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With her propensity for sticking her nose where it didn’t belong, he might not be rid of her that easily. But what was more surprising was the thrill that rocked through him at the idea of seeing her more often.
CHAPTER FOUR
Bella watched Grant Shaw out of her rearview mirror and released a breath she’d had lodged in her chest. He didn’t need to know that she’d been the one at the crash site when they’d called Dee Bradley’s death upon arrival. That would open its own can of worms.
That night had been the worst first day of all time. And ever since that time, she’d regretted accepting the request to come to this sleepy little town. She was counting down the days when she could return to Billings and take a job as a detective—though, admittedly, she had no idea if that would ever happen.
Her focus shifted to Nick who had scooted to the window that allowed him to see more of the scenery passing by. The poor kid had had to deal with a deadbeat, absent father for most of his life and then lose the one person who was a consistent fixture in his life.
What did Grant expect fatherhood to be like? He’d been gone for so long, of course it was going to be hard. Of course he’d have to do more to catch up and be the kind of father that Nick deserved. Based on what she’d witnessed over the last hour, it might be a good idea for her to keep an eye on this little family. She might not be in Rocky Ridge for the long haul, but she was willing to make a difference while she was here.
“Have you ever had to shoot someone?”
She jumped and glanced at him over her shoulder. “What?”
“You have a gun, right?”
“Yes…” she drawled.
“Then have you ever shot someone?”
She gnawed on her lower lip. These were strange questions for a six-year-old, weren’t they? “No,” Bella said. “I have never had to shoot anyone.”
“But you’ve had to pull your gun out and point it at someone, right?”
She shook her head with amusement. “Where are these questions coming from?”
Nick met her eyes through the mirror that hung above the front window and shrugged. She almost thought he’d let the subject drop and he’d return his focus to what was out the window. But then he continued.
“Have you ever solved a murder?”
Bella chuckled. “You’re not going to give this up, are you?”
“What about bad guys?”
“What about them?”
“Have you caught any?”
This time, she laughed. “How about we talk about something else.”
“Like what?” Nick pressed his face against the glass. He wasn’t even quiet for a full ten seconds. “My dad just moved here. He used to live in Tennessee.” His voice was nearly a whisper. “He likes living in the city, but he said we could stay here because my grandma works on the ranch.”
Bella knew some of this. Unfortunately, she wasn’t prepared for the turn of conversation.
“My mom died.”
She grimaced. “I’m sorry, buddy. You must miss her.”
Nick didn’t turn toward her, he continued staring out his window. “I do.” He was quiet for another moment. “It’s going to be okay, though. My dad takes really good care of me. He’s been busy a lot—especially when he gets phone calls—but he’s good.”
Bella peeked at him, her heart breaking with each thing the kid said. “I’m glad your dad was able to come take care of you.”
Nick offered her a sad smile as they pulled up in front of the ranch. He didn’t say anything else, his energized personality having faded completely. “Thanks for bringing me home. I think it’s really cool that you’re a cop.”
“A deputy,” she corrected him.
His eyes glassed over, and she bit back another laugh. He didn’t have to know what the difference was.
