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Straightening a bit, he let out a long breath. “Alright. For starters, I was with Ashlynn when the fire was discovered. I told you that. And it’s going to take a while before anyone can say exactly when the fire started or if it smoldered for an extended period of time.” Standing, he began to pace. “I’ve spent a lot of time with Ash, and I can tell you that she’s never asked about fires or how to start them or anything suspicious.”
It was like he was being cross-examined without anyone asking the questions.
“That was something I planned on asking,” Bob commented.
“And I think if you talk to people other than Becky, I think you’ll find that she’s the one who’s been instigating all the public arguments.” He paused. “The whole thing just feels wrong.”
“Unfortunately, you’re not impartial. And I have to be honest with you; if you’re hoping to move up the ranks and even someday be an inspector, you have to be able to compartmentalize. There may come a time when a suspect is someone you know—a friend, a relative, or…”
“A girlfriend,” he murmured.
All Bob did was nod.
“So what am I supposed to do, huh? Like you said, we’re a small squad in a small town. People talk. How am I supposed to handle this situation?”
After taking another sip from his mug, Bob sighed. “Are you serious about Ashlynn?”
“What the hell does that have to do with anything?” he demanded.
“I’m just saying that maybe…if this isn’t a serious relationship, that you may want to distance yourself from her.” He studied his mug before looking up at Reid. “The department is growing and I’m looking to retire by the end of the year. You have excellent qualifications, Reid, and I think you’re someone who could be a good leader here. Don’t let this ruin your chances. Make sure you’re backing the right side.”
Before Reid could say anything, Bob was on his feet. “I’m going to grab a couple of hours sleep. Hopefully it will be a quiet night.” He held up his mug. “I never thought I’d be someone who drank sleepytime tea to help me relax, but it works every time. You should try it.”
“Thanks,” he mumbled and watched his boss walk away. Sadly, he was more awake than he was just minutes ago.
It was all a lot to think about and even though he eventually fell asleep, it was on the couch in the breakroom, and it wasn’t the least bit peaceful.
When he pulled into the apartment parking lot the next day, Ashlynn happened to pull in right beside him. Her smile was bright as she climbed from the car and came over to kiss him. Reid allowed himself to simply melt against her because he needed this, needed her. He didn’t want to think about all the negativity and speculation, and he didn’t want to look at her as a suspect in a fire. Right now, she was his girlfriend and he was happy to see her.
When they broke apart, she was smiling again. “That was some greeting,” she said breathlessly. “How was your shift?”
“Quiet, thankfully. But I’m going to be glad to sleep in my own bed tonight.”
Nodding, she took his hand and they began walking up to the building. “Would you like to have dinner with me? I don’t have to stay over if you’re tired, but I missed you last night and just thought it would be nice to hang out.”
They got to the stairs and began walking up. “Why aren’t there any elevators in this complex?” he asked with a small laugh. “Most days it’s not a big deal, but right now, I’d kind of love it if we didn’t have to climb three flights of stairs.”
“Believe me, I know. I feel the same way, but I never questioned it. Old town, old buildings.” She shrugged and when they got to the second floor where her apartment was, she stopped. “Why don’t you go up and relax for a bit and call me if you want to eat.”
“Ash?”
“Hmm?”
“Is there anything you need to do in your apartment?”
She thought about it for a minute. “Not really. I just got back from Billie’s. We were looking at salon equipment online so I was going to go inside and probably do more of that to pass the time.”
Tugging her in close, his arms went around her waist. “Come upstairs with me,” he murmured against her lips. “We’ll order a pizza or something and just sit and relax and you can tell me all about the stuff you found.”
Pulling back slightly, she eyed him warily. “Really? You want to know about sinks and chairs?”
“More than you know,” he teased, kissing her lightly. “Come on. Let’s go up this last stupid flight so I can take off these boots and collapse on the couch.”
He loved the way she snuggled up against his side as they made their way up to his apartment. Normally working a twenty-four didn’t bother him, but he’d never had such a hard time sleeping like he had last night.
Think about something else…
They got in the door and Reid hit a couple of light switches on his way to the living room before dropping his duffel bag and sitting on the couch. Ashlynn went to the kitchen and when he looked over at her, she was pouring them each a glass of wine. She caught him watching and smiled.
