Page 36 of Shadows of Before

“I…I…” She turned her body to face him.

“Don’t hedge, sweetheart. Don’t put up a wall. Tell me. Because I think I want to stay.”

“I’d like that too, Will. I’d like it very much.”

* * *

The sex that followed was unlike any other time. Neither wanted to know why. They both just rode with it for ten halcyon days...

Chapter 6

“Thanks for coming with me.” Kate had already perked up by the next morning. She was itching to move, which Will had read correctly.

“I couldn’t very well let you go alone. After yesterday. And we’re keeping it slow.”

“I agree. I know how to take care of myself.”

“I don’t understand that. You have a loving family right here in town.”

“My dad wanted me to be as independent as my brothers.”

“Is he upset about your demotion?”

“Nope. He was a cop and said the WPD has rules. He believes I’ll get my promotion back to lieutenant and detective.”

“I’m worried, Kate. Honestly, too many bad things have happened at work for it all to be random.”

“The sky is blue, the sun is shining, let’s leave the bad stuff behind.”

He nodded. “You look cute in those clothes.”

“I like that it’s lightweight.”

They finished the trail and went back to the street. “Let’s go around town once more.”

“Sure.” They kept walking. When they passed Diego’s house, he called to them from the porch. “Hey, you two. Come on up.”

He smiled at Katie. They weren’t a public couple. How would they explain why they were together early this morning?

She said, “It’s okay by me.”

They crossed the street. Climbed the steps. Kate noticed right away how…content the couple seemed, lounging in shorts and tee shirts, barefoot. “Want some coffee?” Annie asked. Her face was bright, unlined, satisfied. Kate envied her. She used to be like that.

“Not for me.”

“Me either,” Will said.

They sat on the chairs facing the swing. Diego grinned. “So, fancy seeing you together. This early.”

Briefly Will told them about the ceiling falling on Kate.

Diego’s eyes widened. “God, Katie, I’m so sorry. That precinct is going to hell.”

“Let’s talk about something else.” Kate didn’t want to think about work. “You’re off from school?”

“Un-uh,” Annie said. “I like being free for the summer.”

“I’m doing a summer session at Pathways. I may stay on there and work with the kids.”

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