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“I’m sorry it took me so long,” I called out.

“Come here,” he said. His sleepy tone was downright sexy.

I put my grocery bag on the counter along with my keys. Peeling off my raincoat, I went to the bedroom.

He waited for me on the bed, one arm stretched over his head. He rolled to his side. He fixed those dreamy brown eyes on me as I came to him.

“I’m glad you waited for me,” I whispered. Then we kissed. “Just give me a second to change. I brought you a surprise.”

He gave me a sinfully drowsy smile and reached for me as I rose. “Now,” he whispered.

“One minute. I promise, baby.”

He rolled over onto his stomach. That beautiful, muscular back. I went to him and kissed his shoulder. He twitched with pleasure as I traced the lines of his tattoo. It was gorgeous too. Just like him. Two swirling fish entwined in a circle with a constellation above them.

“Please,” he whispered once more. “Come here.”

This time, I did as he commanded.

THIRTY-FOUR

MINA

By late afternoon the next day, I had heard nothing from Roy Dennison or Lock. I checked out of the Bayview and ended up coming back to the office. It felt like the only place on earth that was my territory alone. I changed my clothes here. I didn’t know my next step and tried to bury myself in work.

At four o’clock, Mark poked his head in. “Palicki’s refusing a public defender,” he said. “He was served with an arrest warrant for Fiona McBride about an hour ago. We need to go public with it first thing in the morning. I’ll handle the press conference.”

Mark would take whatever limelight this case would offer. Let him.

“I’m surprised Dennison didn’t send me a copy of the arrest warrant.”

“He sent it to me,” Mark said.

I scrunched my face. “Why?”

“Ask him.”

He didn’t wait for a response. Mark disappeared down the hallway. Eight minutes past four. Roy should still be in his office. I shouldn’t have heard about Palicki’s arrest on Benton County charges from Mark. Roy promised to come see me today about what I showed him last night. I wouldn’t blame him if he were angry with me. I should have come to him from the very beginning. I regretted so many of my choices now.

I grabbed my purse, shut down my laptop. Mark was already behind a closed door as I stepped out.

“Ash,” I said. “I’m heading over to the sheriff’s if anyone needs me.” I stopped myself from telling her I planned to head home after that. I would sleep here again tonight. I knew Ashley suspected something was up. She’d been discreet, but she caught me brushing my teeth in the women’s restroom this morning.

“Have a good night,” she said, cheerful, nonjudgmental.

As I walked to Roy’s office, something felt off. I got a strange look from the desk sergeant. She quickly turned her attention back to whatever was on her computer screen. I made my way toward Roy’s office. I heard voices coming from inside.

“Knock knock,” I said as I stood in his doorway. Sheriff Rafferty sat perched on the edge of Roy’s desk. As soon as he saw me, he bolted to his feet.

“Mina,” he quickly covered. “Good to see you. I’ll get out of your hair.”

Rafferty scurried past me like his rear end was on fire.

“Hey, Mina,” Roy said. “Why don’t you catch the door?”

I closed it behind me and sat down in front of his desk.

“I was hoping to hear from you today,” I said. “I want to apologize for coming to your house last night. That was inappropriate. I was in shock. I needed a friend.”