Page 21 of Criminology of a Character

“Hey,” her voice was all smiles as she answered Eamon’s call.

“Fridge,” he said by way of greeting, and with furrowed eyebrows, she walked to her refrigerator.

“What’s this?” she asked as she withdrew the bag that hadn’t been there that morning.

“I had lunch with a client a few towns over,” he answered. “The restaurant was amazing, so I ordered takeout for you.”

“Oooo.” Bel dragged out her excitement as she tore open the bag to find multiple to-go containers. “Oh my gosh, how much did you get me?”

“The plain steak is for Cerberus.”

“Of course it is.” She rolled her eyes.

“I wasn’t sure what you’d be in the mood for, but at least you’ll have leftovers for work lunches. I also left different wine options that’ll pair with your dinner, depending onwhich dish you eat.”

Bel noticed the bottles for the first time, and her jaw dropped when she saw his selections. These weren’t from a liquor store. These were from hispersonalcollection. Hisextremely expensivepersonal collection.

“I take everything I ever said about you breakingand enteringback.” She grinned as she plucked the roast chicken and veggies out of the takeout bag to eat alongside the bottle of red that was practically screaming her name. “You can break in any time you wish if thisis the result.”

“If you gave me a key, I wouldn’t have to break in,” he said.

“Where’s the fun in that?”

“Alas, there isn’t any,” he chuckled. “I also took Cerberus for a walk and gave him a treat.”

“He just dragged me on a long walk.” She turned on the oven since this wasn’t a mealoneheated in the microwave. “Little manipulator. Like those jokes about moms and dads who don’t communicate,sothe dogs get two dinners.”

“Mom and Dad,” Eamon repeated, and Bel could practically see his black eyes lighten at her words.

“Don’t get too excited,” she teased. “We all know mom is the favorite.”

“She is indeed… do you want to eat alone or can we switch to video chat?”

“Let’s switch.” Bel dug the steak out of the bag and scooped half of the already cubed meat into a bowl before putting the rest of the food back in her refrigerator. “I got some good news from Barry.”

“Did they find Hyde?”

“No, but they found Kinley,” she said as muffled noises came from Eamon’s phone as he readied to switch to video. “I’m glad he’s?—”

A knock interrupted her, and Bel peeked out of the picture frame window over the sink to find her partner standing on the front stoop.

“Who’s there?” Eamon asked.

“Olivia,” she said as she opened the door.

“Hey.” Gold smiled, and seeing her phone, her smile turned awkward. “Sorry, I should’ve texted first.”

“No, it’s fine. Come in.” Bel stepped out of the way, and Cerberus took it upon himself to act as the greeting committee.

“Is she okay?” Eamon asked.

“Olivia, is everything okay?” Bel asked.

“Yes, I’m fine.” Her partner scratched Cerberus’ ears as the pitbull danced around her legs. “I haven’t been able to stopthinking about our conversation at lunch, and I wanted to run an idea by you.”

“Sounds like you’re busy,” Eamon said good-naturedly. “Go enjoy dinner, and I’ll call you later.”

“Thanks.”

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