Page 63 of Flash Freeze

Athena opened the door to get out, then paused, turning back to Travis. “Does your home have power? You aren’t all alone, are you?”

The smile moved to his eyes, cerulean blue like the Gulf of Mexico. “Why, boss, do I detect a note of concern for my welfare?”

His tone was friendly, almost playful. Was he imitating Detective Bach, or had he kept his charming personality locked up at work? Maybe Athena had never bothered to notice, and that was on her. She shot him a cynical look. He laughed.

“My power is out, but my girlfriend invited me to stay at her place. Sound familiar?”

She quirked a brow. “I just don’t want any of my agents losing toes to frostbite—especially when they are providing me with four-wheel-drive taxi service. I’ll see you in the morning, same time, same place.” Athena eased out of the front seat, but, before closing the door, she added, “Thank you, Travis.”

The quirky building remodelers had left the elevator looking like a service elevator—an industrial iron cage with a floor of rough two-by-sixes. It was rickety and noisy, but functional. Flash said she always took the stairs, except when returning with a load of groceries. Athena wasn’t up to five flights in heels. She’d worn them almost every day since high school, after discovering their power, how they shaped the calves and drew men’s and women’s attention. But the older she got, the more she appreciated sneakers and slippers for relaxing.

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, she thought. If the power’s still out, we’ll spend it here.

She’d bitten the bullet and ordered a two-person package from the Summit Zone. They didn’t require a reservation, so she and Flash could go anytime. Thinking about it made her feel vulnerable. She wanted Flash to see her as strong and capable, not some uncoordinated, muscle-challenged woman, showing her age as she flailed, dangling from her safety rope. But life was all about the challenge, wasn’t it?

Athena put her key in the lock, but the handle turned without it. Fear shot through her as she recalled Flash’s loft being broken into and ransacked after she witnessed the murder. She knew she’d locked it that morning.

Moistening her lips, Athena withdrew her gun and quietly eased the door open. “Arf!” Snuffles raced to meet her, tail swishing, ears perked, and a big grin on her doggy face. Athena relaxed and slipped her weapon back into the purse.

Flash lazed on the couch in red-checked flannel pajama pants and an X-Men T-shirt, playing on her phone with the Wicked soundtrack in the background. Snuffles danced on her hind legs in front of Athena, front paws waving, tongue lapping at the air.

“You’re home,” she said in surprise. She closed the door, then crouched to lift the pup into her arms.

Flash set down her phone and crossed the room to greet her, though not with the speed and eagerness she usually displayed. Instantly, Athena knew something was wrong.

“Yeah. Captain Jake sent me home ‘cause we aren’t getting enough sleep, and I probably have to cover for Lieutenant Fischer on C shift tomorrow.” She enfolded Athena and Snuffles in her arms, brushing a kiss against Athena’s cheek. She smelled fresh, as if she’d just showered, her hair still damp. Athena returned the kiss, sinking into the comfortable pleasure Flash’s kisses always brought.

“How was your day?” Flash asked, releasing her hug. “Did you catch your guy?”

“Not yet.” Athena ruffled the hair on Snuffles’ head, peered into her soulful eyes that sparkled with delight, and set her on the floor. The dog scrambled for the nearest toy, a stuffed squirrel, and raced back with it, flinging it at Athena’s feet. She sat like a princess before her, looking up with a happy, expectant face. Athena had to throw the squirrel.

Snuffles dashed after it like a greyhound at the races, snatched the toy, and shook it with gusto. “Grr, grr, grr.” The hapless squirrel went flying, and she chased after it again.

Athena turned her attention to Flash, who reached to help her out of her coat. She sensed more than fatigue in Flash’s mood. “What about your last two days? I’m sure you haven’t had a moment to rest.”

“Crazy busy.” Flash hung the coat on a hook by the door.

“Do you want me to leave so you can get some sleep?”

Flash shot a confused look at Athena. “No. I sleep better with you beside me. Why’d I want you to go? And what, you’d just shiver under four blankets in the dark at your apartment? Athena, whatever are you thinking? Come here.” Flash took her hand and led her to the couch, where they both sat.

“I,” Athena started, then shook her head. “I don’t know. There’s nowhere I’d rather be. I’m glad you’re all right, but you seem kind of down.”

“Yeah, well.” Flash rubbed her forehead and brushed her hand over the stick-up ridge of her short hair. She let out a sigh, slipped her arm around Athena’s shoulders, and lifted her chin to meet her gaze. “This being in charge stuff is harder than I thought it’d be. Why’d I let you talk me into it?”

“Me?” Athena blinked. “I just said you’re a natural leader, and you’d be good at it.”

“Great, if I recall.” Flash smiled and winked before gloom reclaimed her features. “I didn’t think I’d be second-guessing every move, stopping to take stock when I used to just rush in. Yes, I know what I’m doing and have exceptional instincts, mostly—except for the roof incident with Woods I told you about.”

“Sure, but you aren’t accustomed to operating under these freakish winter conditions. There’s no shame in that.”

Flash slumped, fingering the edge of Athena’s blouse. Her gaze tracked to Snuffles, who’d stopped attacking the stuffed squirrel to go get a drink of water. “I lost someone today.”

“Not one of your crew members?” Athena’s heart raced. She sat forward, half turning to study Flash’s face.

“No. I read the signs, could tell the roof was about to come down, and I ordered them out in time. Waylon resisted, wanted to press forward the same way I would have, but he listened. Looking at things from the other side, I can see how annoying I must have been to those in charge of me.”

“Then, because you pulled your team out and saved their lives, a civilian died?” Athena’s heart broke for Flash. She could tell this hurt her.