Page 46 of Shadows of Before

“They’d be interested in your Secret Service experience. Fascinated by it I’d guess. And you’d be an excellent role model of a resilient man. They need to learn they can change their lives around, too.”

“Hmm. I’ll—”

“Daddy,” a little boy called out as he ran into the room and threw himself at Jackson. “Mommy left her scarf here. She’s waiting for me in the car because she doesn’t want to bother you.”

“It’s on that chair.”

“Okay.” Before he got the scarf the boy hugged him. Then he was gone.

Jackson said, “Sorry about that.”

“You’re married, I knew. But I didn’t know you had a kid.”

“Yeah. We adopted him.” He rolled his eyes. “After we finally got together.”

He didn’t know why he asked, “Finally?”

“Man, it was a rocky road. Even though we loved each other we had troubled times. But it all worked out.”

“Was it worth it?”

“Yeah. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”

“You’re a lucky man.”

“I am.” He stared hard at Will. “Is this about Kate Donovan?”

Shocked, Will blurted out, “How would you know that?”

“I saw you two at the eclipse party circling around each other and you left at the same time. You’ve been in town with her, too. You looked happy.”

“I was. It’s over now.”

Jackson snorted. “Sorry. But your face and your body language say it’s nowhere near over. A word of advice. Don’t let it end. You’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”

* * *

Kate went back to work after a full week off. It was odd being in the precinct again. It used to feel like home to her, but not anymore. It felt strangely…threatening. Of course, itwasa police precinct. And some bad things had happened to her.

She said to the officer who’d done nights, “I’m here, Conrad.”

“Great. I don’t know how you do so many night shifts. I hate it.”

I have no choice.

Or did she? Katie told Will she wanted to control her own life, make her own choices. So why was she a shrinking violet at work?

“The chief wants to see you. I’ll wait till you come back.”

“Thanks.” She walked back to the squad room. The chief’s door was open. She walked to the doorway. “You wanted to see me, chief?”

“Yeah. Sit down.” He gestured to the chair before him. “Welcome back.”

“Thanks.” She sat.

He faced her squarely. “I wanted to inform you that Officer Landry has been fired. Officer Lawrence is out on a two-week suspension without pay.”

She was taken a back. “Wow. I never expected that.”

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