Page 5 of Taking What Was His

Tysen shrugged. “She has a young son, so maybe she’s just concentrated on him and her career.”

“What does she do?”

“I know she does something with horses, but she’s also a translator for the police department. She speaks several languages. Rumor has it the CIA tried to recruit her, but she had already started to date Rick and decided to stay with him.”

“That had to have been a hard decision.”

Tysen shrugged. “Now, do you see her? She’s standing with Marla. The two have been best friends forever.”

Roman watched as the woman turned so he could see her face and felt like someone punched him in the gut. She was slight, almost fragile looking, especially standing by Marla. Her long dark hair fell over one shoulder, shielding her right breast. Her facial bones were delicate, and her lips full, and all he could think about was having them on his body, anywhere.

He could tell she was of Italian or Mexican descent with her skin tone. He couldn’t also tell from where he was standing, but her eyes were unusual.

“What’s with her eyes?” Roman asked.

“They’re beautiful. They’re like a blue-green color. Her son has the same eyes.”

“Where is he?”

Tysen looked around and then yelled. “Jayden, hey, bud, come here. I want you to meet my brother.”

Jayden stopped in front of the two men.

“Jayden, this is my brother, Captain Mancini, he’s the new captain of the 9th District.”

“It’s nice to meet you, sir,” Jayden said and held out his hand.

“You also, young man,” Roman said and shook the boy’s hand.

“How have you been?”

Jayden turned to Tysen. “Good. School’s kinda boring, but basketball will be starting soon.”

“How are you and your mom doing?”

“Good. I take good care of my mom.”

“I bet you do, bud. You know you can call any of us if you need anything?”

“Yes, sir. Thank you. May I go now?”

Tysen nodded. “Sure, it looks like Charlie wants you.”

“It was nice to meet you,” Jayden said, turned, and ran off.

“He’s a great kid.”

Tysen nodded. “She’s good with him. You can tell they are really close. What did you think of those eyes?”

“Wow, is all I can say. I’ve never seen that color before.”

Tysen nodded and took a drink of his beer. “If we can get to her, I’ll introduce you to her.”

Roman nodded, unable to take his eyes off the woman.

Tysen saw the look in his brother’s face and laughed out loud. “I knew it.”

Roman glanced at him and scowled. “What?”