AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You were smooth as gravy,” he said.
“That’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever said.”
“Whatever.”
“Thanks, Davis. For being here.”
“Don’t mention it, partner.”
“Seriously.” I fought back the tears of relief that were clouding my vision. “I could’ve done it without you”—I slapped him on the back—“but it was better to have you with me on this.” I needed to lighten the mood with sarcasm.
Davis leaned against the car with a grin and tipped his head back, letting the sun hit his pale skin. “I know you’re trying to fight your sentimentality.” He clicked his tongue. “It’s me who should be thanking you though.” His eyes were swimming with emotions. “We both know I wouldn’t be half the cop I am if it wasn’t for you.”
“That’s not true,” I said, choking up.
“Yes, it is. I wouldn’t even be standing here if you hadn’t saved my ass when I first came on with you.”
He was referring to the first case we got called on. It was one of the most gruesome homicides I’d ever witnessed. “We’ve come a long way since then,” I said. He’d almost turned in his badge because he didn’t believe he could cut it working homicide. “You hold your own. You’re a damn fine partner,” I said, hooking my arm through his.
“You’re not hitting on me, are you?” His eyes were laden with humor as he used absurdity to check both of our emotions.
My chuckle was silent. “Not in a hundred years.” I sighed and added, “I’m okay,” hoping he’d buy my statement and leave it at that.
“No, you’re not.”
I needed to deflect so he’d quit trying to grill me. “Yes. I. Am.”
“Sure.” He scoffed a cynical laugh. “Yeah, okay, Atkins. Apparently, you know best.” His voice was void of humor and full of exasperation.
“Jesus, Davis. Not this shit. Not now.”
“If not now, then when?”
“How the hell should I know?” I gritted out between clenched teeth.
“Someone needs to talk some fuckin’ sense into you. You’re all over the place. Not just your emotions . . . But you need to get your shit in check. You’re no good to anyone like this. You’re miserable. And if you don’t fix things, you’re gonna end up a lonely old lady. With like ten cats.”
“Pfft. I don’t even like cats.”
“Well,” he sighed, “you will when you get lonely enough.”
“That will never happen.”
“I’ll buy you your first one.”
“Dick.”
“No need to let your pride get in the way, Atkins.” He snapped his fingers together as a bright idea hit him. “I know, we’ll name him Uno.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not getting a stupid cat.”
“Hmm, we’ll see,” he said, pushing himself off the car and squaring his shoulders. “I get it, Marisa. You’re like a sister to me. So, hear me when I say, I do understand what you’re going through.”
“Thanks, Chad.”
It was rare that we used one another’s first names. But heart-to-heart chats tended to bring out the softness in us. We hopped in the car, and I drove him back to the station. I didn’t go in this time, opting instead to go straight home. The emotions of the day were starting to wear me down.
“Call him and apologize,” Chad said, leaning through the open window. “Beg if you have to. But get things back on track.”
