Page 39 of Shadows of Before

“Why?”

“I was hoping to keep it from you. You worry about me.”

His gaze narrowed. “Who’s the guy?”

“It’s complicated.”

“I didn’t ask that. I want to know who you’re seeing.”

“Will Kirkland.”

“The kid from here who went into the Secret Service?”

“Yes. It’s very complicated why he’s back in town. It’s his story to tell.” And there were too many details she had to conceal. If her father ever heard the wordsjust sexhe’d blow a gasket.

“All right. What do you need from me now?”

“How about one of your famous pastrami sandwiches?”

“I think I can do that.”

After she left her father’s house, she went to her apartment and packed up some clothes. Will had taken a big step toward her and she wouldn’t hurt him by staying away. Which was crazy. How had she let him become important to her?

His car was in the driveway when she arrived about two. He was outside on the patio under an awning, writing in his tablet. He looked up when she came outside. “Hi.”

“Hey.” He glanced at the duffle she carried. “You went to the apartment?”

“Yeah. I got some clothes.” She shifted on her feet. “It’s okay with you, right?”

“Hush, I wanted you to stay here. Go put them upstairs then come back out. It’s a beautiful day.”

When she returned, she grabbed them both water and joined him outside. “Did you make much progress?”

“I did. I got a prep book for tomorrow. I knew most of the stuff in it, except some civilian penal codes.”

“I’m not surprised.”

“Then I went to the courthouse in Syracuse and got the application forms to be a PI. A lot of paperwork. But I’m about done.”

“Ah.”

“How’d it go with your Dad?”

She told him about the visit. “They love you, Katie. You might want to consider spending more time with them.” He swallowed hard. “I wish I’d been more attentive to my father since I left home.”

“I hear you.”

“So, are you up for a swim?” he asked.

“Where?”

She grinned. “We’re on a lake, sweetheart.”

“Yeah, but, I don’t have a bathing suit.”

“We can stop on the way.”

“Okay.” The fact that she was acquiescing so easily frightened her, but she pushed the notion away.

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