Page 31 of Flynn

"Not quite. I examined the contents of your fridge and placed an order for some groceries. They will be delivered later today," he told her calmly, waiting for the explosion. He was not disappointed.

"Look, I don't know who the hell you think you are-"

"The man whose baby you are carrying. I intend to do my part. I will see you later."

"About that-"

"Yes?"

"I will be working late, and I won't leave the office until after ten. So, tonight is not a good idea."

"I will see you later, Ryleigh," he told her firmly. "Even if I have to camp at the DA's office."

The pause again, this one longer, and he waited patiently. "Suit your damn self." She told him heatedly. "I have to go." Before he could respond to that, he heard the dial tone in his ear. Putting the phone away, he could not help the smile touching his lips.

She was prickly, like a hedgehog, but he did not mind and would not allow that to stop him. Ryleigh Bogle was a fascinating woman, and he would show her that they belonged together.

She presented a challenge, and he had never been able to resist taking one on in his entire life. Now was no exception, and this would be the most fulfilling.

Chapter 8

“There is something different about you.” Margaret Bogel eyed her daughter curiously as soon as she sat across from her.

Ryleigh was beginning to regret agreeing to the luncheon, but her mother had insisted, adding that they had not gotten together in weeks. “We missed you at services the two past Sundays. “I know you have an essential job to do, darling, but neglecting your spiritual life is a mistake.”

“I have no idea what you are talking about.” signaling the hovering waiter, she ordered the Chai tea and soup. Her stomach was acting up again, and if she had to admit to herself, the situation with Flynn was bothering her.

She could not stop thinking about him and what they did, and to her consternation, she was looking forward to seeing him later.

She had resolved never to allow another man a place of importance in her life, and she was determined to keep that. But at odd moments of the day, she found herself thinking back to the time they had spent together.

“Why tea?” She should have known her mother would seize on her choice.

“My stomach is not cooperating for some reason. I am working on a difficult case-’

“I hope it’s not that devious human being, Maurice Daley.” Margaret picked up her glass of water and took a delicate sip, eyeing her daughter over the rim. “I read that he was not convicted, that he was absolved-”

“I would not quite use that word where that man is concerned.” Ryleigh picked up her glass and drank thirstily. “He is a rotten waste of space and needs to be put away.”

Margaret waited until their meals were placed before them, and the waiter moved away before she responded.

“And you think you must achieve that.”

“I am an officer of the court-” She broke off at the look on her mother’s face and sighed.

“I have to do this, Mother. It's not just a win for me or even anything personal. He has been terrorizing people for years and needs to be stopped.”

“And if you continue, he will want to stop you.” Margaret dug into her Caesar Salad to ensure everything was as it should be. Satisfied, she scooped up some and chewed.“It’s not your duty to right all the wrongs in the world.”

“You think that’s what I am trying to do?” She took a sip of tea and hoped fervently that it would quell the increasing queasiness inside her stomach. It would not do for her to rush from the table and head to the restroom. Her mother was very intuitive and insisted on knowing what was happening.

“Isn’t it?”

“No, of course not.” She had no idea if she was trying to convince herself or her mother.

“I hate to see criminals getting away without paying the price.”

“That’s very commendable, my dear, but please be careful.” she gestured to the soup.

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