Page 107 of Love in the Storm

“We’ll need you to check out the office, as well as the rest of the store. Then you can give a written statement and fill out a report,” Dawson added.

Asa called Lyric, and she answered on the first ring.

“Hey. Are you okay?” Her hurried words were teetering on the verge of panic.

“I’m fine. No one was inside, but Camille is going to check things out to see if anything is missing.”

Lyric let out a deep exhale. “Thank goodness. I was worried about you because…”

“Because of what happened a few months ago?” he finished.

“Yeah. Just thinking about you going in there when someone might be inside. It reminded me how dangerous your job can be.”

“It’s not always highway robbery, sweetie. It’s mostly the paperwork that kicks my butt.”

She laughed. “Okay. I’ll stop worrying now.”

“Good. Can you come over here and give a statement?”

“Oh, yes. I’ll be there in two minutes.”

Asa walked around the building and met Lyric as she was parking. She ran straight into his arms, and he didn’t care if anyone saw them. He’d known all morning she was safe, but holding her gave him room to breathe.

“You okay?” he asked, just to be sure.

“I’m fine. Is the store ok?”

“Looks like it. The only damage we found was the door. Camille is doing a walk-through of the office.”

“Good.”

“Let’s get inside. You think you can give a statement?”

“Sure.” She followed him inside where Camille was handing out cups of coffee.

When they’d completed the on-site investigation, Lyric stepped up to his side and wrapped her arm around his. “I’ll walk you out.”

“It’s freezing.”

“I have a coat,” Lyric said, pointing to the rack by the door.

“Fine. You can just kiss me at the door and run back inside.”

“The door of your car.”

“I meant the door of the building,” Asa said with a smile.

“I meant the door of your car,” Lyric stated resolutely. “I don’t want to let you out of my sight until I absolutely have to.”

Asa didn’t push back. Lyric’s determination was something he loved about her. He wished she was more confident in her instincts. He’d chastised her about being impulsive before, but the truth was that Lyric just knew what to do sometimes.

They stepped out into the cold, and Lyric nestled close to his side as they walked. She’d parked right beside his cruiser, and they slid into the half-concealed space between their vehicles.

“Thanks for coming to my rescue.”

Asa kissed her forehead. “Always. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Me too. I know Camille is probably upset. I’ll do what I can to help her today.”

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