Page 35 of Her Passionate Hero

“Mamie has a washing machine you can use,” Hunter grinned.

***

Hunter was beginning to get a feel for the neighborhood. It was a good, hard-working, poor community who looked after one another. He’d been approached four times by concerned citizens, usually in groups. But one older lady, who reminded him of Mamie, came bearing a cup of coffee. When he saw her approach, he got out of his car.

“Magda told me what you’re doing. She goes to bed early, but wanted me to make sure you stayed alert.”

“Thank you, ma’am. That’s awfully thoughtful of you.”

He took a sip of the coffee and hid his grimace. This wasn’t coffee, it was ground up coffee beans mixed with a tablespoon of water. He’d never tasted such sludge.

“This isn’t to my taste, but she said you were a sailor and would like it really thick. I brought you some brownies too.” She handed him a Tupperware container. “Do you want me to come and top you off later?”

“I’m good,” he choked out.

“How about some milk to go with the brownies? Magda didn’t say anything about sailors liking milk, but my husband likes milk when he eats my brownies.”

God, yes. Anything to get rid of the taste in his mouth.

“That would be very nice, Ma’am.”

“Call me Beatrice.”

“Thank you, Beatrice.” He continued to look around her so he could keep watch of the Jankovic house.

“I’ll be back.” She gave a small wave. When he saw another car approaching, he leaned into the Buick and grabbed his water bottle and took a quick drink. The police car pulled in behind him, but its lights didn’t come on. The officer got out of the car and came over to him.

“Are you Ernie?” Hunter asked.

“Lottie called me. I assume you’re Hunter Diaz?” Hunter nodded. “Got some I.D.?”

Hunter pulled out his wallet and showed him his driver’s license, military I.D. card, and Concealed Weapons Permit.

“Good to meet you.” Ernie held out his hand.

Hunter stared at it. Ernie scowled. “What’s with the attitude?”

“Why haven’t I seen any cops driving by tonight? You’re the first one in five hours.”

“What are you talking about, there should have been at least one an hour?”

“There hasn’t been.”

“Hold on, let me check on this.” He walked briskly back to his car. He was obviously pissed, which made Hunter happy. Then he spied Beatrice. She had his milk.

“Is something wrong? Is he harassing you? I can go talk to him if you need me to.”

Hunter took the glass of milk and drank down half of it, then swiped his mouth.

“No, he’s a friend.” The last thing he needed was Beatrice going to bat for him with the cop. How had he ended up with a Lady’s Brigade rushing to defend, feed, and investigate things? Mamie, sure, but the rest of them? It was getting kind of spooky. Wait until Zed and Dalton ran up against them.

“You don’t look sure,” she interrupted his musings. “I’m part of the neighborhood watch. I have a badge and everything. Let me go speak with him.”

Hunter put a hand on her shoulder. “Seriously, he’s a good guy. He’s looking over Mrs. Jankovic and Aliana too.”

“Really? Well, he’s not doing a good job of it.” Ernie was walking back. “Shouldn’t you have been here sooner?” Beatrice asked the man. “If you’re watching out for my neighbor, you should do a better job.”

Ernie gave Hunter a questioning look. “I told her that you were here to help.”