Page 79 of Heat of Justice

As Cody flicked on the lights, Kim could see that she was fine. She noticed her concern, evident in the way she watched her. Cody’s expressive blue eyes never left her face as she took a couple of deep breaths. Grateful for her quiet presence, touched by her reaction, Kim pressed a trembling hand to her cheek.

“Sorry to wake you up like this, babe,” she murmured.

“Not a problem,” Cody assured. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay now. Thanks.”

“I guess discussing murder and mutilated bodies at dinner wasn’t such a good idea, huh?”

“No, it’s not that,” Kim started, only to stop abruptly. Ah, damn…She could not quite suppress another shiver, even as she insisted. “I’m fine.”

“You weren’t fine a few seconds ago.”

“Don’t worry about that.”

“Ah, come on, Kim.” The sweet look on Cody’s face turned more inquisitive and sharp. Cop-like, which, of course, was not surprising. “Thanks for trying to reassure me, but I’d rather you were straight with me. This looked like more than just a dream; you really struggled to get out of it. Did you have a vision?”

“No, no…”God, please, let it not be!

“But you still look worried. What’s going on?”

Kim had to make a split-second decision: head or heart? The impulse to withdraw from this conversation, to lie, or to pullback into her shell was there alright and pretty strong. But this was Cody asking. Love won. She would not lie.

“I’ve been having a few nightmares,” she admitted.

“A few?”

“Yes. Not like this, but yeah.”

“About me?”

“No, I… Why would you say that?” Kim stared, astounded and alarmed. “Cody, I love you.”

“I know that, but—Hold on.” Cody kept her close when she started to slide off the bed. “Are you aware that you said my name a few times before waking up?”

“What?” Kim stilled.

“In the dream. You were talking about fire. You said‘Don’t go there’.And my name. You looked terrified and kept asking me if I was okay. That’s why I’m wondering if I was in the dream.”

“I don’t remember. What else did I say?”

“That’s it. There was a fire?”

“I… I don’t know. Give me a minute.”

“Of course.”

Kim closed her eyes and emptied her mind to try to bring it back. Deep down, she felt it was important. But all she sensed was a vague feeling of unease, fast disappearing.

“It’s gone now.” She sighed. “What time is it?”

“Almost five A.M.”

“I need coffee. Cold shower and a brew.”

“You’re on your own with the cold shower, but I’ll get coffee started,” Cody offered.

“Thanks.”

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