Page 2 of Justice for Daesha

“Oh. Nice to meet you.” Instead of waiting for him to extend a hand, she held out hers, and Amos took it. “He’s a nice guy, and Aleta’s a sweetheart.”

“Yeah, our family thinks a lot of her. She’s made my brother very happy, and I think he’s doing the same for her.” He hadn’t realized he was still holding her hand until she pulled hers away.

“I hope so. Horrible what happened to her.”

Amos nodded. “Yes. It was. So hang on and let me get those drinks. Be right back.” Taking her glass with a nod, he headed to the bar. In a minute, he was back to her. “Here ya go.”

“Thanks.” She took the glass and stood there, not speaking to him, just looking out across the dance floor.

“Would you like to dance?” Amos asked. There was a KeithUrban song playing,Little Bit ofEverything, and Amos loved the little calypso rhythm in it.

“I don’t think so, but thanks.”Wow. Turned down cold.He decided maybe he’d just go find somewhere else to stand and was about to walk away when she asked, “So what do you do? Are you a trooper like Jack?”

“No. I’m KDCI.” Her brow furrowed in puzzlement. “Kentucky Department ofCriminal Investigations. I’m an agent for them.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, we’re part of the Attorney General’s office.”

“So you’re not really law enforcement,” she said and took a sip of champagne.

“Yeah, we’re definitely law enforcement.”

“Oh, wow. Both of you work in law enforcement. So what do you…” She stopped abruptly as the music changed to a BrettYoung song,In Case You Didn’t Know. “Um, so about that dance. I think I changed my mind. I think I’d like to.”

“Uh, okay. Here.” He reached for her glass, set it on the table behind them with his beer, and took her hand. As he led her to the dance floor, he caught Jack’s eye, and his little brother winked at him.

It was nice and slow. They started out with his left arm around her waist, her right one around his neck, and their other hands clasped together in a traditional way, but the song was beautiful, and before too long, Amos turned loose of her hand and wrapped his other arm around her waist. She did the same with her left arm around his neck. They weren’t pressed together, but it was comfortable, and Amos was enjoying himself. “So what do you do?”

“I work at the VA clinic in Louisville.”

“Jack says you’re Matt’s neighbor. Do you live in Shepherdsville too?” She nodded. “I’m in Elizabethtown.”

“Near Jack?”

“Not too far. Our parents are there too. Are your people from Shepherdsville?”

“Nah. Anchorage. I moved to be outside the city.”

“So what do you do at the VA?”

“I’m a physical therapist.”

“Nice job. Helping people.”

“I enjoy it.” The song ended and so did their dance. “That was fun. Thanks for asking me.”

“Thanks for saying yes.”

She smiled. “Could you babysit my glass for me while I run to the restroom?”

“Sure. Be right here when you come back.”

“Thanks.” He watched as she walked away and he couldn’t help but notice something different about her gait.

“So, whaddya think?” a voice asked and Amos jumped.

“What the hell? You startled the shit out of me!”

---