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“No problem,” the man said with an indulgent smile at her excitement.
“So Chris, why did you pick Pilgrim of all the places in the world to live?”
“Truthfully?” She nodded. “The last place we lived was a disaster, fans came out of the woodwork. A few even showed up at Lila’s school to pump her for information. She found this place, thought it was full of actual pilgrims which meant year round Thanksgiving. After some research to make sure that wasn’t true, I agreed.”
Her shoulders fell in disappointment at the same time a laugh exploded out of her. “Damn, you’re a good dad, a good writer and you saved my evening from being ruined from that jerk, so I guess I have to like you now. Chris.”
That was music to my ears and I lifted my fruity cocktail once more. “To terrible first dates, new friends and much better backup dates.”
“I’ll drink to that.” She flashed a smile and took a few big sips. “To being pleasantly surprised.”
“Hell, I’ll drink to that too.” It was rare that people surprised me and tonight, Tara had.
Tara
Typing up theft reports was not my favorite part of the job. But it was the best way to identify trends in crime, so I was extra diligent about getting them in the system in a timely fashion. Early in the morning, before the daily briefing was the best time to get them done, but after a post-date debriefing with the Time for Love ladies, over cocktails no less, I’d gotten up with just enough time to make it to work on time.
A shadow fell across my desk and I knew it was Xander before I even looked up. Mostly because no one else in the office was big enough to cast a literal shadow.
“I see you’re doing all the work to make detective, but your name still isn’t on the list for the exam.”
I sighed and saved my report before giving my boss, my full attention. “I told you I’m taking the next one, and I will.” As soon as I got around to registering and paying the fee.
“Well what are you waiting for?” He set two big envelopes on top of my keyboard. “Crime scene analysis. Interrogation tactics. If you ever get around to taking the exam, we can stop sending these cases to the state police.”
I knew he was right, and I couldn’t wait to take part in those investigations and put all those weekend hours of learning and studying to good use.
“Xander,” I growled.
“I know.” He took a step back, both hands raised above his head in a defensive position. “I’m just being a good boss and encouraging my employees. Take the damn test, Beechum.”
“Sir, yes, sir!”
He flashed an amused grin. “That’s what I like to hear.”
The front door of the station opened and Lila bounded in, her crooked ponytail bouncing from side to side as she skipped inside and came to a skidding halt right beside Xander.
“Hi, Officer Beechum.”
“Hello, Lila. Are you here to report another crime?”
She giggled and shook her head. “Nope. I made you cupcakes to say thanks for getting my bike back.”
“That was very nice of you, but not necessary. It’s my job to help out all the citizens of Pilgrim, even the tiny ones like you.”
“I’m not tiny,” she insisted, her chin lifted high in defiance.
“Yeah? You look pretty tiny next to the Sheriff.”
“Daddy says he’s a giant, that’s why.” She giggled again and shot Xander an apologetic look that he shrugged off. “Sorry.”
“It’s all right, Lila. Your daddy is just jealous that my muscles are bigger than his.”
“You wish,” Chris growled and stepped up to my desk carrying a clear plastic container with a hot pink lid. “These are for you.”
I accepted the box and peeled open the lid to find almost a dozen lopsided cupcakes that had clearly been decorated by Lila. “Is that strawberry I smell?”
“Uh-huh! I love strawberry cupcakes and I wanted to make my favorites for you so you’ll love them too.” Damn that Melanie didn’t know what she was missing out on, because this kid was adorable with a capital A.
“Then I’m sorry to tell you Lila, but I already love strawberry cupcakes.” Her eyes grew wider as I took a bite, waiting in anticipation for my reaction. I didn’t’ disappoint and more importantly, I didn’t have to pretend because they were moist, sweet and delicious. “You made these yourself?”
She nodded with a proud smile. “Mara gave me some tips but I made them myself. Just for you.”
Xander reached inside the container and I smacked his hand. “She said just for me, or didn’t you hear that part?” His disappointed pout teased a laugh out of me and I held out the container. “One. You can have just one, boss.”
He grinned and bit into the one he’d taken immediately. “Damn kid, these are delicious.” He finished the cupcake in three bites and stole another before I could stop him. “Thanks, Beechum.”
