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He broke into a megawatt grin. “My reputation precedes me. Awesome.”
My original assessment was spot on. Like Chief Garcia, the new cop was all human. Some bodies were designed for uniforms, and it seemed that the new recruit’s was one of them.
“I’m Lorelei Clay.” I shook his hand lightly and quickly, careful to avoid any unwanted intrusions. “I live in Bluebeard’s Castle.”
His whole face changed, like I’d just performed a delightful magic trick. “No kidding? That huge house on the hill with the cool gate and the moat?”
“That’s the one.”
“Wow. That place is amazing. It’s little Leo’s dream house. Your kids must be in heaven.”
“I don’t have kids.”
“Oh, well. There’s still time. My mom was thirty-eight when she had me.” He seemed to realize his mistake. “Oh, shit. I did it again, didn’t I? I bet you don’t want kids either.” He ducked his head. “Chief Garcia warned me to be careful about making assumptions. Lesson not learned, apparently.”
“Let me guess—you assumed she was straight.”
He cringed. “I may have made a couple comments that were not well received.” His cheeks reddened. “Nothing homophobic or anything like that. I’m not a complete jackhole.”
“It’s okay. You don’t need to explain.” Officer Leo was good vibes all around, like a slobbery Labrador. I understood why Chief Garcia had hired him. “And in case you’re concerned, I can promise the chief didn’t hold whatever you said against you.”
He blew out a breath. “That’s a relief. She’s such a role model. I can tell I’m going to learn a lot from her.”
“I bet you will.”
“Hey, would you mind if I stopped by your place one day? I’d love to see inside.”
My internal alarm bells went off, not because I distrusted Officer Leo, but because I instinctively wanted to protect my space. “Sure,” I heard myself say. “Fair warning, though. It’s still a work in progress. It sat empty for decades before I bought it.”
“Oh, I can imagine. It’ll take years to fix up a house like that, but at least you know you’re not polishing a turd, no matter what anybody says. The bones are there.”
It didn’t surprise me to learn that people in Fairhaven thought I was wasting my time and money on the Castle. I entertained the same thoughts.
The young officer seemed to realize his slipup. “I didn’t mean to suggest people are gossiping about your house.”
I held up a hand. “It’s fine. I know it’s not a choice most people would make, which is why it was ready for the wrecking ball.”
“I think it’s cool that you rescued it. Hidden gems like that deserve a second chance. I bet there’s even a secret door.” He gasped at his own comment. “Please tell me there’s a secret door.”
“If there is, I haven’t discovered it yet.”
He performed a happy dance. “Can we look for one when I come over? I’d love to be the one to find it.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “We’ll see.”
He glanced at my shoes. “You wear those to hike? They don’t seem comfortable.”
I looked down at my monster-kicking boots. “They get the job done.”
“So, I hate to admit this because it shows a level of ineptitude that I’d rather wait to reveal to you, but I’m lost, and I would really appreciate if you could point me in the direction of town.”
I burst into laughter. “Your secret is safe with me.” I pointed behind him. “You were on the right track. If you walk that way and keep a straight line, you’ll run straight into Monk’s.”
“The honky-tonk bar?”
“I don’t think they play country music, but yes, the dive bar.”
He checked his digital watch. “Hey, will you look at that? It’s five o’clock somewhere. Want to join me for a beer?”
