Page 92 of Chasing Shelter

He took two long steps toward me before someone rounded the corner and moved in front of him. “Now, Jimmy, that sounds a hell of a lot like a threat to me. I might not be on duty, but I still have a responsibility to uphold the law.”

I didn’t think I’d ever seen Harrison out of uniform. He looked boyishly handsome in jeans, a tee, and a ballcap. Like he was getting ready for a baseball game or, more likely, to do a little yard work.

The man, who was apparently named Jimmy, scowled at Harrison. “None of your business, boy.”

“You made it my business. And because our team was part of that case, I can tell you that Ellie had nothing to do with it other than trying to help bring her father to justice. So spreadthataround,” Harrison said, his voice hardening.

Jimmy’s jaw worked back and forth before he scowled at me and stalked off. “I don’t got time for this bullshit.”

The air left my lungs in a whoosh, and I realized I’d crumpled the paint swatches in my hand. I tried my best to smooth them out as Harrison turned around.

“I’m so sorry about that.”

I shook my head and focused on the paint chips. “Not your fault.”

He frowned at me. “That happen a lot?”

I shrugged. “It’s not uncommon.”

That had a vein straining in Harrison’s neck. “You have a run-in, call me. I’ll have a word.”

I thought about arguing, but it wasn’t worth the battle. I didn’t want to explain to him that the thing I needed most right now was to stand on my own two feet. “All right.”

Harrison sighed. “You’re not going to call, are you?”

I grinned, even though it was strained. “What I’m going to do right now is paint a mural.”

My early 2000spop playlist blasted through my portable speaker as I moved my pencil across the massive white wall. I’d moved all the furniture into the center of the room and covered it with plastic drop cloths. I’d even taken time to tape off the molding despite it being the most mind-numbing task. But *NSYNC helped get me through.

Gremlin barked from his bed in the corner, moving toward the door. I frowned. I hadn’t heard anything, but I moved in that direction anyway. A pounding let loose on my front door, and Gremlin began barking his head off.

“Blaze, restrain that feral beast because I’m coming in.”

“Hold your horses, Chief.” Picking up Grem and unlocking the deadbolt, I opened the door to a very grumpy-looking Trace. “Who pissed in your Cheerios?”

His scowl deepened. “You didn’t text.”

I winced. “Sorry. I got distracted.”

“I texted you, and you didn’t answer.”

I mumbled a curse. “I forgot to tell you. I changed my number to a Sparrow Falls one.”

Trace’s green eyes darkened, that astute quality taking over. “You changed your number.”

“Yeah. I mean, I don’t need a New York one anymore, right?” It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth either. And given how on edge Trace had been at the gym, I didn’t want him worrying any more than he already was.

Trace’s gaze roamed over me from head to toe as if looking for answers. Instead, he likely got only paint-splattered coveralls and hair in a rat’s nest bun atop my head. “What are you wearing?”

I beamed up at him, relief rushing through me at the change in subject. “My painting outfit.”

“Your…painting outfit.”

“Yup.”

Trace reached out, his fingers moving to a strand of hair that had fallen out of my bun. “You’ve got pink paint in your hair. And some green.” He pulled his hand back to show me, but Gremlin took that opportunity to snap and snarl, nipping at Trace.

He snatched his hand back, glaring at my dog. “Jesus. Are you sure that thing doesn’t have rabies?”

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