“Will you transfer out of Lost Lake?”she asked.
“It’ll be easier to move up the ranks here.Then I’ll transfer.”
Vanessa knew he wanted to make detective eventually.He’d applied for a first deputy position earlier this year.They’d given the job to someone with more experience.“Who’s going to keep Dad out of trouble when you’re gone?”
“The new guy.Wade.”
“Is he good?”
“He is,” Jackson said.“He was on the scene during the hostage situation.He went in unarmed and tackled the gunman.”
Vanessa had heard the story.Her father had shot the gunman and saved the other officer’s life.She pictured Paul’s scarred flesh once again and shuddered.Her father or brother could end up with a wound like that, or worse.They could get killed in the line of duty any day of the week.She’d seen enough high-velocity trauma in the ER.It was one of the reasons she’d left the profession.The strain of dealing with emergency situations had worn her down, and the long hours didn’t mesh well with motherhood.
After Emily finished her game, they went to the bathroom to get ready.Vanessa changed into the dress she’d worn the night before and applied careful makeup again.It was a twenty-minute drive to her father’s house.Vanessa followed Jackson in her car.They would go on to Last Chance from there.
So long, Lost Lake.
Her father’s townhouse was near the police substation in the historic district.It wasn’t the home Vanessa had grown up in.The quaint, Spanish-style hacienda with a terraced rooftop was modest and unassuming.She parked on the street behind Jackson’s truck and approached the residence with caution.
Eric Nava opened the door before they reached it.He greeted Emily first, lifting her up for an energetic hug.Then he turned to Vanessa with warmth in his eyes.He was older than she remembered, but no less handsome.His salt and pepper hair gave him a distinguished appearance.His face was weathered and authoritative.
He set Emily down to embrace Vanessa and kiss her cheek.She accepted the display of affection, though she wasn’t quite ready for it.After he released her, he gave her a closer study.“How beautiful you are.I can’t believe you came from me.”
“No one can,” Jackson agreed, edging past him.“Are the tacos ready?I’m starving.”
They all went inside and gathered around a granite countertop in the kitchen.Jackson cooked tortillas while their father slicedcarne asadainto ribbons and listened to Emily gush about her plans for a lemonade stand.He served the tacos with homemade red salsa and freshpico de gallo.Vanessa’s nerves settled as they ate.The meal itself was a success.The conversation, not so much.She made no effort at small talk.She didn’t want to give the impression that she was ready for a tearful reunion.
Even so, she let her father take her on a tour of the small house.He had a small garden off the kitchen—just enough space to grow chili peppers and herbs.Jackson lived upstairs and had claimed the outside terrace.
There was a single framed photo in the hallway.She paused to study the image, which she’d never seen before.It showed Vanessa cradling Emily’s swaddled little form.The candid black and white depicted a peaceful, loving moment between mother and child.
“Jackson gave me that,” her father said gruffly.
Vanessa moved on from the sentimental sight.When she came to an open door, she paused again.The guest bedroom had a full bed with colorful pillows, and a sturdy desk near the window.On the opposite side, an antique wooden toy chest sat in the corner, next to a rocking horse and an intricate dollhouse.
She whirled to face her father.“What the hell is this?”
Before he could answer, Emily skirted around her and darted inside the room.She made a beeline for the dollhouse.Her father didn’t seem surprised by Vanessa’s negative reaction.Emily, of course, was thrilled.She sank to her knees on the hardwood floor, her hands clasped together and her eyes wide.
“Can I play with it?”she asked in a hushed voice.
“Of course,” her father said.“It’s for you.”
She reached inside the dollhouse and began exploring its contents.Vanessa turned on her heel and left.This kind of stunt was just like her father.Give him an inch, and he took a mile.She shoved past Jackson, who was still stuffing his face with tacos, and stormed out to the garden.Bees zigzagged in the sunlight.
Her father joined her, and he had the grace to look chagrined.“Jackson told me you were having financial trouble.If you need a place to stay—”
“I don’t.”
He didn’t argue.He sat down on the cinderblock wall and dragged a hand over his jaw.He’d gained weight around his middle, but he was strong and fit for his age.She resented his good looks and excellent health.
“I’m sorry about your divorce,” he said.
She snorted in disbelief.“You hated Bennett.”
He inclined his head.“I’d like to kill him for the pain he’s caused you.”
Vanessa crossed her arms over her chest, silent.Sorrow welled up within her, and she had to struggle to hold the tears at bay.
