it up and he’s asked that I stay on as a consultant after the abduction cases are completed. Help with research and intel—review the occasional tough case and offer insight.”
Emerson frowned. “They should offer you more as much as you’ve done for them.”
“Nah,” Dash said. “That ship has sailed. Plus, we have a baby on the way. I can’t be gallivanting all over the Palatinate anymore. I’m going to stick to a desk with my fingers on keys from now on. Research has always been my strong suit anyway.”
Emerson examined Dash’s face, narrowing his eyes.
“What?”
