Page 18 of Justice for Daesha

Mack’s eyes narrowed. “Just your average garden-variety Joe?”

“Nope.”

“So if she’s right, there’s a good chance we’ll get the case anyway?”

“Yep.”

A chuckle rumbled from Mack’s chest. “I had this feeling it was going that direction. In that case, I’m glad you brought it in here. If it does turn out to be as you suspect, we’ll already be in the right place at the right time and ahead of the game. Good work, Amos. You know, you have good instincts. Have you thought about looking at a supervisor’s position in another field office?”

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “No. And it’s a bit flattering, you saying that.”

“It’s true. You’re very good at what you do. So think about it.”

“I will.” Amos stood to go, then gave Mack another smile. “Thanks. That’s one thing I’d miss if I went somewhere else?working for you.”

“Well, thank you! I think we have an excellent staff here, and I’m glad you’re part of that. If there’s anything I can do to help with this case, just let me know.”

“I will. Thanks again. Oh, and I’m going to go ahead and leave for the day. I’m cooking dinner for her tonight and I need to go to the store and pick up stuff.”

“Oh-ho-ho! AmosFletcher’s cooking? Thismustbe serious!”

“Just reciprocating, that’s all.”

“Call it whatever you want, buddy,” Mack said and laughed loudly.

Amos smacked the doorjamb and gave Mack a little wave. “See you tomorrow.” He was still laughing when he went to his desk. He knew he’d get razzed, but thank god for Cynthia. Because of her, he might actually be able to pull off a decent dinner, and he made up his mind that if he did, he was fucking well taking a picture of it and putting it on social media. Otherwise, nobody would believe him.

It was early enough that the grocery wasn’t crowded, so he got in and back out pretty fast. He had to stop at the liquor store too, but that only took a minute or two. He had to make two trips from the car to the apartment, but he got everything in, sorted it all out, and got started. He’d been told exactly which sauce to buy, exactly what kind of meat to buy, and exactly what kind of cheese and how much. He’d also bought the right kind of pasta, and he’d thought to get one of those disposable aluminum pans to cook it all in. In just a little while, he had the sausage browned and crumbled, the sauce spiced up, and the cheese ready. Mixing it all together, he dumped it into the pan, spread it out, and then poured water over it just as Cynthia said. It looked weird, but he was pretty sure he’d followed all the directions correctly. It wouldn’t take long to bake it, so he put it in the refrigerator and texted her to let her know he was home.

It was almost five thirty when he heard from her.On my way.After sticking the big pan in the oven on a cookie sheet, Amos scurried around and tore up the lettuce, then washed the little grape tomatoes and put them on the salad. The Tuscan dressing he’d found sounded perfect, and he had grated parmesan and croutons, so he was all set. He’d stopped at the convenience store again and this time, he’d give her the rose he’d bought there. The liquor store yielded a couple of bottles of nice wine, and he was all set.

By the time she pulled up in the drive, the pasta only had about ten minutes to go. Perfect timing for having salad first and then being able to pull the dish fresh and steaming out of the oven. Not caring if opening the door before she knocked made him look eager, Amos headed that way and when he opened it, she was standing there, reaching for the doorbell. “Oh!” she belted out.

“I’m sorry. I’m making startling you a habit, and I don’t mean to.”

She scowled. “Oh, you meant to the last time you did it.”

“Wellllll, yeah. I did,” he said with a laugh. “Come on in.”

“Wow! What’s that smell?”

“It’s pasta. I hope it’s good. I’ve never made this recipe before. Want some wine?” he asked, motioning toward the kitchen. “And the salads are ready too.”

“That sounds good. I’m starving. I didn’t even have time for lunch today.” She pulled up a stool and sat at the breakfast bar.

“Busy day?”

“Yeah. Two new guys.”

“Training new people is always hard,” Amos said as he screwed the bottle opener into the cork of the wine bottle.

“No. New patients. Guys with brand new prosthetics. That kind of new guys.”

“Oh! Oh, yeah, I bet thatishard.”

“Yeah. They’re bigger than me, but I’m responsible for making sure they don’t fall. It can get scary sometimes. One of them was big enough that Cameron came and helped me. I didn’t have to ask?he just saw me struggling and decided to come on over and offer. That was nice. We have them between the parallel bars, but sometimes their arms just give out and they need help.”

“That would be scary for sure.” The timer went off, and Amos grabbed two potholders and pulled the cookie sheet out. “Wow. This looks good.”

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