Marty had reserved one of the small pavilions, but a family had already moved in and were setting up. “I’ll take care of it,” Grant said and got out of the car. He strode over and spoke to the man who came to meet him. “We have this pavilion reserved for today,” Grant said, not using his police voice.
“No one was here, and we’re setting up for a birthday party.” There were plenty of pink ballons with sixes on them. He was already looking around, but every picnic table in the park was taken, and the main pavilion was stuffed to the gills. Grant knew he could pull rank and make them move, but he returned to the car to talk to Marty.
“What’s going on?” Marty asked.
“It’s his daughter’s sixth birthday, and he didn’t think anyone was using the space.” Grant sighed because he didn’t want to make a scene.
Cameron climbed out of his seat. “That’s April, she’s in my class.” He began bouncing.
“Go back and offer to share it,” Marty said as Cameron got out of Grant’s door. He rushed over to where a little girl stood, and she hurried to Cameron, both of them all smiles.
Grant returned. “We could share the space.”
“Well,” the man countered, “why don’t you join the party?” April and Cameron had already run off toward the play area. It seemed the kids were happy, so he motioned to Marty, who joined them.
“We’ve been invited to join the festivities.”
Marty hurried back to the car and returned with the cooler. “I have marinated pork chops I was going to cook on the grill, and I brought plenty. I also have some of my homemade macaroni salad, and plenty of stuff for s’mores. I could contribute that?” he offered. “Oh, I’m Marty, and this is Grant. Cameron is my foster son.”
“Wilson Matthews. April is my daughter. Her mother is on her way from work.” A car pulled into the parking area, and a woman got out. “There she is now.”
“Kassy?” Marty asked with a grin.
“You know my wife?”
“Sure. She’s my contact at Bridgeson. We’ve known each other for years now,” Marty explained, and the two of them hugged.
“What’s going on?” she asked, looking around.
“I booked the pavilion, but Wilson was already here. Cameron and April know each other from school, so Wilson invited us to join you.” Apparently Kassy was happy with that, because she and Marty set about getting everything ready whileWilson started the charcoal, and Grant took the opportunity to get Dexter some water. Others began to arrive, introductions were made, and the party went on. The kids all played, and the adults talked. Marty and Wilson grilled, and soon it was time for food, followed by cake and ice cream.
With his belly full, Grant’s eyes drew heavy. He had gotten maybe three hours sleep each of the last two nights, so he took Dexter to the shade and spread out a blanket. Looking up at the branches and leaves above, soon enough, he fell asleep with Dexter pressed to him.
“CAN DEXYcome and play?” Cameron said.
“Shhh, Grant is sleeping,” Marty whispered.
“But he wants to play,” Cameron said. Soon Grant felt Dexter leave him. He sighed and kept his eyes closed. He didn’t mind that Cameron wanted to play with Dexter. It would be good for him to be a dog for a while. They had been working a lot, and play was good for him.
“I know you’re awake,” Marty said quietly. “Do you want anything?”
Grant opened his eyes and sat up. “Not really. It was nice just having some quiet time. I know that Cameron is playing with his friends. and you’re talking and having fun. But I think at the moment I’m peopled out. It’s nice just to not have to worry about making conversation or trying to find out what someone knows.”
“Okay. Then you go back to resting in the shade, and I’ll bring you something to drink so you don’t get dehydrated. Cameron is having fun with his friends.” He patted him on the shoulder, and after bringing him something to drink, returned to the party.
“Is he okay?” someone asked.
“Yes. Just a hard case and a lot of work. A little rest and he’ll be fine.” Grant loved that Marty covered for him. “Sometimes he works around the clock, and he doesn’t want to disappoint either of us, so he does his best.” The conversation went on from there, but Grant tuned it out, enjoying the spring warmth and the breeze as it rustled the leaves overhead.
Of course, none of this could last. He had no more begun to relax and Marty had placed a cold bottle of water near him when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He wanted to ignore it but didn’t dare. “Yes, Captain,” Grant said when he answered.
“Carter has found what we’ve been looking for in the video, and the FBI came through as well. They sent me the enhanced images.”
“Okay. I’m on my way to the station. I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“Good.” Grant ended the call and stood to stride to Marty.
“I have to go. I’m needed at the station.”
