When I was out to pick up a few groceries at lunchtime, it occurred to me Tessa might not have a chance to plan something for dinner.I’d already planned on that stir-fry, which will be quick and easy, and simply bought enough ingredients to feed her and the boys as well.
If it turns out they have to stay longer, I can always drop it off at the hospital instead of her house.They have to eat regardless.
As I duck back under the Toyota and get my hands busy, my thoughts drift to the events of this past week.Mostly focusing on my interactions with Tessa and her family, which seems to be my mind’s new default subject.Other than perhaps my brother, Chance, I can’t remember anyone else being at the forefront of my mind at all times.
Yesterday, when I was doing my weekly cleanup in the apartment upstairs, I found myself looking at my space through her eyes, noticing every speck of dirt and stray dust bunny.I spent a good five hours scrubbing baseboards, wiping spider webs, moving furniture to get underneath, and deep cleaning my stove and fridge.I have no idea if she’ll ever go up there, but at least it’s as clean as it’s ever been in case she does.
I live in hope.
‘You didn’t haveto do this.”
Not sure how to respond to that, I simply shrug.
“Are you positive you don’t want to come in and join us?”Tessa asks.
“Nah, I have more at home.You guys settle in, you just got here.”
“Well, if you’re sure…”
“I am.You and I can maybe catch up tomorrow.”I lean sideways to look into her living room, where Remi is lying on the couch, watching TV, and I raise my voice.“And tell that kid of yours to hurry up and get his bony ass better, so he can come take care of that hunk of junk taking up room in my shop.”
The boy grins as his eyes find me over the back of the couch.
Tessa shakes her head and chuckles.“Now I’m really gonna have to tie him down.Doc says he has to take it easy for the rest of the week.”
“I was kidding, but if it’s hard for you to leave him alone while you go to work, you’re more than welcome to drop him off at the firehouse.He can be on the couch watching TV, reading old issues of myPopular Mechanics, or keeping an eye on the shop below, and wouldn’t be able to get into trouble.Just drop him by in the morning.”
The thought just popped in my head and flew right out of my mouth.I’m not in the habit of offering babysitting services, but this kind of makes sense.
“I couldn’t ask that of you,” she protests.
“You’re not asking, I’m offering.Think about it, see what the kid says.I’m there all week,” I add with a grin as I point at the paper bag in her hand.“You should get that food inside before it gets cold though.”
“Right.I will.And…uh…I’ll think about it.”
For the briefest of moments, she starts to lean in before catching herself.My eyes slide over her shoulder to see Remi still has his eyes on us.Probably not a good time to give in to the temptation.
“Later…” I promise her in a low voice.
“Later,” she whispers back.
Chapter10
Tessa
“How’s your kid?”
I glance up at Rick Althof, who covered for me these past few days.
“Well, I’d secretly hoped his concussion would come with an attitude adjustment, but alas, he’s as ornery as before.”
Rick snickers and drops the case file on Ryan Wells on my desk, as well as the file carrying my son’s name.
“Didn’t get much done on your murder case over the weekend but I did check DMV, at Hugo’s request, for that model Chrysler seen on the security feed from your son’s attack.There are only three registered in this county, but a lot more if you expand your search to include Spokane and surrounding areas.”
I quickly scan the three registrations he points out.The only light-colored vehicle is listed to a Connie Dixon.
“Were you able to connect with this woman?”I ask Rick.
