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She sipped her tea, then leaned forward to grab the menu. “I can’t believe I’m hungry.”
“Eating for two, remember?” He finished his first cup of coffee while she decided on breakfast. Then he placed their order.
“You’re sure this interview is necessary?” she asked when he’d finished.
“The ATF thinks so.” He didn’t want to admit that he wasn’t happy about their request. It’s a risk they shouldn’t have to take. He trusted the ATF agents, but not enough to have them come meet at the hotel. In his opinion, their location was a need to know, and they didn’t need to know. “We’ll leave here around eight thirty. I’ll take the long way to the precinct.”
“Sounds good.” She glanced around the suite. “This is a really nice place. I hope the police department is reimbursing you.”
He had no idea if Rhy or Assistant Chief Michaels would ultimately get the department to cover the cost, but she didn’t need to worry about that. “It’s fine. Not as expensive as some places.”
“What about the damage to the American Lodge?”
“We’ll take care of that too.” He reached over to pat her hand. “Harper, just concentrate on relaxing for the sake of the baby, okay? This other stuff isn’t important.”
“Okay, I’ll try.”
Thankfully, their breakfast arrived in record time. He jumped up, dug out some cash for a tip, and set the tray on the table. As irritated as he was about the need for the ATF to interview Harper, spending the day with her alone was driving him nuts.
Harper had closed and moved the computer to make room. The scent of bacon and eggs made his mouth water. He lifted both domes, setting them aside.
This time he was prepared for Harper to say grace. “Dear Lord Jesus, we are so blessed by this food You’ve provided to us. We ask that You please continue to keep everyone on the tactical team safe in Your care. Amen.”
“Amen. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.” He glanced at her before reaching for his fork. “It’s much appreciated.”
“Always,” she said lightly. “I respect the work you do very much.”
Thirty minutes later, they were out in Rhy’s SUV. Harper still wore his coat, but she had to leave it open as it didn’t fit over her stomach. Thankfully, the area outside the side door of the hotel was empty. Once Harper was seated, he ran around to take the wheel.
The trip took longer than he’d expected because traffic was a bear. An accident on one side of the interstate had brought them to a standstill.Stupid gawkers, he thought, feeling impatient.
They managed to get to the precinct with about ten minutes to spare. Steele had no doubt the ATF agents were already in the conference room waiting. Yet he took the added precaution of driving around back and parking Rhy’s SUV near the exit.
“To think I’ve never been inside a police station until I became a victim of a crime.” She shook her head as Steele escorted her inside. “There are times I can barely remember what my life was like before all of this.”
“Things will get back to normal soon,” he assured her.
“I hope so.” She stood to the side as he closed the door, then he led the way through the cubicles.
Flynn Ryerson came walking toward him. “Hey, Steele. I heard you guys are working some hot leads on the warehouse case.”
“I’m not sure they’re hot,” he responded in a wry tone. “Flynn, this is Harper Crane. Harper, Flynn is another member on the tactical team.”
“You’re not in uniform,” she said. “Do you have the day off?”
“I’m on sick leave until my arm heals up.” He made a fist and bent his elbow up and down. “It’s getting there.”
“What happened?” For some reason, the concern in Harper’s gaze made him want to stand between her and Flynn.
“Bullet grazed my arm during the warehouse shooting.” Flynn glanced at Steele. “Steve Banner saved my life.”
“He did?” That was news to Steele.
“Yeah. He shot the guy who fired at me before he could get off a second round.” Flynn massaged his bicep. “I’m hoping to be cleared to return to duty next week.”
“Take all the time you need.” Steele grinned. “We’ll have this case wrapped up by then no problem.”
“You should,” Flynn shot back. Then he smiled again at Harper. “Nice to meet you, Harper. Later, Steele.”
