Page 16 of Cornered

He touched his head. “Yeah. He got me with something that knocked me silly for a few seconds. Long enough to grab the book and get away, but I’m fine. It was probably the grip of a gun, which I prefer to a bullet.” He reached out and squeezed her fingers. “Seriously. We’ll talk tomorrow, okay?”

“We’re still on to visit with Greg?”

“We are. I’ll pick you up and you can ride with us.”

“Then I’ll see you in the morning.”

He left and she turned to see James watching with an odd little smile on his lips. She huffed. “Stop it.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Yes. You did.”

He laughed and she walked into her bedroom, brushed her teeth, and fell across the bed. Knowing James was just in the other room allowed her to close her eyes and fall asleep.

TATESTUDIED HIS CEILING,then rolled out of the bed when no answers to his multitude of questions were forthcoming. He palmed his eyes and pulled in a breath.

He wanted to check on Steph. He couldn’t get the woman out of his mind and that bothered him. For as long as he could remember, he’d avoided anything—including romantic entanglements—that would derail his push to become a police officer and now a detective.

Sure, he’d dated. He’d even had one fairly serious relationship with another career-minded officer. Thankfully, they’d both realized they were better off good friends than married to each other. It had been an amicable parting with no broken hearts involved. He’d been disappointed, of course, but had gotten over it fairly quickly.

He texted Cole, and the man said he’d pick him up, then they’d grab Steph before heading over to the Hudson home.

His phone rang and he swiped the screen. “Hi, Mom.”

“How are you doing, Detective Tate Cooper?”

He smiled. “I’m doing okay, Mom. Thanks for checking on me.”

“When are you coming for a visit?”

“Well, believe it or not, I started day one with a big case, so it might be a while.”

“I understand. We miss seeing you, but your dad and I are proud of you.”

Emotion grabbed him by the throat, taking him off guard. He’d always been close to his parents and he missed them. But the job was everything right now. “Thanks, Mom. I appreciate it.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’ve got to go. I’ll try to find some time to come see you guys soon.” They only lived forty-five minutes away.

“See you later, Son.”

“Give Dad a hug for me.”

“I will. Bye.”

Tate hung up and, with a groan, headed for the shower. He dreaded talking to the new widower, but part of him was looking forward to seeing Steph again in spite of the circumstances.

Twenty minutes later, he hurried to meet Cole, who’d pulled in front of his apartment. Tate slid into the passenger seat and was greeted with the delicious aroma of fresh-brewed coffee with a hint of ... something. Hazelnut?

Two cups from the local café sat in the cupholder. “I don’t suppose one of those is mine, is it?”

Cole shot him an amused look. “You know it is.”

“You’re the best partner a guy could ask for.”

Cole laughed. “Glad to be of service.” He pulled out of the apartment parking lot and aimed toward Steph’s home. “Question for you.”

“Shoot.”

“You like Steph.”

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