Page 45 of Wishing Upon a Monster
“Alright, there is no reason why we can’t take a break and read the file once it is here,” she said, slipping by Nash and heading for the clear side of the table where Olan had set the food hamper.
“Thank you for your care, husband,”I said, sidling up to him.
Olan snaked a hand around my waist, kissing me on my temple.“Wife, it is my pleasure.”
Olan passed out plates, utensils, cups, a large boat of gravy, a deep dish of biscuits, and an equally sizable container of hashbrown casserole.
We served ourselves, and I ended up in Olan’s lap as I had almost two months ago in this very room. Sensing my amusement, Olan nuzzled my cheek before I took a bite.
“This is delicious,” Nash groaned, eating his casserole. “Do they make lady Brødmands?”
“No. They do not,” Olan said, looking at Nash like if they did, he would warn them awayimmediately.
“I got the information on Xavier Bishop!” Vickie zoomed into the conference room with a massive folder. “Who wants it?”
“I can––” Irene said, reaching her hand out.
“You eat,” Nash said, standing up and meeting Vickie halfway.
Irene looked a little lost for words as those around pretended like their plate of food was the most interesting meal of their lives.
“Well, we have assault, assault of a minor, drug buying and selling charges, and... a kidnapping charge that was waived... because the person turned up unharmed, vouching for him, saying they were not kidnapped, it was a ‘surprise trip.’ Not sure I am buying it, then or now. Has anyone actuallyseenCora O’Shea?”
“Where does she live?” I asked after taking a sip of tea.
“They listed her mother’s home in F4 as her address, which is why it’s the only incident in that area,” He finished passing Irene the file when she held out a hand for it.
We finished up our meal, and with a snap, Olan made all of the disposable plates disappear in a puff of black and gold glittery smoke.
I suppose it’s better when it is a disposable plate and not one of my china plates.
“It’s basically end of shift, Irene, maybe I can send––” Nash said, gathering the larger dishes to put back in the basket for Olan.
“Basicallyisn’t end of shift, Nash. I can go and check out the O’Shea residence––” she interrupted.
“I’d rather you have backup when you go,” he argued, putting the last dish away.
“Since the information was gathered during the night shift, and the day shift had the initial contact, why don’t you both go, representing the entity that is Eastwood River Preserve?” Rocio suggested firmly.
We quietly agreed, yawning and stretching like we had really used up the brain power this evening.
“I suppose if we must,” Irene sighed, joining Nash at the end of the table. “It’s not like I get to do a lot of fieldwork anymore.”
“It will be a nice change of pace, eh?” Nash ribbed, slapping her on the shoulder.
Irene grabbed his hand and had it behind his back and him in a hold faster than any of us could blink. “You can’t come if you need to go to medical,” she said, sweetly frog-marching him from the room.
“Uncle!” he called loudly from the hallway, and we laughed at their antics.
“I cannot wait for their wedding,” Isla said, pushing away from the table. “Thanks for the meal, Olan.”
“Yes, it was nice to have something home-cooked instead of free range.” Rocio rose to her feet. “And it’s so amazing to end a shift without needing a shower.”
“From your lips to the Goddess’ ears,” I said as Olan stood with me in his arms.
“Home,min elskede?”He asked.
“Home.”I thought, laying my head in my favorite spot and breathing in his comforting bracken scent.
