Page 27 of Tactical Revival

“Different apartments,” I say quickly.

“You’re a bit jumpy today, Payne, everything okay?”

“Fine. Sorry. This case has me worried.”

Michael’s grin falls just slightly. “I get that. Listen, man, I know she’s not blonde, but?—”

“I’ll keep an eye on your sister.”

He breathes a sigh of relief, and I immediately feel guilty. Does he know how I feel about her? How could he? I don’t even know how I feel. “Good. Thanks, man. Times like this, it makes me feel better you’re there. God knows she wouldn’t let me watch over her. Stubborn woman.”

I smile, remembering how I’d called her just that this morning. “That she is. Call me if you guys find anything.”

“Will do.”

I’ve never been more grateful to not be useful with a computer as I am now. Because not being good with technology means I get to leave early and get ready for a dinner I’ve been looking forward to all day.

It seems ridiculous to be nervous when I know it’s not a date. I mean, Matty will be there. However, I am most definitely nervous.

After making my way into downtown, I pick a spot that will give me a bit of time to stretch my legs in my walk to the bakery, then climb out and take a moment to breathe deeply. Salty sea air fills my lungs, settling a bit of my nerves.

The ocean is a balm to my soul.

“You look happy.”

I turn to see Lanetti standing behind me, wearing a colorful sundress, her hair in loose waves around her face. “It’s a good day,” I reply.

“I’m glad to hear it.”

I start down the street toward the bakery, and she falls into step beside me. “How is your day?” I ask, because not inquiring about her seems rude.

“It’s been long,” she says softly. “My mom is on me about whether or not I’m planning on going back to college—I dropped out last year because she wanted me to go to nursing school and I have no interest.”

“It’s important to do something that will make you happy.”

“See, you get it.” She gently touches my arm. “What made you want to be a cop?”

I shrug. “When I got out of the Marines, I knew that I wanted to do something that would help people. I’d also been injured, so completing the physical fitness portion of the academy was a goal of mine.”

“Injured? How.”

“IED,” I reply.

She gasps. “That’s terrifying.”

“By God’s grace, I made it through.”

“And now you’re in our small town.” She beams at me. “I couldn’t imagine leaving a big, exciting city like LA to come here.”

“The city is great at times,” I admit. “But it can’t compare to this place.” I reach for the door of the bakery and turn to tell Lanetti goodbye.

“What happenstance,” she says with a smile. “I’m coming here, too.”

Oh, boy. Opening the door for her, I step aside so she can go in, then step in behind her.

“I’m not sure what I want yet, so go ahead if you do,” she tells me.

“Jaxson Payne!” Kyra Redding, the pastor’s wife, greets me with a wide smile as she comes up behind the counter.

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