Page 37 of Widow Mayker

“Well, what now?” Shyah questioned. “Are you seeing him again?”

Sighing, I replied, “I’m thinking about it. He wants me to go to Orlando with him. His father is retiring.”

“So, go,” Shyah stated with a smile. She clapped her hands. “Go and make ya girl proud.”

Heir looked offended. “Eww. I can tell you’re about to fall for this nigga. It’s written all over your pretty face.”

Sighing, I wanted to argue that Heir was lying. However, there was something about Von that tugged at me in ways I couldn’t explain. There was only so much fight in me, and he was effortless at making me come subject to his control.

VONSHAE

Maja was heavily on my mind as I walked into the office Monday morning. We’d spent all night talking, and I was sure to have flowers at her door before the sun rose. Likewise, I was sure to send her a litany of text messages, letting her know just how much I enjoyed her company this weekend and how I couldn’t wait to see her again.

My footsteps never slowed as I headed to the elevators. I had an early meeting with Lieutenant Johnson, and I needed to grab some files before going to meet with him.

Inside my office, my eyes bounced off the many accolades I’d received while in service over the years. I was a decorated detective with many grueling years under my belt. I’d worked too many homicides to count. Coming to Pensacola was supposed to be a bit of a reprieve from the crazy streets of Atlanta. While the homicide rate was down, summertime was knocking on the door and with it came a spike in violent crimes.

Grabbing the files containing my current case, I walked back out of my office and headed down the hall to the elevators. A short ride later, I was on the third floor and heading to Johnson’s office.

My pops stood by the door, and I hugged him as if we hadn’t just spent the weekend showing our asses at the camp. His final days as Chief of Police were swiftly approaching, and I was proud of him for all the work he’d put into the community.

“How’s Maja?” he questioned.

“You just saw her yesterday,” I stated.

“And the question is still valid. How is she?” he asked.

“She’s perfect,” I answered.

Pops tilted his head to the side and wore an expression filled with pride. “Has she opened up to you?”

“A little,” I replied. “I’m tryin’ to adhere to the advice you gave me.”

Pops chuckled. “Keep it that way. She’ll come around.”

Johnson’s office door swung open. He welcomed us inside, then offered us a seat.

“As you know, your father’s time as Chief of Police is almost done.” Johnson was never for small talk, so I wasn’t offended that he got right down to business. “He and I have been talking and wanted to get your thoughts on moving into a supervisory role here at the department. Lieutenant, in fact.”

Surprised, I said, “Oh, for sure. I’d…” My words trailed off as Maja’s smiling face flashed before me. “That’s something I’m willing to consider. How much time do I have to decide on it?”

Johnson grinned. “I thought you would’ve accepted without having to think on it.”

Chuckling, I replied, “I have someone I need to consult.”

Pops cleared his throat, then coughed on a laugh. “Can’t say that I’m surprised. We need an answer before I hang my hat up,” he explained.

Nodding, I said, “Cool. I’ll, uhm, get back to you before then.”

I excused myself from Johnson’s office and left the two men to consult amongst each other. Meanwhile, I headed back to elevators feeling conflicted as hell. On one hand, moving up in the ranks was every officer’s dream. Here I was being handed a position, and I hesitated to accept it. My work spoke for itself, and I was well qualified to assume the role.

On the other hand, Maja hadn’t fully accepted me as detective let alone a lieutenant. I was sure she was the woman I wanted to wake up next to for the rest of my life. Surely, I wanted her to accept everything about me just like I was willing to accept everything about her. There were baby steps that had to be taken, though. Maja was delicate, and I didn’t want to run her away.

I stepped off the elevator and headed to my office. Seeing Adir Bell standing inside my office, I wasn’t even surprised to see him here.

“You took longer than I expected,” I said when I entered my door. Adir bumped fists with me, and I added, “I thought Cooley would show up.”

“He’s out of the country,” he informed me to which I chuckled.