Page 71 of Colton Family Bodyguard (Coltons of Mustang Valley)

“Yes. We went on a picnic and the movies. I got to see Tinkerbell.”

“Oh yeah?” Adoration and love filled her to overflowing. And gratitude for her brother keeping Evie entertained.

“Yeah. And they took me to work. I got to ride in a police car.”

“Wow. That’s exciting.” Owen wouldn’t have taken her on any emergency calls. He must have just given her a ride.

“Mommy?”

“Yes, sweetie?”

“I want to be a police girl when I grow up.”

Evie had been getting a lot of exposure to policewomen, first Kerry and now Jessica. “That’s a good profession. You’d make a fine one. And you’re already getting experience.” Hazel believed that children could not get enough encouragement. It allowed them to focus more on the positive than the negative, what they could do as opposed to what they couldn’t.

“I like Jessica. She bosses all the boys around.”

Hazel laughed and saw Callum pull to the side of the street. They had arrived at Mark and Loretta’s home.

“She’s a good role model for you then. I’ve got to go, Evie. You be good for me.”

“Okay, Mommy.”

Hazel would never get tired of her kiddie voice, high and sweet. She’d miss that when Evie grew up. “I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Hazel didn’t hear any disconnect and in the next couple of seconds her brother came back on. “Hey,” he said.

“She sounds really good.”

“Yeah. She’s a good kid. You’re doing an amazing job with her.”

“Give her a kiss and a hug for me.”

“Will do. Are the police any closer to catching that shooter?”

“No. We’re trying to track down information on the victim and hoping that will lead to something. All we know so far is he liked to flirt and he went to a bar a lot. The sooner we find out more, the better.” She wanted Evie back by her side.

“Well, don’t worry about Evie. She’s warm, safe and dry here.”

Warm, safe and dry. “I like that. Thanks, Owen.”

“Take care.”

She ended the call and looked over at Callum, who must have been watching her and listening the whole time. He had a soft expression, his eyes full of admiration or maybe envy. For a man who shied away from mothers and children, he sure seemed to yearn for exactly that type of family life.

“You ready?” she asked.

“Yes.” He got out of the car and so did she.

They walked to the house, a three-thousand or so square foot two-story home. A rock water fountain bubbled beside the front door. Callum rang the bell. After a few moments a lanky man with a headful of gray hair appeared. He looked from Hazel to Callum and froze. He was surprised to see him.

“Hello, Mr. Rubio.”

“Why are you here?” Mark asked.

“I’d like to talk if you’re okay with that.”

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