“What are we doing?” She watched suspiciously as the cop on the other side of the cage took out a gun and set it on the counter.

“Target practice.” He didn’t look up.

“What did you say?”

He stopped filling out a form and turned to her. “I know how you feel about guns, but you should at least know how to shoot one.”

“But I don’t want to learn to how to shoot a gun. I couldn’t shoot anyone, ever, so what’s the point?” She lifted her hands and shoulders in an emphatic shrug.

Alex fixed his eyes on hers. “Never?”

“I can’t imagine,” she answered, taken aback.

“If it was self-defense, like it always is with you, and it was you or the other guy?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re awfully sure of me.”

“Yes, I am.”

Their eyes locked for a moment and she felt a shiver. But she had the feeling he wasn’t just talking about the gun.

Kudos for A Case of the Heart

“A CASE OF THE HEART was awesome, start to finish. Great story, great characters, great faith elements. It’s a book I will keep and read over and over. I loved it!”

~ Manuscript Editor Tammy Barley

“Character development for A Case of the Heart is great. I felt like I knew the characters. The choice of words and phrases added color to the story. Descriptions are good and help the reader visualize the story.”

~ English teacher Robert Reier

“Beth tells the truth with warmth and humor. If your best friend isn’t handy, read one of her stories, you’ll feel like you found a new one.”

~ Lyricist Jan Halvorson

“Beth has such a gift for conveying faith points, and drawing the reader closer to God. I expect many will read her books for that benefit alone.”

~ Editor Berry Tames

A Case

of the Heart

by

Beth Shriver

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

A Case of the Heart

COPYRIGHT © 2008 by Beth Shriver

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: info@thewildrosepress.com

Cover Art by Kim Mendoza

The Wild Rose Press

PO Box 706

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0706

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First White Rose Edition, 2008

Print 1-60154-560-6

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

To Bob and Dot,

my incredibly encouraging parents.

Chapter One

Liz never liked getting to the destination before the cop, especially in this part of town. Fortunately, even though these were non-emergency after-hour calls, social workers usually had Denver PD assist them at night.

She checked the car doors to make sure they were locked, and then sank down in her seat to survey the house. She could see occasional movement in the upstairs room. A black silhouette passed by through a burnt orange curtain.

Liz scanned the area. The houses had been converted to multiple occupancy; lawns were neglected; torn shutters hung from dirty windows; aged paint blistered and chipped off the siding. The streets were littered with old cars, some parked in driveways, others in yards.

There was a little moisture from an earlier snow, and a cold wind was picking up. It was otherwise quiet and still except for two bundled-up figures walking away from her up the street into the dark night.

She reached forward to start the car for some heat when she caught a flash of blue lights in her rearview mirror. A black and white pulled up behind her.

An officer got out and started to walk over. She observed the confident stride, the nice physique. Yep, it was him. She took a look in the rearview mirror to do a quick check of her appearance.

She squeezed her cheeks to add some color and opened her eyes wide, pressing lightly on her lashes to curl them back. She ran her fingers through her brown hair, twirling it into a twist and then stuck it into a clip. Liz kept thinking throughout the entire ritual of how pathetic she was.

She rolled down her window and looked into the handsome face of Alex Demas. He was one of her favorite cops and had been with Liz on some of her toughest calls.

He leaned into the window, the streetlight shimmering in his blue eyes. He ran his fingers through his dark hair as he fixed his gaze on her.

Her stomach jumped as she returned his stare. She had always considered him attractive but felt funny about it—like thinking your cousin was cute. And not wanting to mix business with pleasure, she’d always kept her distance.

“Sorry I’m late.” His mouth curved into a gorgeous grin, showing he was glad it was Liz. The feeling was mutual.

“What took you so long?” she asked through chattering teeth.

Alex rested his arm on her open window. He was close enough for her to smell a hint of his signature cologne—a light woodsy aroma.

“I was taking care of a gentleman that needed a place to sleep for the night. A store owner said he was loitering so I picked him up and took him to the shelter.” His arms moved about, animating the account.

Liz smiled her appreciation. Some cops wouldn’t have taken the time to make sure a homeless guy made it to a shelter, but simply sent him away to satisfy the complaint.

“I’m surprised they had room for him. On nights like this, they’re usually turning people away.”

“I used a little friendly persuasion.” He looked around. “What’s going on here?”

“Dispatch said the folks downstairs heard a disturbance on the upper floor.” She pointed to the second story orange curtain and he turned to scan the house.

“The bottom part of the house looks empty, but we can try to talk with them first since they made the call.”

Alex still had his gaze on the house. “What a dive. I hate to think of kids living in these places.”

“I know what you mean.” But she tried not to. A social worker had to stay objective.

“Sometimes I just feel like going in there and snatching the kids up and taking them home with me.” He tightened his lips as he looked at Liz.

Surprised by his passion, not wanting to emotionally go where he was, she stated, “These situations can bring out the paternal side in a person.”

As she stepped out of her car to go walk to the patrol car, Liz remembered the conversation she had with her mother earlier about how nice it would be to have a son-in-law. Her mother meant well, but became relentless every year around Liz’s birthday.

When they got to Alex’s car, he rushed over to her side opening the door for her. He exaggerated the motions, waving her in with his hand and giving a mock bow.

She chuckled as she sat down. “What’s the special treatment for?”

“I know that look. Someone or something is on your mind.”

Liz paused and then looked away, trying to hide whatever he was able to read on her face.

With no reply from her, he sighed, shut her door, and got in on his side of the car. “So, what is it?” He pulled out his laptop and started entering the residence information. “And don’t tell me ‘nothing’ like you always do.”

Liz flipped open her phone to check messages and snapped out of her thoughts, digesting his words as she slipped back into the conversation. “Oh, it’s nothing.” She looked up at him and, realizing what he had just said, smiled sheepishly.

His brows drew together and a frown appeared across his full lips. It was then Liz knew she was cornered.

“Just the same conversation my mother and I have every year about this time.” She sighed. “Did you find a record?”

“Yes, I did, but you’re not going to hear it until I get the full story.”

As curious and stubborn as Alex was, Liz knew better than to give him any hint something was wrong without expecting a full interrogation of the situation.

“Grandchildren pressure.”

“Oh, then happy birthday.”

Liz snorted. “Thanks, but you’re a couple of days late, as usual.”

Alex closed his laptop and leaned his back against the door to face her, bending one knee up on the seat. His eyebrows rose, as a musing smile stretched across his face creating a dimple Liz knew well. The smug smile told her he was relishing the situation.

“She finally got to you, eh?” He let out a soft chuckle, his dimple still showing.

A bitter taste came up in the back of Liz’s throat, knowing how much it meant to her mother to have her settle down. That was the real reason, not grandkids. Liz’s job had become more hazardous over the past few months, and she knew some kind of change was needed, but not necessarily marriage. “Yeah, she did.”

He reopened his laptop, searching for the record he’d requested. “I’ve never met your mother, but I’ve heard enough about her from you to convince me she’s someone to be reckoned with. Maybe it’s time you listened to her.”

She sighed. “I wish it were that easy.”

“Yeah, me too.” He looked down at his screen. “I pulled up a Thomas Harris. He has a domestic violence, some outstanding traffic tickets, a DUI and a disturbance call. Does your department have anything on him?”

“No. How long ago was the domestic violence charge?”

She leaned in next to him to get a better look at the screen and her shoulder brushed his. An electric shock shot through her and she jumped back. Alex smiled at her, and heat crept into her cheeks. She grinned to cover her embarrassment, hoping he couldn’t read the effect he had on her, and then turned her attention back to the screen.

“Looks like a couple of months ago.” His gaze rolled up and down the screen, the bright glow illuminating his face. He had all the classic features of a Greek—black curly hair, a strong jaw and chin, big, blue eyes and big nose, but not too big.

They put away their modern technology, exited the warmth of the vehicle and walked across the icy street. She pulled her coat tighter around her and moved quickly to fight the cold, leaving Alex a few steps behind.

Alex stuck his hands in his pockets, walking rigidly against the bitter air. He had just started up the worn, creaky stairs leading to the porch when she knocked on the door, noticing the condition of the place. Splinters and worn paint had chipped off its exterior. The porch was in the same tattered condition.

As he came up beside her, something solid hit the back of the house. He froze. “Did you hear something?”

Alex always got excited when something dangerous might happen. Liz didn’t. His body stiffened as he waited, standing perfectly still.

“I heard it,” she whispered, hoping he wouldn’t pursue anything further. She moved away from the door, quickly looking for an escape.

“Knock again.” Alex’s blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

She scrunched her eyebrows at him. “I don’t want to knock again. If there’s someone in there that doesn’t want to see me, I don’t want to see them either.”

As they moved to the side stairs that led to the upper part of the house, a flash of gray went by from the other side. They turned to see a guy wearing a gray sweatshirt running at an incredible speed down the street.

“Why does it have to be a teenager that’s fast?” Alex mumbled as he took off. It took a few seconds for him to catch up, but he closed in at an impressive rate.

Alex grabbed the runner by the scruff of the neck, towering over him, almost lifting him off his feet. The teen pushed away a few times but was too winded to put up much of a fight. Alex held fast as they approached the house puffing and panting. Alex sat the teen down hard on the porch step and bent over, placing his hands on his knees to catch his breath.

“What’s the hurry?” Liz started to walk over, but Alex put up a hand to stop her from getting too close to the runaway teen. The young, blond man sat with his head down between his legs, trying to suck in air.

“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.”

Liz glanced up at the upstairs apartment. “I’m going up while you take care of him.” She gestured to the freakishly skinny frame of the young man.

Alex’s eyes jumped up to meet hers as he reached for his radio. “Let me get hold of Jake first.”

“I do this alone half the time anyway, Demas.” At the sound of Jake’s voice on the other end of the walkie-talkie she started walking away.

“I’ll be up as soon as I can get some backup.” Alex called after her, but she was already turning the corner of the house.

“I’ll be fine.” She answered too far from earshot, and turned to climb a dozen wooden stairs.

Liz knocked on the door of the second floor apartment and stood back, saying a silent prayer as a teenage girl opened the door, glaring at her. She looked at Liz with unblinking eyes and didn’t say a word, just stared and waited.

“My name is Liz Adams. I work for the Department of Social Services. Is Mr. Harris home?”

The girl backed up, opening the door wider. A little boy clung onto her leg, walking backward with her as she moved. His eyes were big with question, and he was holding on so tightly that his fingers were white from the grip. The girl pulled away from him and walked out as Liz walked in, shutting the door behind her.

“Mrs. Harris?”

A middle-aged woman was sitting on a brown velour couch. She wore a cafeteria-cook’s uniform, and her short black hair was covered with a net. Her face was ashen. “Yes, I’m Rose Harris.”

A large man, presumably Tom Harris, sat in an old recliner with his dark, sunken eyes fixed on the TV, with no acknowledgement of Liz. His navy sweats stretched across thick thighs, and crumbs of food lay scattered across his chest.

Liz introduced herself and then scanned the area and found a small stool to sit on. She took out a pen and paper and studied the room, checking the living conditions.

The furniture, worn and discolored, had torn material hanging off its edges. The color of the carpet was unclear under stains, and some spots had been worn to the pad. A distorted mix of smoke and beer polluted the stale air. Dirty dishes were strewn throughout the place, and articles of clothing, shoes and newspapers covered the floors.

“We haven’t had the time or money to fix things up around here yet since the last social worker was here,” Rose mumbled to Liz.

“I understand. I just need to talk to the boys privately.”

“Yes, I know.” Rose stood and led Liz down the hall.

Liz wrote down all the pertinent information and checked the kids for physical abuse. When she finished with Jimmy she asked him what had happened.

“My dad gets mad cuz he doesn’t have a job.”

“You said your dad didn’t hit you tonight. Has he ever hit you?”

“No, just Scotty, and sometimes my mom.” He averted his gaze as he spoke.

Liz laid a hand over Jimmy’s head and moved toward Scotty’s room to get his side of the story.

The situations gave clue to his father’s temperament. Marks on Scotty’s back led to more questions about the family history and what abuse had gone on in the past. Dad’s drinking and temper increased with each job he’d lost, escalating into incredible tension within the household.

Liz asked Scotty similar questions then pulled up Scotty’s shirt to see bruises on his back. “Looks like a belt.”

Scotty nodded and sat on the bed across from Liz who sat in an old wooden chair. “What made him mad, Scotty?”

Scotty intertwined his long, skinny fingers and averted his dark gaze. “Something at school.”

Liz cupped her cheek in her hand and leaned against the chair. “Did you get into trouble?”

“Yeah.” He lifted his gaze to meet hers. “But not for school stuff. I do real good in school.”

Liz smiled, glad to have something to smile about. “That’s something to be proud of. What was it then?”

He nodded, causing the flimsy mattress to sway. “This guy outside of school, I was supposed to give him something but forgot.”

“And what happened?”

“The guy came over to get it, but I left it at school. So he got mad, and that made my dad mad.”

“I think that guy might be with Officer Demas right now.”

Scotty’s eyes widened.

“How do you know him?”

“He’s my sister’s boyfriend.”

She nodded in understanding. “What did you need to give him?”

Scotty looked down at his stocking feet, staring blankly at his socks.

“Can’t tell?” Liz didn’t want to put Scotty into a compromising situation, especially while he was still in the house with the possible suspect downstairs. But it didn’t sound safe for Scotty, and that gave her more reason to place him.

Scotty shook his head.

Liz leaned forward. “We’ll let Officer Demas take care of him. What I’m concerned about is you. I think it would be best for you to take a break for a while until your dad feels better.”

“I don’t want to be alone.” Scotty’s big eyes about broke her heart.

“Jimmy will be with you.”

He let out a relieved breath and placed his hands on the bed.

“You’re never alone, Scotty. God’s always there for you.” Liz never knew how her clients would accept her words of faith, but when Scotty’s gaze lifted, she knew they had been well received.

“That’s what my mom says.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Liz stood. “Let’s go talk to your parents.”

Scotty and Jimmy stood beside Liz as she sat next to their father on the stool she had used earlier.

“I found marks consistent with physical abuse on Scotty’s back, Mr. Harris. I understand there was an altercation between you and your son earlier today.”

She paused to give him a chance to speak. He sat unmoving.

“We need to place your boys in temporary foster care until we go to court. Then the judge will decide what needs to be done before they come back home.”

Mr. Harris’s gaze never left her face as his turned a light shade of red. “You think you can come in here and break up my home?” Spit flew as he forced out the words, and his voice raised.

It was time to leave. She had done her part to explain the situation, and he wasn’t stable enough to handle it, but Mr. Harris started in again before Liz had a chance to exit.

“You can’t take my boys. I don’t care who you are or what I done.”

Liz lifted a shaking hand and grabbed Jimmy’s as Scotty hurried toward the door.

Rose held a quivering hand over her mouth, her eyes wide, terrified, as Tom got up out of his chair.

Liz whipped her head around to get a visual on Mr. Harris and saw him stumbling toward her. His eyes locked on hers as he staggered nearer. His hunched-over posture gave him a monstrous appearance as he labored to carry his huge body closer to her. He was struggling, sliding one foot forward and then the other, mumbling something that she couldn’t understand.

She held Jimmy close behind her, taking a step back with each one Tom took forward. She had to stay calm as long as he didn’t get any closer. If he did, it would just be a matter of how fast she could run with a six-year-old in her arms.

Her heart raced as she saw him slowly stalk toward her. Sweat rolled down his face, droplets making small spots on his sweatshirt. Squinted eyes peered at her, losing their focus as his head dropped, and he fell to one knee, clutching his chest.

Chapter Two

It turned out the guy Alex had chased was eighteen-year-old Richard Pirelli. Alex guided the teen into the squad car and then radioed in for a check. As he waited for it to run through, he could hear a TV blaring and noticed shadows of movement inside the kitchen window. He heard Liz knock on the door and then bits of conversation. He was here in body but with her in spirit. He wasn’t usually needed on social service calls, but he was on this one because it was her.

The information came back. Pirelli worked at Carl’s, the local convenience store that supplied everything from soda and chips to alcohol, drugs and cigarettes to minors. Alex’s mind raced with the possibilities that opened up knowing the crowd that hung at a place like Carl’s.

He finished questioning Pirelli just as Officer Jake Brown drove up.

Alex was glad to see Jake tonight. He and Alex met when Alex joined the force. Jake often accompanied Alex to the sports bar near the station to watch the games and have a quick bite before heading home for the night. During that time, they grew to know about each other and became great friends.

Alex wondered how Liz was doing, but he needed to get Pirelli off his hands so he could go upstairs to help her. The occasional murmur of the television gave him a continual reminder.

The dry leaves crunched under Jake’s steel-toed boots as he walked over. “How goes it, Officer Brown?” Alex called as he got out of the car to greet him.

“Good, until you called in for backup.” Jake put his hand on the car and bent over, looking at Pirelli. “You couldn’t handle this youngster by yourself?” he teased.

Pirelli scoffed as did Alex.

“We’ll know soon enough if he checks out or not, but my hunch is he’s a pushover. I need to get upstairs to help out on a social service call as soon as we’re done here.” Just saying it made him antsy, but the knowing grin on Jake’s face told Alex he wasn’t going to help things along.

“Yeah, and who’s the caseworker, as if I don’t know?”

“Liz Adams.” Alex smiled. So did Jake. “I was on a disturbance call with her and got distracted by this guy.” Alex motioned to Pirelli who sat motionless in the cruiser. “Can you transport Mr. Rich Pirelli for me?”

Jake leaned against the car grinning. “Sure, in exchange for some information.”

Alex lowered his head and gave Jake a cautious look. “What information?”

Pirelli sat up and began to stand. “Hey, are you taking me in or are ya gonna let me go?”

Jake pushed him back to a sitting position in the car. “Not until we know all about you, Mr. Pirelli.” Jake slammed the car door and turned to Alex. “So, you two are working together again.”

Alex crossed his arms over his chest and widened his stance. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Jake grinned. “You were still on a call when you responded to this one.” He tipped his head down, wrinkling his forehead as he looked up at Alex.

Alex looked away for a moment, quietly contemplating why he had no problem asking out any other woman except Liz. His conscience forced him to fess up. He had always felt she was too special, as special as his ex, Sharon. But that relationship was a long time ago, and the women he’d dated since Sharon weren’t in the same category, until he met Liz, and she was in a category all her own. Trying to court a woman like Liz was out of his caliber. He couldn’t take the chance.

He turned back to Jake. “What do you think of her?”

Jake chuckled at his question. “She’s real nice, but not dating material.”

Alex surrendered and leaned against the car next to Jake. “Why is that?”

Jake shrugged. “She has a lot going for her, besides her good looks. She’s top notch as far as the caseworkers go, has a good sense of humor. Christian, talks about her faith with clients who are comfortable with it, but she’s the independent type. Doesn’t need a guy in her life and goes out of her way to prove it. You know what I mean?”

“Yeah, I know what you mean.” Unfortunately, he knew that very well. She had a chip on both shoulders. He had assumed it was just her reaction to him, but apparently she was like that with the entire male species.

“Too bad,” he muttered under his breath.

Jake grinned. “She is under your skin, my friend.”

Alex frowned at his assumption. “I wouldn’t go that far. I just like working with her.” That’s all he’d admit to anyway.

Through the years, he had found a certain comfort when her relationships failed and she was single again. He liked being able to do the consoling and cheer her up, always wishing it was him she would eventually want to be with. Her current situation could definitely work to his advantage, and he thought it may be an opportunity to ask her out. Once again he had hesitated to broach the subject.

Alex noticed Jake scrutinizing him and turned to face him, bringing his eyebrows together. “What?”

“Nothing.” Jake still had that stupid smile on his face which was starting to irritate Alex. He didn’t want to talk further about Liz, not like he did the others.

Besides, he was the guy who always had a handle on his relationships. He never had trouble getting a date and was always the one to end things. It was easier that way. No one got hurt, and he didn’t let himself feel any regret after the relationship was over.

Alex breathed in, filling his lungs with the crisp, cool air. He looked up to the second floor but saw no movement. Hopefully things were going smoothly. “She is intriguing, but she’s built a wall six feet tall, and I’m not going to be the poor guy to tear it down. Besides, I probably wouldn’t pass the test on the Christianity part.” Alex made sure there was an edge to his voice in hopes Jake would get the hint and change the subject.

“I didn’t know there was a test.” Jake shrugged. “And if there was one, you passed it a long time ago when you asked Christ into your life.”

Alex knew Jake had strong convictions of his own about his faith and appreciated his comment. He hadn’t turned to God since before leaving Chicago, and didn’t quite know what it would take for him to turn back again.

The computer beeped telling them the information had been transferred. Alex pushed Jake’s words out of his mind and sat next to him in the car, scanning Pirelli’s priors.

Pirelli had enough to pique their interest, starting with regular misdemeanors as a young teen and then graduating into a few more serious convictions.

Alex looked over at Jake. “Are you ready to take Pirelli for me so we can both get back to work?” Alex slapped the computer shut, set it down, and got out of the squad car. He felt if he didn’t get upstairs with Liz right now, he’d implode.

“I’ve got it covered.” Jake pulled Pirelli out of Alex’s patrol car and stood behind him holding his cuffs. “But after this call is over, we need to finish this talk.”

Alex chuckled and walked away, giving Jake a small wave of thanks. Jake was awfully sure of himself, but for the first time in his dating history, Alex wasn’t.

He took two steps at a time and was almost to the top of the stairs when he heard a man yelling. His pulse quickened as he rushed to the landing. Alex pushed the door open, hitting the wall with a bang. His heart skipped when he looked inside and saw Harris stalking toward Liz, and he reached for his gun.

Chapter Three

Liz and the boys sat in her car as Alex finished a conversation with another officer. She liked to get paperwork done while it was fresh in her mind, but the blue and red flashes became too distracting, and the adrenalin was still pumping through her veins. She’d do it later. She should be giving her attention to the boys, even if they weren’t talking.

They watched as the EMTs loaded Harris into the ambulance to check his heart condition and drove off, chirping the siren to cross an intersection. Both boys peered out the window in silence as if seeing something they shouldn’t.

Liz reached out a hand to each of them as the patrol car disappeared down the street. “Your dad is going to be okay,” she said, reassuring both boys. They were quiet. And if they were worried or scared, neither one showed it. Their faces held little expression. Obviously, events like these were not so unusual for them.

Alex came over to sit with the boys so Liz could call to find a placement for them. Good short-term placements had become difficult. She had basically one foster home she felt comfortable with, and if they were full, she had a hard time leaving the children anywhere else. That one home was the Bowies’.

The Bowies were a couple in their fifties but had more energy than Liz and loved kids. She made the call and was glad to hear Nancy say they had room for the Harris boys—both boys. Splitting siblings wasn’t an option for Liz. It was often done but not by her standards.

She looked back into her car. A game of rock, paper, scissors was in progress. From the sound of it, Alex was losing.

“You cheated!” he exclaimed.

“How can you cheat at rock, paper, scissors?” Liz stuck her head into the car.

“He switched his rock to paper when he saw my rock,” Alex objected as he winked, causing the boys to squeal their protests.

He flashed Liz a smile, enjoying their playful anger toward his pretend accusation. Liz sighed as the familiar flutter bounced around in her stomach. His smiles touched a part of her that no one else’s could.

She settled in the front seat and faced the back. “You two don’t know how lucky you are to be staying at the Bowies’ home. They’ll take good care of you.” Leaning a cheek against the head rest, she smiled gently. “The doctors are going to make sure your dad is healthy, and then he’ll have to talk to a judge who will decide if and when you can go back home. But for now, you’ll be safe with Mr. and Mrs. Bowie.”

This was never easy, but she tried to keep it as positive as possible for them. She couldn’t imagine how scary it must be for a kid to be placed. But after being in an unsafe environment, maybe it wasn’t so bad. At least that’s what she told herself whenever circumstances weren’t just or fair for the kids she became involved with.

Liz had a good childhood. Her parents were kind, religious people. She couldn’t ever remember her dad raising his voice, let alone hurting her physically. Maybe that’s what drove her to this line of work. She wanted that sense of peace for other children that needed it.

Alex gave her that warm smile again as she got out of the car. “You’re good with kids. Some people don’t take the time.”

Sincerity rang in his words. In this line of work, a person had to defend themselves. People always second-guessed your decisions as to whether the kids should be removed and the treatment plans. Everything’s a gray area, but she would err on the side of the kids rather than take any risks they might be left in danger.

She let out a ragged breath, looking to the ground. A flash of Tom Harris as he briefly lost consciousness popped into her mind. She felt Alex’s stare and told herself to pull it together.

Alex took a couple steps away from her car, guiding her to him and spoke slowly. “Are you all right?” He touched his fingers to her face, looking for any sign of injury.

She felt a rush of heat reddening her cheeks as he slid his fingers across her chin.

Concern softened his gaze as he tried to read her face. She wanted to take her eyes away, not notice how he looked into hers. But she couldn’t. She waited for him to move his hand away, his eyes to falter.

“I’m fine.” She turned toward her car to check on the boys and to keep Alex from seeing her fear. She was more afraid of her emotion toward him than of the altercation upstairs.

The movement of her head sent the clip sliding from her hair and down her back. He caught and handed it to her, taking her hand.

“You’re shaking. Liz, you can’t fool me. I know when you’re scared. I was scared.”

“No you weren’t.” She chuckled, releasing some of the tension as she tried to imagine him scared.

“Yeah, I was. I was scared for you. Scared I hadn’t kept you safe.”

She tried to ignore that his concern was more for her than doing his job. “You did the right thing to stay back and question Pirelli.”

Liz remembered Tom’s blank stare as he came toward her. “Harris caught me off guard. I didn’t think he had it in him.” She allowed the warmth from his hand to calm her nerves.

“I shouldn’t have left you alone up there. It was my mistake.”

Uncomfortable with all the gallant talk, she suppressed the emotions that his words brought and stepped back, taking her hand from his. “The daytime social workers don’t have cops to go on calls with them. So I’m not going to complain.”

His tender look slowly dissipated. “Yeah, you don’t even need me on these calls,” he came back with one of his typical sarcastic lines. His dimpled smile returned.

Liz was relieved to be back in the banter she was familiar with. “Maybe a couple, but most of the time you just flash your badge, waiting for us to get through so you can go eat donuts.”

Alex tilted his chin down and narrowed his eyes. “Don’t make donut jokes, and ‘only a couple of times?’ You get into more trouble than any other ten social workers combined, maybe your whole department.”

Her cynicism deflated as she faced the fact that he was right. “This was an unusually eventful call. Something I’ve been having a lot of lately. Maybe I need to put in for another district.” She wanted to see his reaction, wondering if that really might be a good idea.

He was nodding profusely as his grin broadened. Then he seemed to think better of it. “No, then I’d get bored.”

She gave him a soft slug. Alex squinted and winced, holding his arm for effect. He placed one boot over the other and crossed his arms over his chest, letting out a breath “So, what’s next?”

“I’m ready to take the boys.”

“Would you like a police escort?” He lifted his eyes to hers, waiting for her response.

She poked her head through the window to check on the boys. They were playing games on her cell phone, thoroughly entertained. “Sure, why not?”

Chapter Four

The minute she drove up to the quaint, little ranch home, the porch light went on. The door opened and Nancy Bowie stood waiting for them. Alex pulled up behind them and ended a conversation on his cell phone. As awkward as their last conversation was, Liz figured she’d stick to business while they were here.

Nancy hugged herself against the wind as she stuffed a hanky up the sleeve of her wool sweater. She was five-foot-nothing and all smiles.

“Hello, hello!” She greeted them and took a step back to look at the boys through her large framed glasses. “Who are these fine looking young men?”

Scotty’s wide, dark eyes expressed his bewilderment. He stood over his younger brother with a protective arm over Jimmy’s chest.

“I’m Scotty.”

“And this is Jimmy,” Liz answered for the younger boy as she placed her hands on his shoulders for Nancy’s recognition.

With a quick hop in his step, Nancy’s husband, John, took no time making his way in from the kitchen. His salt and pepper hair was side-combed without a single strand out of place, and he wore a white T-shirt and black pants that were too short, showing his starched white socks.

He gave Liz a wink as he took Jimmy’s hand. “How are you boys?”

Jimmy’s arm moved like rubber as John gave him a firm handshake.

Alex walked with them and introduced himself. He handed the bag Liz had brought for the boys to John, and led them into the family room. The small TV blared out the day’s news, the glow hitting the orange and yellow plaid couch.

Nancy and Liz went into the kitchen to do the paperwork. The comforting smell of fresh baked bread filled the room. Sitting on a pale yellow vinyl chair, Liz laid the papers on a white table that glittered with bits of silver.

“They’re such nice boys,” Nancy commented, reaching for a pen.

Liz handed her a placement form and grinned. “You say that about all the kids I bring you.”

She chuckled. “Yes, I suppose I do.” Nancy gave Liz the once over. “You need to try some of my bread.” She got up and brought over a pan of bread with a side of butter and poured a large glass of cold milk.

“So tell me about this police officer. They don’t usually accompany you unless something’s wrong.” After observing Liz with the butter, she handed her a napkin.

Liz felt like she was five again, slathering on a huge amount of butter and stuffing the bread in her mouth while it was still warm. She rolled her shoulders to ease the tension. She was a little resentful that she had to answer about Alex and pulled herself away from the delicious bread.

“He didn’t have another call so he just came with me. He’s still in jurisdiction if something comes up.”

“Ahem.” Alex stood against the door jam with a half-grin.

“Alex, come sit down. Would you like some bread?” Nancy asked, already cutting him a slice.

“I’d love some.” He took the plate she offered him and sat next to Liz.

She looked over at him, and he pointed to the corner of her mouth. She reached up with her finger and wiped a glob of butter off her lip.

His grin caused a reaction in her she quickly suppressed.

Liz started thinking of questions about him that she wanted answers to but would never ask. Personal things that she never let herself think about before. Like, what did he watch on TV late at night, what was his favorite kind of ice cream and what did he sleep in?

Fighting a blush, she checked the time. “It’s late, and I have a lot of paperwork to do.”

Alex gave her a sideways stare. “There’s always paperwork, but not always homemade bread.”

Alex and Nancy chuckled. They talked and ate while Nancy signed the papers and filled their plates a second time.

Liz quickly gathered the paperwork and then said her goodbyes. Scotty gave her a wave as he fanned out his cards. Jimmy jumped off his chair and gave her a quick hug before getting back to the card game. The boys were at the card table in the family room with John, learning how to play UNO, the Bowie family favorite.

Alex walked her to her car and opened the driver’s side door. “They’re good people.”

“I never worry about the kids here. It’s getting them to leave that’s the problem.” She stepped into her car and rolled down the window.

“That’s good to hear. My experience with foster homes hasn’t always been that positive,” he said resting his forearms on the window sill.

“There are those, but for the most part, the people I’ve worked with have the children’s best interests in mind. Once you find them, you don’t let go.”

“Yeah, that’s true with anyone in life.”

Liz looked at him in acknowledgement but didn’t respond. She refused to read further into his comment.

He took a step back from the car. “It’s late, so I’ll let you go.”

She started the car as Alex walked away. “Alex, thanks,” she called through the open window.

Alex stopped and turned around. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and stepped forward. “For what?”

She smiled and looked down. “Just, thanks.” She rolled up her window and drove away.

Chapter Five

Walking down the hall into her office, Liz inhaled the musty smell from the forever-leaking roof. The pale blue walls showed shadows of past colors of white and beige. Brown carpet covered the twenty-some-year-old floors leading to her office.

She sat down in her swivel chair, looking at her old silver-and-mushroom-colored metal desk. On top of the mound of paperwork, pens and other paraphernalia, lay a Denver Post newspaper. The front-page story popped out at her; “Abuse and Neglect Stats Shocking.”

Liz moved some files out of the way and laid the paper down, running through the statistics on the local social service calls. A total of 37,665 screened-out calls, which meant they were new incidents. The next category number was 21,698—all of which were emergency calls—for a total of almost 60,000 calls this year.

“Great way to start the day, isn’t it, Liz?” Her supervisor stuck his head inside the office and pointed to the paper. His brown hair appeared to be newly trimmed, again. He had on his regular attire, khaki pants, a tucked in button-down shirt, and slip-on shoes that matched his belt. He sat down on a blue-padded armless chair located next to her desk and crossed his long, slender legs.

Michael was married to his job. He didn’t think matrimony was a priority. At least that appeared to be the reason he had never gotten serious with anyone.

He was a good guy to work for. Actually, Liz didn’t always feel as if he were her supervisor. They got along well, and they shared the same convictions about how to do their jobs.

He watched her pull placement paperwork out of her briefcase. “Looks like you went out on a call last night.”

“I had to place two boys. Dad got a little upset with the eleven-year-old.”

Michael turned his head toward the ceiling in thought. “I bet you placed them at the Bowies’.”

“Bingo,” she sang, lifting a finger.

“You keep that house full,” he stated, with an admiring stare.

“Where would you want to be if you were a kid?” She pointed at him.

“No doubt about that. Does Dad have any priors?”

“Not with us, but he has a few with PD. The most concerning is a domestic violence. I’m going to give it to Norma. Most of her cases have moved to long-term caseworkers. I just need to finish up some paperwork with Demas.” She leaned back in her chair, waiting to hear the creak in the springs. The familiar sound set her in work mode like a time card being punched.

“So that means you have about the same caseload as Norma does on a regular basis.”

Norma’s lack of pulling her weight drove him crazy, but he didn’t do much about it except complain to Liz.

“Yeah, but I’m sure I’ll get another case before I even hand this one off to Norma.” She looked at the papers on her desk and started sorting through them. She could feel his stare but decided to wait rather than ask what he was thinking.

“You and Demas always get hooked up on these calls.”

She shrugged and fidgeted in her chair and then changed the subject. “What do you think about me going for the supervisor promotion?”

He was silent for a moment. “I think you’ve got a shot. I’d have to work more though, so, no.”

Liz liked her current position as short-term caseworker. She went out on the initial calls, went to court if needed, then passed them along to the appropriate long-term caseworkers. She enjoyed the variety and independence of her job, but danger was almost a given on every call lately. And if she were honest about it, she was starting to lose her nerve.

Michael had always been good to her, but that’s because she worked nonstop. She had wondered if he would support her with a promotion.

“Please don’t hold me back if I’m ready for it,” she stated, cautioning him with her eyes.

He held up his hands in surrender. “I’ll support whatever you decide to do.”

Margie, the ‘super’ secretary-slash-drill-sergeant, came in and winked at Liz. “Michael, you have a call.”

“Thanks, Margie.” He got up, tapped his finger on the door and then walked down the hall to his office.

Margie’s contagious laugh echoed down the hallway.

“How’re the boys? All four of them?” Liz asked.

“Just fine. How’s the love life?” Margie asked eagerly. Liz knew Margie couldn’t understand why Liz wasn’t married with three kids by now.

“Non-existent.” As soon as Liz said it she could have kicked herself.

Margie’s green eyes brightened, matching her green rhinestone earrings that swayed as she moved. “Really? What a coincidence,” she exclaimed, moving forward.

Liz scrunched up in her chair, feeling the pressure.

“I have a guy for you. Come over to dinner so you can meet him.”

“I can’t,” Liz answered, a little too quickly.

Margie stood with fists on her hips. “He’s a great guy. He’s going for his doctorate.”

She tried to not let that impress her. “Personality. What about his personality?”

Margie raised her voice a little and went a different route. “He’s good-looking. Blond, blue eyes, over six feet tall.”

She had avoided the personality question.

“I’m sorry, Margie.”

“You don’t know what you’re missing,” Margie crooned as she walked out.

****

After passing the day away with phone calls and paperwork, Liz had one thing left to do. She glanced down at the file on her desk. She needed to give Norma her new case. The other caseworkers had more cases more than she did. So Liz would catch justified grief from them if she didn’t give it to Norma, or she would get unjustified grief from Norma. She could live with that.

She started down the hall with the manila folder in hand. She passed Jackie’s office. Jackie saw the folder in Liz’s hand and quickly turned away. She passed Jen’s office next. Jen dared her by narrowing her eyes, staring as Liz passed.

Next was Norma’s office. She was filing with her back turned to the door. Her short, straight black hair revealed a few gray hairs to show for her worrisome personality.

Liz stood next to Norma’s desk. “It’s an easy show of abuse and confession of the parent. The family is located off East Colfax.”

Norma read it over. Her small dark eyes swept over the papers. When she finished, she swiftly gave them back to Liz and pushed up her glasses. “After reviewing the case, I think Karen would be the best caseworker for this particular one.”

Liz ran out of patience before she had any. None of the other caseworkers complained when she gave them a case. She rested both hands on her desk. “Norma, Karen has almost twice as many as you.”

Norma turned up her chin.

Determined, Liz placed the file on her desk.

Norma frowned as she looked at it.

Margie walked past Norma’s office then backed up. “Officer Demas is on line two for you, Liz.”

Norma was one of the few who had the ability to make Liz lose her self control. Not being a team player was one of Liz’s biggest pet peeves. “I’ll be there in a minute,” she answered abruptly.

Margie shrugged. “Do you want me to tell him you’ll call him back?”

“No.” If it was anyone else, yes. She turned from Margie back to Norma, giving her a contentious look with narrowed eyes.

“This is your case.” Liz tapped the folder and walked away.

Glad to be in the sanctity of her own office, Liz took Alex’s call.

“Hey, glad you called,” she greeted settling back in her chair. “I wanted to let you know that I’m going back to the house we were at last night.”

“Why?” Confusion colored the word.

“I want to talk with the person who reported the disturbance.”

“I can do that.”

She didn’t miss a beat. “So can I.”

Alex sighed. “Promise me you’ll be careful, and call if you run into trouble.”

Liz released the breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. “Promise.”

Chapter Six

As Liz drove she took in the street life. Most of the people she saw hung around the girly show places or the liquor stores. She never understood why people frequented the corner of streets. She could actually see the folded up money changing hands with a small bundled package. A guy drove up to a half-dressed gal—probably named his terms and price—then she got in the car and they drove off together.

The worst was the younger kids that were already hanging out with the older gang members. It sickened her to see them take a drink of something in a bottle wrapped up in a brown paper bag, or taking a drag and the smoke seeping out through their mouth and nose.

She realized she was ogling when a guy on the corner returned her stare and kept it. She turned her eyes forward just in time to slam on her brakes, almost rear ending the car ahead of her. She looked back to see him still staring at her. She was stuck in traffic now and had drawn enough attention for the guy to start walking up to her car.

About the time she was beginning to panic the traffic started moving again and she hit the accelerator. She could see him in her rear view mirror making crude gestures at her.

Breathing a sigh of relief, she turned off on a side street to the house. As she walked to the door she noticed the neighborhood looked different in the daylight. Older houses that at one time had been prime in their day were let go, caught up in the inner city decay.

Paint on the white brick house was chipped off and the lawn mostly dirt with a couple of big evergreens. The half porch at the side of the house boasted a swing that was slowly swaying in the wind. A blue sedan that hadn’t been there the night before sat in the driveway. Hopefully, that meant the lower occupants were home.

A middle-aged man opened the door. His white t-shirt and jeans sagged over his lanky body. He reached up to his uncombed hair, trying to smooth the unruly curls. His hand went from his hair to his stubbly chin.

Liz explained who she was and why she was there.

His glazed, unfocused stare made her uncomfortable. “I’m Liz Adams, from the department of social services. Did you make the complaint about a disturbance?”

“Yeah, come in if you like.” He opened the screen door and she walked into a similar layout of the Harris place upstairs, only cleaner. The family room and kitchen were in the front of the house with two bedrooms and a bathroom in the back.

“Why did you call in the complaint?”

His stare made her antsy. He appeared to be having some trouble focusing, and his breath about knocked her over with alcohol fumes.

“That dad’s beating that kid, the older one. I hear it go on some nights. Other nights I just leave.”

“Like last night. You weren’t home when we came by.”

“No, I couldn’t stand hearing it no more.”

“But the marks on Scotty weren’t from last night.”

His head lifted and eyes tried to narrow in on her. “Well then someone else must have gotten it.”

“No, Mr. Sanders, no one else in the family showed any signs of physical abuse.” This really wasn’t the issue, his lying was and Liz saw a big, red flag waving at her. “How did you know it was only the older boy? Do you talk with him?”

“No, don’t talk to any of ‘em as long as the rent’s paid.” The phone rang and he started towards the kitchen. He held up his hand for her to hold on.

There were a lot of questions she wanted to ask so she waited. She ambled into the family room. Clothes and papers were scattered around the room. She bumped into the coffee table causing a few papers to fall to the floor. Reaching to pick them up she felt a lump in between the papers.

She weeded through them feeling apprehensive, worried about him coming back in. As she stood, something hit her knee and then fell to the ground. She looked down not wanting to see what she was seeing. A small bag of cocaine lay at her feet. Dang! Where’s a cop when you need one?

She lowered her head down to get a closer look just as a bony, hairy foot slid into her vision. She slowly lifted her eyes to face Mr. Sanders. He was standing within reach, his eyes wide and anxious, studying her.

Without looking down she stepped over the baggie. Her thought process leaned toward ignorance, to pretend the bag wasn’t there. Lame but it was all she could come up with. “I have all the information I need...”

He took a step closer, closing the gap between them. A shiver of fear shot up her spine. Her mind started racing. She needed to stay calm to keep him calm.

She took a step back, hoping to move around the side of him. She hit the heel of her shoe against the wall, not realizing she was so close.

He put both hands up on either side of her head, pressing his palms on the wall. Trapped, she reacted out of instinct and tried to duck under his arm, causing him to move closer into her.

That was stupid, think.

She turned her head to the side to avoid being face to face with him. He slid his arms down penning her in. The stale smell of alcohol penetrated her nostrils. His warm breath puffed against her cheek as his breathing increased.

“Think about what you’re doing Mr. Sanders.” Liz said firmly, willing her voice to keep steady. She closed her eyes trying to endure the closeness of his body. Feeling like a cornered animal, she remembered that no one but Alex knew where she was. Desperation took over as she started to think of a way out.

“We can talk about this,” she said trying to distract him while she slowly reached for the cell phone clipped to her belt.

She searched for the keypad. He bumped into her leg with his knee causing her to lose her place on the keys. She put one hand on his chest to keep him at arms length. She felt her way around the buttons and then pushed send.

“You gone meddling into things you shouldn’t.” He backed away suddenly grabbing her wrist. Twisting her arm behind her back, he turned her away from him and started pushing her forward. She yanked the phone off her belt holding it to her mouth. The last number she’d called was Alex.

“801 Pearl Street, 801 Pearl Street—” She kept repeating the address. Lord, please let him find me.

Sanders hit her forearm sending the phone flying across the room. It skidded on the wooden floor, hitting the wall.

There was no way of telling if Alex had gotten any information. She would have to fight herself free.

Liz spun around to face him and started kicking like a mad woman. She kicked flesh the first couple of times, and then missed completely, causing her to fall forward.

She flailed her hand at him to keep him from grabbing hold of her other arm. It was a moment of pure insanity. Limbs were flying, kicking and hitting. Sanders grunted in pain, trying to block her kicks but she continued to kick until she felt the tip of her shoe hit bone. Liz cringed and took in a breath.

Sanders yelped grabbing his shin with one hand, the other still holding her wrist. She yanked her wrist away causing him to fall on all fours.

She ran for the door, popped open the screen and ran to the street. Fear radiated throughout her body, she couldn’t get away fast enough. Liz stopped by her car and bent over to catch her breath. She pulled her keys from her pocket, fumbling for the lock. Looking back at the house, she saw no sign of him.

Unlocking the door she noticed some movement out of the corner of her eye. Liz reached for the handle and threw the door open, hitting Alex smack in the gut with the car door. He stepped back and then forward holding the door. He caught her by the arm as she started to get in.

“Liz. Slow down. It’s me.”

As she heard his familiar voice, the fleeing instinct began to dissipate. Her heart pounded in her chest and sweat trickled down her face. Thought overrode instinct and she stilled and turned to the voice.

“Alex.” She could barley get the word out, her strength giving way.

He reached out, pulling her to him. She took another look at Alex to reassure herself it was really him before collapsing into his arms.

****

Not again, Alex thought as he held her. If she didn’t get herself off the streets and into an office he was going to go crazy. He knew he couldn’t push her, she was too obstinate, but he was ecstatic when she had asked him the other night about considering a promotion.

Not that he minded being the knight in shining armor. As a matter of fact he had become involved with her personal life too, because she needed him to meet her parents. But looking at her now, as she lay limp in his arms, he knew he couldn’t continue to keep her safe.

He helped her into his car while he radioed for backup. “Any weapons?” He asked her and shut the car door.

She rolled down the window and shrugged. “I didn’t see any. But you might want to grab the little baggie on the family room floor before he does.”

He eyed her, shook his head and pressed his lips together. Drugs? She never ceased to amaze him. No wonder the guy became so volatile.

“Stay put.” He said firmly, as he motioned downward with his hands. He gave her one last look, pulled his gun and ran up to the side of the house. He climbed up the side of the porch and stepped to the edge of the door, peering in. He quickly opened the screen door and stepped inside.

As he took a second step into the family room he heard a groan. Alex looked over toward the couch to see a man sitting on the floor rocking himself. He held one shin with both hands and grunted when he saw Alex.

The man’s face was pasty white with drops of sweat on his forehead. Alex placed his gun back in the holster and approached the pain-ridden man. “Are you William Sanders?”

He nodded and stretched his leg out on the floor. The bag Liz told Alex about was next to the couch. He reached for it and examined the contents. “Is this yours?”

The man slowly shook his head. “No-o,” he slurred, and looked up at Alex with dilated pupils.

“What’s it doing in your house then?” he stuck it in his pocket.

“Stand, please.” Alex grabbed his arm and helped him up. He had to chuckle to himself realizing how hard Liz must have kicked the guy to cause him this much pain.

Sanders pushed himself up off the floor and assumed the position. After Alex frisked him and read Sanders his rights, he walked him to the door thinking that this had to be the easiest drug apprehension he had ever made, all thanks to Liz.

At that moment Alex’s back up arrived on the scene. Alex walked out with Sanders in cuffs. Sanders’ head hung down, brown curls falling onto his sweaty face. He limped slightly, catering to his left leg.

Alex took Sanders over to Jake Brown, who was the backup officer. He had Jake run a check on him and went over to his car to check on Liz. She was out, head back, mouth open. He could stare at that face forever. She must have felt safe if she could fall asleep after something like that. That pleased him. He knew one thing for sure, she could always count on him, even if there was never anything more between them.

Her eyes fluttered open. As soon as she looked up at him he leaned over her, touching his fingers to her chin and moving her head left to right checking for injuries. Her eyes followed his as he scanned every inch of her face.

“Does anything feel broken? Is there any bleeding?” He asked as he took her arms and squeezed and moved them around. He was surprised she was letting him mess with her this much. Usually she’d get irritated with all the fuss. He wasn’t a worrier and had seen a lot worse injuries than anything she might have gotten during the scuttle with Sanders. He mused at his own concern.

“I don’t think so, just a little roughed up...hey.” She moaned as he touched her wrist.

He pulled up her sleeve and turned her arm over. A red two-inch raspberry ran across her wrist. The skin wasn’t broken but it was swollen and looked like it would be sore to the touch. He reached out his window and motioned for the EMTs.

She scowled at him. “No.”

They rushed up pulled her out of the car and laid her down on a low gurney by the ambulance. They started poking and prodding at her.

“All right, already. I’m fine.” She barked.

He knew she would be irritated with him but he wanted a full check done just to make sure.

Liz started to get off the gurney causing the EMTs to scramble to their feet. She swayed, as if light headed but he knew she wouldn’t let on if she was. Briefly closing her eyes, she slowly stood and started walking towards the closest patrol car. There were two and she was heading for the closest one.

Alex held her arm and had one hand behind the small of her back. “This way.”

He guided her past Jake’s patrol car. Sanders was sitting in the back. He kept his head down but followed her with his eyes.

Jake walked behind them and came up to her side, handing Liz her cell phone. Liz gave him a nod and a tired smile but didn’t stop until she was in Alex’s car again. Jake and Alex talked outside the car as Liz sat in the front seat, head back, eyes closed.

Alex got in, stared at her and then touched her cheek.

“Ow!” She scowled at him.

“Sorry. Looks like you might have a bruise starting there.” As much as he wanted to keep checking her out he knew better and moved on to business. “Are you up to making a statement at headquarters?”

“Sure, why not,” Liz said sarcastically and closed her eyes again.

He knew she was worn out but he also knew he shouldn’t treat her any differently than he would another social worker. But other social workers didn’t get beat up all the time either.

“If you do it now you’ll remember more, and I want to make sure this guy gets what he deserves.” He’d make sure of that.

Alex started the car and slowly started down the street. He’d bring her back for her car later. He tried to keep his thoughts to himself but this was becoming too frequent and dangerous. “Next time you go on a call make sure I’m with you.”

She opened her eyes and glared at him. “Are you my personal body guard now?”

“Looks like you need one,” he said matter-of-factly.

She snapped her eyes over at him. “I’ve been with the department for over three years and nothing like this has ever happened.”

“Yeah? What about the chase on Capital Hill? Or the guy that took a shot at you in Lo Do? And what about last night? Do you just forget about these things?”

Unbelievable. Had she just put those incidents out of her mind? Why didn’t she just admit it like she finally had last night? He hoped, although he knew better, that she was too tired to dispute the point any further.

She closed her eyes again, as if hiding from him. “Those were flukes. I guess I meant I’d never gotten hurt before.”

“Other caseworkers don’t have this many flukes .”

He had actually gotten the last word. She must be tired.

As they walked in to the station a couple of cops said hello and asked how she’d been, while another cop razzed Alex because he was usually the one on calls with Liz. Obviously they were causing a buzz within the departments.

Liz and Alex went into his office and he shut the door behind him. “Okay, tell me again what happened from the beginning. You know the routine.”

She described the whole ordeal, giving as many details as she could remember, struggling to put facts in place of feelings. It was easier to keep things straight when she wasn’t the victim. The whole thing seemed like a blur. Alex took some notes but mostly remained silent. He only spoke when he needed to clarify something.

His half-cocked grin showed his admiration. “Liz, I’ve got to hand it to you. You can get yourself out of a fix. Most people panic and get themselves into worse trouble.”

She had grit that’s for sure. And thank God, due to all the trouble that came her way. One part of him felt like scolding her and another wanted to hold her. But since he couldn’t do either he just smiled, taking her all in. And as she smiled back at him he felt the tension loosen and slip away.

She nodded slightly, too tired to talk anymore. He was grateful—of what he wasn’t exactly sure. Maybe just that she was okay and the ordeal over.

“Let’s get you out of here. Just relax while I take care of a couple things. Stay here.” He made eye contact to show her he meant it and did those motions with his hands again. How she could get into trouble sitting in his office at the police station, he didn’t know. But she was on a roll and he didn’t want to push his luck.

He finished up by making a phone call and talking to Jake about Sanders’ record. He saw her milling around his office. He grinned and ended his conversation and then walked back to his office and stood in the doorway.

She scanned his office. The furniture was similar to what they had in her building. Age old stuff that would never be replaced until it fell apart. His desk was tidy with everything in its place. Maybe he should give her a lesson or two in organization, but it probably wouldn’t help.

She glanced at various sports paraphernalia but also a couple of books. Catcher in the Rye and a Tom Grisham novel lay on his desk. Liz ran a finger over a leaf from the three-foot palm inhabiting a corner of the small room. Then she looked up to a frame hanging above the plant which was a fairly large picture of his family when he was a youngster.

Maybe she’d realize that there was more to him that met the eye. He had more décor in his office than she did. Not that that was saying a lot but he was a guy, a guy that didn’t allude to a lot of the stuff she was seeing here for the first time.

When she looked up he was braced against the doorjamb watching her, his arms crossed over his chest. “Ready?” He motioned for her to come.

The drive to her house was quiet. She leaned her head against the headrest. “I hope this headache doesn’t get any worse before we got home.”

Alex reached over and rubbed her temple. “We’re almost there.”

He pulled into her driveway a few minutes later. As soon as they walked in the door she immediately collapsed on the couch and fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter Seven

“Come on Nuggets!” Alex’s exuberance for the game roused Liz from sleep. He sat next to her on the couch glued to the TV.

Liz opened one eye, trying to decide if it was worth the effort to open both. Alex turned her way and set a glass on the coffee table. “How do you feel?” He touched her cheek.

The heat from his touch seared her skin and she held a hand to her head. “Like I was in a bar room brawl.”

He chuckled lightly. “You were. Are you hungry?”

“I’m starving. But I need a shower first.”

Liz sat up slowly and headed straight to her bathroom. She shut the door and stood behind it glancing across the room.

The greenish-gray colored walls complimented the faint green in the tan tiles covering the floor. The brushed silver sink was built into an antique chest of drawers. A white shower curtain covered with tiny green and yellow daisies surrounded the freestanding oversized bathtub. She wanted to sink down into the huge, deep tub and soak in lilac scented bubbles, but Alex was in the next room, so she needed to be quick.

As she turned on the taps, the events of the last two days became fresh in her mind, and she realized she had no direction in her life. Not just in her job but whether she was ready for a relationship. She was so used to fighting it, was it possible she’d missed someone along her solo journey over the last year?

She stepped into the shower and let the warm water flow over her as her thoughts continued. She needed Christ’s guidance and strength with the challenges of her work and with Alex. Although he claimed he was just doing his job, she knew better. She also knew there was something happening between them, and it scared her more than Harris or Sanders ever would.

Feeling refreshed, she climbed out of the shower smelling like a flower garden. She put on some sweats and walked into the kitchen toward the smell of chicken soup swirling in the air.

****

Alex could smell her before he saw her, the fragrance fresh and clean. He looked her way and teased, “You must be as wrinkled as an old woman. I thought you drowned.”

But she looked beautiful. Her hair was pulled up into a clip with wisps falling down around her neck. Bright eyes shone from her freshly scrubbed face.

She gave him a weary smile and sat down at the old oak table. “I feel much better, just really hungry.”

He ladled soup out of a saucepan. “I’ll give you more noodles since you fought with bad guys.” He grinned as he handed her a ceramic bowl and set the other on the table examining her as he inspected her injuries. “I hope you don’t mind my making us something to eat.”

He brushed the hair from her face, feeling the silky length of it before it fell back against the other auburn strands. What a great excuse to do all the things he had always wanted to. But he felt guilty at the same time, like he was using her hardships to his advantage.

She eyed him with a half grin as he took two bowls of salad out of the fridge. He loved to make her smile, and she had a great laugh. She was too tired tonight to laugh, so he would settle for a smile.

“You didn’t have any crackers, so this will have to do.” He pulled out some bread from the refrigerator and laid it on the table.

“I’m surprised you found this,” she said, gesturing to the food on the table.

“Let’s go over this afternoon, one more time,” Alex suggested as they ate.

“Sanders really panicked. Thank God you came when you did.”

When she looked at him, he almost thought he saw her eyes mist.

“You did pretty well on your own.” Amusement filled Alex when he thought back to the moment. “He hadn’t gotten up off the floor yet when I got inside.”

There was the smile again, the one that sent his inside whirling.

“Do you think this has anything to do with Scotty Harris or Rich Pirelli?”

“Sanders claims he was a first-time customer of a frequent visitor that comes by the Harris place.”

“Pirelli.” She mused.

“We, I mean I, need do some more investigating. I’ll check with narcotics and make a visit to Carl’s.”

“What’s going to happen to Sanders?”

He could see her replaying the events again in her mind. Liz had close calls before but never had been physically hurt. If Sanders hadn’t been so drugged up, things might not have gone so far. But once again they had, and now Alex wished he had been there. “He’ll be out of commission for a while. Oh, and by the way, don’t do my job when you go on calls from now on.”

“I didn’t mean to. It just sort of happened.” She cringed.

She had the curiosity-of-the-cat-thing, and Alex knew it. He shook his head, glad to just be here with her. He only wished it were under different circumstances. “So this is a night out with Liz Adams.”

“Yeah, I’m a great date, huh?” She crinkled her nose and held her palm to her cheek, elbow on the table, and almost looked embarrassed.

He knew her evenings usually consisted of working long hours, just not to this extreme. “If you’re a guy who likes excitement, yes.”

He continued to do more for her the more she got into these predicaments, but he didn’t want her to feel badly that he had spent the evening taking care of her—especially when it gave him a valid excuse to be with her.

“I’ll make it up to you and take you out tomorrow night.” She scooped up a spoonful of soup and blew off the steam.

He knew it, she felt guilty. He leaned back. “I like it here. You have a nice place, makes me feel at home.”

Her smile broadened. The place was small, but she’d made it her own, and it had a warm and cozy feel to it.

“I’ve enjoyed fixing this old house,” she beamed.

“It fits you.” Feeling tranquil and relaxed, he put his hands behind his head and leaned back into a stretch.

“You’re quite the knight in shining armor, coming to my rescue, nursing me back to health. I’m impressed.” Her gaze searched his face for a response.

He smiled as he took their bowls back to the stove and ladled them both more soup. “It’s not hard to come to your rescue when you always need rescuing.” He placed their bowls on the table and refilled the glasses. “You make me look good though.”

Liz stirred her spoon around in her soup. “This isn’t cramping your style is it?”

He sat down and looked at her, wondering where he would be tonight if Sanders hadn’t gone off on her. Truth is, there wasn’t any place he’d rather be. “What do you mean?”

“I didn’t even think to ask you if you’re dating anyone.” She looked away, still stirring.

His lifted his gaze to meet hers. “No. As a matter of fact I haven’t dated anyone for a while now.”

Liz dropped her spoon in the bowl with a clatter. “I’m surprised.”

“Why?” He drew his brows together as he watched her pick up the spoon.

“I just thought you were always involved with someone.” She looked straight at him in disbelief.

He lowered his head weighing his words and then returned his gaze to her. Her unblinking eyes meant business. He decided right then and there that he wasn’t going to hold back. This was finally his chance with her, and if he ended up making a fool of himself, so be it.

“I decided awhile ago that something was missing from my relationships. I haven’t figured out exactly what it is, but until I do, I haven’t had much interest.”

Liz stared, and opened her mouth but nothing came out for a couple of beats. “That’s interesting. I wonder what it is.”

He knew he had intrigued her and was quiet for a moment, studying her. He wasn’t sure he should say what he was thinking. “Maybe it’s not something, but someone.”

They held each other’s gaze until the roar of the basketball game flooded into the kitchen. Alex jumped up and then stopped himself. “Do you mind?” Like an idiot he’d lost the moment.

“Are you kidding?” She sidestepped him and beat him to the couch to see what the excitement was about. But she didn’t last long.

A bath and a full stomach only meant one thing...sleep.

Chapter Eight

Liz woke up on the couch with a very large headache. She took a couple of Tylenol and then made her way into the kitchen. She vaguely remembered Alex saying he was leaving, and feeling a light kiss on the cheek—or maybe that part was a dream.

No, she thought as she touched her cheek. That was real. Her heart fluttered at the thought.

Reaching for a mug, she saw a note attached to the coffeepot. Coffee’s ready. Just flip the switch. Meet me at the station—10:00.

Liz turned on the coffee pot and opened the kitchen curtain to let the sunshine in. The icicles slowly shrank as drops of water collected and fell from their tips.

Why did Alex want her to come in again? Maybe they needed more information on Sanders, or he wanted her to go to Carl’s with him. She called the office to let them know she wouldn’t be in until that afternoon and took her time getting ready. During the drive to the station she checked the messages on her cell, one from Brenda and another from her parents. The last message made her go numb.

“Hide and Seek. I’m seeking what you’re hiding.”

The raspy voice from the other end of the line reached out, grabbed her around the throat and made her gasp. She checked the ID but no number was shown. It could have just been a prank, but what if they knew she was hiding Scotty?

She parked and sat in the car for a moment and replayed the message. She racked her brain trying to find any distinctions in what was said, any familiarities in the voice. Nothing. She knew a lot of jokesters who would fit this kind of mischief, and if it were something more she was sure she’d hear from him again.

She did her best to shake it off and walked through the double doors into the station, making her way to the huge bull pen that held cubicles and a large front desk for check-in. As she turned the corner to enter, Liz felt as if a hundred eyes scrutinized her.

“Well if it isn’t our newest recruit,” Lt. Charles Miller yelled out from behind the front desk. The florescent light reflected off his bald head and moved with him as he did. He raised his bushy, black eyebrows at her.

Liz stopped in front of him. “Hey, Charles, how are you?”

Charles grinned. “I’m just putting in my time. I only have a few more months.”

He’d been with the department for over twenty-five years and was considered everyone’s “dad.”

“You’re down to counting the months? That’s too close for my comfort. I’m going to miss you.”

“Oh, I’ll still come around. You can’t get rid of me that easily.” He leaned in closer to her. “So, I hear you’ve had a bit of excitement lately.”

Liz didn’t want to go into to it and politely skirted the issue. “I’m here to see Officer...”

“Demas?”

Liz snapped her head back in surprise.

Charles’s bald head turned a shade of pink, showing his embarrassment for being so presumptuous. He looked behind him and yelled to Alex. “Demas, Miss Adams is here to see you.”

He looked at Liz again. “You’re in good hands with Demas. And all the talk...” He waved a hand toward her. “Don’t listen to it.”

Liz gave Charles an awkward smile, then turned to see Jake walking toward her. He stood only a couple inches above her. Short and sweet was how she’d always thought of him.

“You okay?” he inquired, placing his hands on his hips.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

He nodded. “You and Alex have been on a lot of calls together with this drug ring developing.”

She shrugged. “Yeah, the poor guy.”

“Oh, I don’t think he’s bothered with it. He knows what he’s doing.”

She narrowed her eyes, wondering where he was going with this. “What are you referring to, Jake?”

He held up his hands in surrender. “Nothing, just glad you two are working so well together.”

“Don’t give me a hard time, Jake, or I’ll request you next time,” she teased.

He shook his head with a grin. “Oh no, you finish the case with whoever you started it.”

“I’m starting to feel like I have the plague when I come in here.” She scanned the room.

He chuckled. “I guess you do in a way.”

She gave him a swift hit to the arm. “So what’s the latest news on Sanders?”

“He’s being charged with possession and assault.”

The news put her mind at ease. Whatever was going on between the Harrises, Pirelli and Sanders was being investigated, and it might be easier with Sanders out of the picture.

She saw Alex start to walk over and stop when he passed Charles. They conversed briefly and both glanced over at Liz and continued talking.

Jake turned to where she was looking. “He gets a little over-protective.”

“It’s sort of nice to have a dad around.” Liz put a fist to one hip.

Jake arched a brow. “I’m talking about Alex.”

Liz smiled her surprise. Between Charles and Alex she’d be well taken care of. It was a good thing Alex was always the one on her calls. The other cops were apparently glad they hadn’t been with her. After talking with Jake, she was starting to wonder if it was more than the close calls keeping them away.

Alex finally came over and stood quietly next to them as they finished their conversation.

“Stay out of trouble.” Jake pointed at her and tilted his head down to emphasize the warning. He shifted his finger to Alex. “And you keep her out of trouble.”

Alex grinned and waved him off, and Liz chuckled at his playfulness.

Liz and Alex walked over to Checkout, which was a long counter with a metal mesh divider between them and the cops on the other side. She followed him, bothered by not knowing where they were going or what they were doing.

“How are you feeling?” he asked as he inspected her wrist. “Your wrist still looks sore.”

“I’m fine,” she said flatly, as she pulled down her sleeve, not wanting to answer to anyone else.

“What are we doing?” She watched suspiciously as the cop on the other side of the cage took out a gun and set it on the counter.

“Target practice.” He didn’t look up.

“What did you say?”

He stopped filling out a form and turned to her. “I know how you feel about guns, but you should at least know how to shoot one.”

“But I don’t want to learn to how to shoot a gun. I couldn’t shoot anyone, ever, so what’s the point?” She lifted her hands and shoulders in an emphatic shrug.

Alex fixed his eyes on hers. “Never?”

“I can’t imagine,” she answered, taken aback.

“If it was self-defense, like it always is with you, and it was you or the other guy?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re awfully sure of me.”

“Yes, I am.”

Their eyes locked for a moment and she felt a shiver. But she had the feeling he wasn’t just talking about the gun.

“Okay, where do we go for this little target practice thing?”

“It’s not little, and it’s not a thing. We go downstairs.”

He took the gun from the officer behind the cage, examined it, and then handed her a box of bullets. She held them as if with two fingers, like they were a snake.

His soft chuckle mixed with his words. “They don’t have much effect without the gun.”

She sneered and followed him down the stairs. “Do you do this often?”

“Yeah, we teach gun safety classes all the time.”

They walked down to the basement of the station and through some locked doors into a huge darkened room. Alex turned on the lights. There were several alleys with a target at the end. None were being used.

Alex signed them in, picked a lane, and loaded the gun. “Rule one, all guns are loaded.”

“But they’re not,” Liz protested.

Alex sighed. “We just assume they are. These are the gun safety rules, just go with me on this, okay?”

She shrugged.

“Never let the muzzle cover anything you’re not willing to destroy. Keep your finger on the trigger until your sights are on the target, and be sure of your target.”

She scowled. “The last one is a given, isn’t it?”

He waved her off and placed the safety glasses over her eyes and handed her some ear plugs. Then he stood behind her, holding the gun out in front of them for her to take a hold of.

He placed his hand over hers to help her get a feel for the correct positioning.

Alex’s other arm closed around her, his warmth surrounding her. His body blanketed hers, complete body contact between her back and his chest with their arms intertwined.

His voice murmured against her ear and cheek, but her focus was on the feel of his chest covering her back. His arm muscles bulged slightly as he moved the gun. His breath on her cheek was warm with a hint of peppermint. That distracted her enough to completely tune out his voice. He stopped talking, and she finally noticed he had asked her something.

She slipped back into the moment and held the gun more firmly.

“Liz?” He dropped his arms down and then came around in front of her. “Have you heard a word I’ve said?”

Her face flushed, and she averted her eyes. “Yeah, everything you said. About safety and what I shouldn’t do.” She lowered the gun to her side and met his gaze as he scowled, his fists on his hips and a knowing look on his face.

He studied her for a minute with narrowed eyes, then nodded. “Then you’re ready to shoot.” He put in his earplugs, and she did the same.

He observed as she shot a couple of rounds, corrected her, and she shot again. She kept shooting for what felt like an eternity.

Finally she peered into the box of bullets, hoping they were gone. “Are we done yet?”

He shrugged. “I guess. You did hit the target pretty well. It’d be good if you’d hit it close to the middle before we stopped though.” He put his fist to his mouth to stifle a laugh.

Liz laughed with him. “Thanks for doing this. I know you’re just trying to look out for me.”

“Now I just have to get you a gun.”

She shook her head. The body contact was one thing, but she actually hated the shooting, so was it worth getting a gun?

He took her hand, pulling her closer to him. His eyes sparkled as they held each other’s stare, heads moving closer, their lips almost touching.

“Did you kiss me last night?”

His smile widened. “I thought you were asleep.”

“Hey, Demas. You about done? We got calls coming in,” a voice boomed from the top of the stairs.

Liz startled and took a step back.

A crooked grin etched his face as he gazed at her. “I’m coming,” he answered the other cop without taking his eyes off her.

He took the gun from her, gliding his finger across the palm of her hand, sending goose bumps prickling up her arm.

“Duty calls. Will I see you later?”

She nodded and watched him run up the stairs.

****

Liz put a couple of quarters in the meter and walked past Denver’s Union Station. She peered in the tall glass windows of the Wynkoop restaurant. Groups of people intermittently blocked her vision as she walked to the door.

As soon as she entered, she saw Brenda’s big blond hair and both hands waving at her.

“Hey!” Liz greeted, as she slid into the booth.

“You’re late.” A slight smile played over Brenda’s lips. “But I’m sure you have a good reason.”

“As a matter of fact I do.”

“I know you were with a guy, a really good looking guy that makes money to burn.”

“I’ve already dated him. Next time I’m going for personality,” Liz teased with a playful smirk.

“So what’s your excuse?”

“Alex took me target shooting.”

Brenda’s face scrunched up. “You hate guns.”

“Yeah, but Alex thought I should at least know how to handle one.”

“And?”

“The shooting part was what I expected—tolerable at best. What I hadn’t expected was the body contact.”

Brenda laughed. “Oh, no. You’re in trouble.” She put a hand to Liz’s and noticed the injury on her wrist. “What’s that from?”

“I had to question this guy about a disturbance call he made the other night, and I found something he didn’t want me to. He got a little upset.”

“And he did that?” She grimaced.

“Yeah, but he mainly just scared the heck out of me.” Liz appreciated Brenda’s concern but didn’t want to talk about Sanders. She wanted to talk about guys, something she hadn’t done for a long time, and she needed some help sorting things out.

Brenda gave her a motherly look and tilted her head. “I’m getting worried about you.”

“Yeah, me, too.” Liz sighed with frustration.

“Maybe it’s time to move to a different district, the suburbs maybe.” Brenda nodded and waited for Liz to nod back.

“I’m already looking into other options. Actually, Margie is. Between you and her, I’m very well taken care of.” Liz noticed the fatigue in her friend’s face, probably from working another double shift. “How are things at the hospital?”

“There’ve been so many deliveries it almost feels like spring.” She stopped and stared at Liz, slowly put her spoon down, and laced her fingers together on the table in front of her. “Is there something you’re not telling me?” Brenda’s eyes were wide with anticipation.

Liz grasped a strand of hair and began twirling it around her finger as a pained feeling passed over her. “No. Nothing new anyway.”

“But you have that face.” Brenda tilted her head to examine Liz.

“Just my mom again and all the questions about my love life with the constant reminder that ‘I’m not getting any younger,’” Liz sang out, mimicking her mother’s tone.

Brenda replied with a grin.

“Are you going to help me or not?” Liz pleaded.

“Of course.” Brenda placed a hand on Liz’s twirling finger. “But how? I’m not a fairy godmother.” She rubbed her tired eyes and scratched her side through her scrubs adorned with pink and blue rattles.

“I don’t need a fairy. I need a prince.”

“You already have one.”

“I do?”

“Alex.”

Liz sat back in her chair and twirled double time, looking past Brenda into a blank stare. “There’s always been an attraction between us, but I don’t think anything will ever come of it.”

Brenda leaned forward and put her hand on Liz’s. “All guys aren’t like Nick, Liz. Most guys aren’t like Nick. And you won’t ever let that happen to you again, I know. I’ve seen you change through your dependence on the Lord.”

Looking back, Liz couldn’t believe she had let her last relationship become what it did. But Nick’s repeated promises to make amends, and her desire to believe him, kept the relationship going long after it should have.

“I know you’re right. It’s just hard to take that first step of faith. You know, I used to pray for someone special to come into my life, but after Nick, I’ve prayed to keep them away.”

“Yeah, I know. You’ve driven Margie and your mother crazy for the last year.”

Liz shrugged her response.

“Speaking of faith, is Alex a Christian?”

“Yes, but he’s hesitant, not open about it. That’s what I’m most concerned about. Sometimes I feel God is calling me to bring Alex to Him, that my purpose is not to have a relationship with him but to remind him of his relationship with Christ.”

“I’m sure you’ve been an example to him already, Liz.”

Liz sighed. “I hope so. I know he had a strong faith at one time, but something happened, something big enough to change that. But he never talks about his past.”

Brenda slumped in her seat. “Maybe he will if you can spend some time together outside of work.”

“I asked him over for dinner.”

Brenda lifted her eyebrows in surprise.

“He helped me out after a couple of rough calls and went out of his way to make sure I was okay.”

Brenda smiled. “Yeah, I know what that’s like.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “But I never got a home cooked meal out of it.”

“Would you have wanted one of my home cooked meals?”

“Come to think of it, no. Poor Alex.” She chuckled as Liz playfully nudged her.

“I didn’t think he’d say yes.”

“You never know until you ask.”

Liz nodded and took a sip of her water, then sat back and groaned. “I forgot to mention, Margie is trying to set me up on a blind date.”

Brenda scrunched up her face again. “I hate blind dates. But you don’t want to get Margie ticked off. She can be as mean as a snake if you do her wrong.”

Brenda was right. Margie had a lot of bravado, but deep down she also had a heart of gold.

Brenda sighed and folded her hands together. Liz braced herself for the words of wisdom she knew were coming.

“It’s been so long since you’ve had a relationship. I just hope you give Alex a real chance.”

Liz frowned and bumped Brenda with her foot. “It’s the first time in quite a while I’ve wanted to try again. I just can’t let those old feelings creep in.”

Brenda gave Liz a hopeless smile. “You’ve got to get over the Nick thing. Then you’ve got to be willing to open your heart again.” She stopped and grinned. “Wait until your mom hears about this.”

Chapter Nine

The late afternoon sun appeared to shine brighter as Liz opened her blinds to let the golden rays in, covering her office floor. She had put the Sanders incident behind her and was moving on to other cases. Her chair creaked as she shuffled through a file.

Margie came pounding in. The feathers of her violet, feathery sweater fluttered with her slightest movement or breath. “I told him about you. He’s real interested. He thinks you’re cute.”

Liz shook her head. “Margie, you’re relentless.” Then realization sunk in. “You showed him my picture?” Curiosity won out over concern. “What picture?”

“This one.” Margie walked over to Liz’s desk and picked up a silver picture frame. “From last year’s Christmas party.”

The entire team was in this one, all eight of them, arranged in front of the huge Christmas tree that had been set up in the foyer. Liz critiqued her photo appearance. The dark green velvet dress, and low pumps accented Liz’s straight, brown hair hanging over her shoulders. At least it was a decent picture.

“How do you know him?”

Margie gave Liz a sideways glance as she held the picture between them, still at eye level. “At church.”

“Really?”

“I knew that would get you,” Margie said with a wink. “You never miss a Sunday. So what do you think? Just meet him one time. Just one time, that’s all I ask.”

Liz interrupted, giving her an agitated look. “No, Margie, sorry.”

“Humph! No wonder you don’t have a boyfriend, you’re too stubborn to meet anyone. By the way, you have a call on line two.”

Liz grabbed the phone, hoping the lengthy hold hadn’t caused them to hang up. “This is Liz.”

“Liz, it’s John.”

“It’s good to hear from you, John. I’ve been wondering how the boys are doing.”

“They’re fine. What I called to tell you is that we found something that you should be aware of. We found a bag of money in the boy’s room.”

“A lot of money?”

“Yes. I’m nervous having this much lying around the house. Do you think it’s laundered or drug money?”

“Probably.” Yes .

“I don’t think I’ll share that bit of information with the wife.”

“Just hide it in a safe place until Officer Demas picks it up.”

“Oh good, someone we know. The boys will be glad to see him again.”

“And tell Nancy not to worry. I’ll put a rush order on it.”

Just for reassurance she asked, “Are there any other details or information you can tell me before I make the call?”

“Nothing at the moment, but I’ll keep thinking about it.”

“I’ll be in touch.”

When they disconnected, she called Alex. It felt a little strange calling him on routine details of cases because now she was hoping their work conversations would lead to talk about “them.”

As she filled him in on the new twist of events, the anonymous phone call came back to her. “Alex, I need you to get that money right away. And please don’t think I’m overreacting, because I’m not.”

“Okay, okay. You’re a little protective of these people. But whenever it comes to money, clean or dirty, people do start to act crazy.”

Liz paused. She contemplated telling him about the phone call, but he had her on such a short leash now, she didn’t want him to cut her out completely. It was probably nothing, but he would blow it way out of proportion.

“I’ll personally go over and get the money, and if it would make you feel better, I’ll tell the officers who patrol that neighborhood to keep an eye on the house.”

“And the surrounding area?”

“I’ll make sure they do.”

“Okay, good.”

Alex paused. “Would you like me to put out an APB?”

“Can you do that?”

“Liz.” He groaned.

She let out a breath. That would cover them as well as if there had been an actual threat. “Are we still on for dinner?”

“Yeah, will it still work for you?”

She smiled against her will, not wanting to be too excited about this. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me, too.”

As Liz disconnected she caught a glimpse of Norma walking by. She was dressed in her normal black pants and shirt. But today she’d donned a white scarf with matching shoes. She never said hello—to anyone. How must it feel to be Norma, living such a lonely and miserable life?

Even if Norma was difficult, it didn’t mean Liz needed to be. Liz hadn’t responded well to the situation the other day, and her conscience had been bothering her ever since it had happened.

She walked down the hall to Norma’s office and leaned against the doorjamb. Norma didn’t do much in the way of decorating her office. No one really did. These old buildings were in such sad shape it was hard to make them look good. Liz studied her. Norma’s beady eyes caught hers momentarily, then looked back to her files.

“Norma?”

She kept filing, but Liz spoke anyway. “I’m sorry about the other day. I’m just trying to keep the caseloads even for everybody.”

Norma continued to file, but said, “Are you just covering yourself because you want that supervisory position?”

Liz paused to absorb what Norma just said. She was trying to apologize, and all Norma could think of was a selfish reason for the apology. Lord, give me patience . “I’m sorry you feel that way.”

Liz stood there for a minute longer, and Norma finally turned to acknowledge her.

Norma sat down hard in her cushy chair, catching some air and bounced. She slapped the file that was in her lap and looked straight ahead. “I don’t want the cases you have been giving me.”

“But Norma you can’t take less than the others.”

Norma waved her off. “It’s more than that.”

“Then what is it?”

Norma looked down at the file in her lap. “I don’t think I can handle emergency calls anymore.” She shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest.

Liz blew out a sigh. “I don’t blame you.”

Norma snorted. “I thought only the officers got into situations like those.”

“Yeah, me too,” Liz said sarcastically.

Norma stood and placed the file in a cabinet. Liz took the hint and turned to leave. “Maybe you should talk to Michael.”

“I will.”

Liz stepped out into the hallway and almost ran into Michael. She muttered a hello, and he followed her into her office and waited as she sorted through a tower of messages. “What ever happened to voice mail?”

She stopped flipping through them, grateful for the break. “I like the old-fashioned way.”

He sat down and crossed his legs, right over left, just as he always did. There was something comforting in his dependable habits and attire. “You look like you’re in a hurry.”

“Just trying to wrap up details on old cases, plus I’m still working on the Harris case.”

“With Demas?”

“Yes.”

He looked away for a moment. Liz sat quietly at her desk. Where’s he going with this?

Michael sighed as he tapped his fingers on his thigh and then scooted to the end of his seat to rest his long arms on her desk. “I’m sorry, Liz. I feel a little protective for some reason. Not very professional of me.”

She stared at him in surprise. “You don’t need to protect me.”

He chuckled, but stopped when she glared. “I don’t want you to get hurt. Demas has a reputation you know.”

Here she thought he’d been referring to the Sanders case, when he was actually worried about her personal relationships. His opinion of Alex ticked her off a little. Not that she was totally convinced herself yet, but Alex’s preconceived reputation was getting old.

“I appreciate your concern, but you don’t need to be.”

He leaned over the desk, then took her hand and looked at the bruise. He examined it for a moment, turning her wrist over.

“Was this from last night?” His brows drew together, and he held her tighter.

She nodded and pulled her hand away, disgusted now that she understood his intention. “I’m fine.” She knew he was trying to help her, but not just with her job anymore.

Chapter Ten

As Alex drove up to the Bowie’s he noticed Jimmy’s face in the large window. When the boy saw Alex his eyes lit up and he disappeared from sight.

Alex smiled and parked in front of the house. He got out and walked by Nancy’s flower garden, which was cut back for winter. Half a dozen bird feeders hung above where flowers would bloom.

The front door opened and Jimmy jumped up and down on the other side of the security door. No one had ever been so glad to see him. John opened the door and Alex shook his hand and then bent over to shake Jimmy’s.

“How are you doing, Jimmy?”

“I’m real good at cards now. Wanna play?” Jimmy pointed to the card table in the center of the family room.

Alex smiled down at him. “I think we could maybe get in a game before I leave.”

“Really?” His eyes were so big and his expression so serious Alex almost laughed.

“Really.” Alex stuck his fist out. “Remember this one?” He hit his palm three times and put two fingers up.

Jimmy joined in with a rock. “Rock, paper, scissors.”

John put his hands in his back pockets and grinned at Jimmy. “He’s quite the card player. So is his brother when you can get him to play.”

Alex scanned the room. “Where’s Scotty?”

“In his room.” John motioned for Alex to follow him.

They went down a short, narrow hallway and found Scotty sitting on his bed playing a handheld video game. The room was simply decorated in blues. Lots of pillows covered the bed and larger ones filled one corner of the room next to a book shelf.

When Scotty saw them enter his room he jumped off the bed. “Is there something wrong?”

The concern on his face was far beyond his twelve years. His shoulders carried a heavy load. What all that entailed Alex didn’t know, but he did know was that a kid Scotty’s age shouldn’t have this much of a burden to bear.

“No, Scotty, nothing’s wrong. I just came to talk with you for a minute and then maybe play a quick game of cards before I go.”

Jimmy shot straight in the air at the word cards . “Yeah, Officer Demas is gonna play us in Uno and I’m gonna win.”

“No, you’re not.” Scotty rolled his eyes at his little brother and sat on the twin bed.

John took Jimmy’s hand and turned to leave the room. “Let’s go get the cards set up.”

Jimmy bounded down the hall next to John. John’s head bobbed as he tried to talk to him about the seating arrangements for the game.

“Am I in trouble?” Scotty’s face showed no expression as he asked the question.

Alex tried to pull over a chair that had a moveable spine for the back. Scotty laughed as Alex grabbed the back of it and tried to push the chair toward the bed where Scotty sat.

“Very funny.” Alex tried again but the back folded up and the chair went sideways. “How do you work this thing?” Alex stood with his hands on his hips staring at it with added confusion. It was good to see Scotty laugh. He almost acted like a kid again.

Scotty snickered and rotated a knob on the bottom of the spine and it straightened. Alex sat down with relief and rolled the chair closer to the bed. “I want to talk to you about the money.”

Scotty dropped his head. “I shouldn’t have brought it here.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because no one would have found it at my house, now it’ll be gone forever.”

“Maybe, but it’s drug money, Scotty, no criminal should have that cash.”

“It would be better if we just gave it to him.”

The words hit Alex square in the chest. The fact that Scotty wouldn’t have the money anymore didn’t relieve him of any worry, it may have increased it. “You’re safe here, Scotty.”

“I want my parents to be safe.”

It always amazed Alex how protective abused kids were of their parents, the same parents who beat them. “That’s very honorable of you, Scotty. But you’re a minor and we protect you first. The cops that patrol your parents’ area are aware of the situation too.”

Scotty looked at his hands. “He’s gonna be mad.”

“Who, Pirelli?”

Scotty put his arms over his chest and remained silent.

“Can’t tell?” Alex learned the technique from Liz and thought he’d try it, but it didn’t seem to work as well for him.

Scotty just shook his head.

Alex thought he’d take another approach. “Does this guy scare you?”

Scotty stuck out his chin and looked up at Alex. He wasn’t going to budge, maybe because he was scared, maybe because he was stubborn. Alex guessed the latter of the two was correct.

Scotty scoffed and turned away. “No.”

“Good, because you have to say no, that’s the only way to stop a guy like this.” Alex looked him in the eyes. “Even if we gave him this money he’d just come back to you to do more runs for him. It’s a vicious cycle. We’ll find him soon and you’ll be done with him.”

“Are you gonna arrest him?”

“When we find him and get the evidence we need to hold him we will.” Alex leaned closer. “And that will hopefully be soon.”

Scotty took a deep breath.

“You did the right thing giving John that money. Now it’s out of your hands.”

“I didn’t give it to him, he found it. They go through your stuff before you can stay here.”

“That’s for everyone’s safety. You wouldn’t want some kid in here with a weapon would you? And now you’re not responsible anymore.” Alex put a hand on Scotty’s arm. “You hear me? It’s not your job anymore—any of it.”

Scotty shrugged, clearly not convinced of Alex’s words. He scrutinized Alex and looked away again.

“Enough of this, let’s go play a game of cards.”

Scotty shook his head. Alex was genuinely disappointed. He wanted to see this kid happy, like Jimmy. “You scared I’ll beat you?”

Scotty half smiled and shook his head again.

“All right, but if you change your mind, come out and play a game?”

“No, thanks.”

“Okay, Scotty. Call me if you need anything.” Alex gave him a pat to his shoulder and went in to join Jimmy and John for a game of UNO.

Jimmy started bouncing in his seat when he saw Alex. John dealt out the cards and they began the game. Alex periodically looked over at the doorway, hoping Scotty would change his mind and join them, but he never did. Alex was so distracted he got beat, even by Jimmy.

Jimmy frowned and put his hands on his little hips. “You lost on purpose.”

Alex looked at the mass of cards he had in his hands and Jimmy and John’s empty hands. “No, I really didn’t.”

Jimmy’s eyebrows shot up. “Then you’re really bad at this game.” He began to scoop up the cards as John and Alex enjoyed a good laugh.

Chapter Eleven

Whittier Elementary was located near an area called Five Points. It was close to an intersection east of downtown where five streets intersect. The neighborhood had not been kept up and now showed its age.

Scotty and Jimmy both attended this school, so Liz could get a lot of information at one time. She entered the front office and immediately felt the activity level.

Liz handed her business card to the woman behind the desk and asked if she could speak to the principal. The tall woman in a pink sweater and gray skirt acted as if it were routine to see Social Service workers on a daily basis. Unfortunately, she probably did.

Liz sat down and waited, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible, taking in the feel of the place. Three women sat up front, each behind an old, wooden desk. One woman’s phone rang constantly. What calls she couldn’t get, the other one behind her would take on backup.

The third took the walk-ins. Many children were in and out, needing the phone or asking to see the nurse. Parents came in as well. They would pick up their children, or drop items off for them. She felt as if she were on a merry-go-round that never stopped.

A tall slender man stepped out of his office. The woman at the front desk pointed to Liz. He walked over to her and offered his hand and pulled her along as they shook.

“Ms. Adams.” He was cordial but rushed.

She understood. It was just the way the school functioned.

His office was drab and bare. The only contents were his desk, one chair and a table piled high with papers next to a huge filing cabinet.

They went over the basics of her visit, and he got on his phone and requested the boys’ teachers come in. The confidentiality agreement between schools and Social Services helped move the process along.

Scotty’s teacher was a very poised and cooperative young woman. “We haven’t had any real problems with Scotty, an occasional tardy or minor playground infraction, but nothing serious.”

The school social worker didn’t have much information on the family. “There are so many families with extreme needs that sometimes the families with less pressing issues got lost between the cracks.”

Liz understood, having the same problem—too many needs and not enough caseworkers.

Jimmy’s teacher, Ms Clement, hadn’t added any information to this point but added, “I’ve been informed of the foster care situation. But that’s all I’m aware of.”

Liz asked Scotty’s teacher, Ms Smith, about the problems on the playground.

“He was talking to a young man on the other side of the playground fence. The man appeared to be angry, and then I heard him yelling. That’s when I told Scotty to move away, but he wouldn’t listen. I kept telling him until he finally came over. I had to give him a detention because of that.”

“When did this happen?”

The teacher sat back and thought about it for a moment. “It’s happened a couple of times. The last time was just the other day.”

“Do you have any idea who this guy is?”

“No. I’ve seen him hanging around quite a bit, though.”

Jimmy’s teacher nodded as well.

“Could you give the police a description of him?”

She hesitated and maneuvered herself to the edge of her chair. “I could try.”

Liz called Alex to arrange for her to come down to the station to make a composite.

“If you can think of anything further, please contact me.”

As Liz left, she noticed the kids on the playground. She stopped and watched them play a game of tag and noticed a young man who looked a lot like Pirelli on the other side of the fence. He seemed to be waiting for someone. She walked closer to talk with him or at least get a better look, but as soon as he saw her he turned and started walking away.

“Pirelli.”

He stopped and turned around, and surprised Liz by approaching her. She went from the pursuer to being pursued. Liz held her ground and kept her feet planted and eyes fixed.

“You’re the sosh that got me arrested the other night.” His frosty blue eyes looked down at her, chilling her to the bone.

Liz hated the term sosh . Only lowlifes or egomaniacs called social workers that. “No, I was doing another investigation.” She tried her best to keep her voice from shaking by scowling at him. She would at least look the part even if she didn’t feel it.

“Yeah, to take Carrie’s brothers away.” He was in her face now, staring at her with unblinking eyes.

“Called me lately, Pirelli?” It was worth a shot.

“Do I have a reason to?” His blond hair hung down in his face, slightly covering his clear, blue eyes.

Liz was almost too embarrassed to call Alex. Almost, but she was tired of being intimidated, so she pulled out her cell phone and pushed send.

He did an about-face. “You best stay away. You got nothing on me,” he yelled over his shoulder. He started walking faster and soon was into a jog. A shiny, black Navigator came roaring toward them, fast.

Liz turned and started running. Her only chance was to get through an opening between the two metal chain link fences that led into the playground.

The car tires hit the curb. Adrenaline pushed her into a level of speed she never knew she had. Liz flew through those two fences so fast she didn’t instantly feel the metal tear into her flesh as she whizzed by. Liz stopped and became aware that she was the brunt of his sick attempt to scare her.

Pirelli stepped into the SUV and stuck his head out the window, laughing. “Tell Demas I’m looking for him.”

The driver hit the gas and sped off with Pirelli mocking her as they drove away.

Liz walked to her car, feeling the throb on her leg, and even worse, the sting of embarrassment that she let herself fall into Pirelli’s game.

She pulled up her pant leg to take a look. A two-inch gash with jagged edges protruded the skin, blood flowed freely from the wound. She took some Kleenex tissues from the glove compartment and held them on the wound.

Her hand shook from the adrenaline that still flowed through her, as she moved the tissues off the wound. The blood quickly soaked through the wad of tissue. She applied more tissues and pressure, and then sat in silence catching her breath. Her cell phone rang startling her. She gave a sigh of relief when she saw Alex’s name on the caller ID.

“Did you just call?”

Liz had forgotten that she made a call and must have disconnected sometime during the chase. “Yeah. You didn’t hold Pirelli?”

“No. He has a record, but I didn’t have anything to charge him with the other night. Why are you breathing so hard?”

She inhaled and exhaled slowly to try and steady her breathing. “I just ran into him at the Harris boys’ school.”

“Are you okay?” His questioning tone sounded as if he knew there was more than she was telling.

“Yeah. Pirelli told me to stay away from him. I think I will.” Her nerves started to settle and her body relaxed.

“Okay, I want to know what your schedule is so I can keep tabs on you when I’m not on a call.”

“You don’t need to do that.” Actually, she was glad to hear his suggestion. She just had too much pride to admit it.

“I can’t believe you’re even trying to disagree with me about this.” He didn’t hide his agitation.

“Okay, sorry. It’s probably a good idea.”

He sighed. “Trust me, I’ll sleep much better. How about meeting me for something to eat? We can go over your agenda for the next couple of days.” It wasn’t a question.

She needed to make a quick recovery and tried to think of someplace that would give her some time to stop sweating and bleeding. “I can be at Chicken Express in twenty minutes.”

“You read my mind.” Despite worrying over her, he seemed to be in good spirits.

She’d have to keep the light conversation because he wouldn’t like the cut on her leg, or more so, how she got it.

She was almost to the red and white sign with the flying chicken when she noticed a cop behind her. She couldn’t see in the car but figured it was Alex so she ignored him, until she heard the siren. She pulled into the parking lot and got out of the car as Officer Dixon methodically pulled himself out of his car.

He was the only cop she knew who was always completely decked out. Nightstick, flashlight, handcuffs, radio and every clip holder full, made him unlike most cops that would take only what they needed for each call. He adjusted his hat and tugged at a glove as he strolled over.

Dixon thought her department took up too much of their time and paper work. Dark eyes turned down at the ends as he sarcastically smiled at her. “Well, if it isn’t one of the bleeding hearts.”

He carefully took out a toothpick from some secret compartment in his belt, sticking it in his mouth.

“Officer Dixon.”

“You shouldn’t ignore a cop. That’s evading an officer. You could get a ticket for that. And you were speeding.” His toothpick appeared in the corner of his mouth followed by a slight curl of his lips. He took out his pad and pen.

“I thought you were Demas, that’s why I ignored the siren.”

He put pen to paper without answering.

She pinched her eyebrows together and was about to say something she shouldn’t when the swift whine of another siren made her pause. Alex’s black and white entered the lot. He flew in next to her and killed the engine. He didn’t waste any time getting out of the car to join them.

****

Alex walked over to them. “What’s going on?”

Dixon discretely put away his pad and took off his hat to readjust it over his graying black hair. “Just making the rounds. You?”

Dixon wasn’t one to back down, but Alex outranked him. “Just making the rounds.”

Alex scrutinized Dixon for a moment and then moved his eyes to Liz. He was in no mood to put up with any nonsense from Dixon. Dixon must have gotten the vibe because of his unusual lack of banter.

“You ready?” Alex held his hand out, inviting Liz to walk ahead of him. Alex gave Dixon a nod. Dixon returned the gesture.

They walked in silence to the restaurant. As much as he tried to avoid it, Alex noticed the change in her gait. He looked down at her leg and stopped walking, letting her walk ahead. She stopped too and turned to face him.

“What are you waiting for?”

“For you to tell me why you’re limping.” He crossed his arms over his chest, his feet shoulder width apart, as he waited.

She sighed and took a couple of steps to the curb by the restaurant and sat down. She pulled up her pant leg. The dried blood had crusted over the torn flesh making the wound look worse than it was. He sat down next to her and put his forearms on his knees, examining the cut. He reached down and touched it causing her to flinch.

“It’s not so bad,” Liz said in a tranquil voice.

The injury wasn’t bad, but that’s not what he was concerned about. It was how she got it he didn’t want to hear. “Looks deep. Did it take awhile to stop bleeding?”

She nodded.

“How did you get this cut?” He narrowed his eyes. “Something off the job would be a good answer.”

She looked at the flying chicken sign, averting her eyes. “I was running.”

He shuffled his boots against some small rocks on the pavement, looking down at them as he spoke, in what he hoped was a calm, steady tone. “Why were you running?”

“I was running through a fence.”

“Why?”

“To get away from a truck.”

Silence.

He looked up at her. She might be on overload, but he had to get her to fess up.

She stiffened her jaw. “A truck that Pirelli was in.” She got up and gimped inside.

He followed behind her, rubbing the back of his neck, too bewildered to give her a reprimand. “I think I’m going to have to file a report on this,” he said more to himself than to her.

Alex smiled staring at the familiar large flying chicken that hung from the ordering counter, and all of the employees wearing hats with the flying chicken emblem on them as well. The place replicated a fifties soda shop with the barstools and a jukebox playing an old Elvis tune.

Liz found a booth, and Alex ordered for them. Food tray in hand, he slid into the booth across from her, staring at the mass of chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy before them.

Liz reached for a drink, knocking over her Diet Coke. “Oh! I’m sorry.” She watched in stunned horror as the lid popped off and liquid ran across the table.

Alex, quick to react, grabbed napkins and soaked up most of the soda before it reached the edge of the table. Then, he blotted a little that had dribbled off the corner, and set the cup upright.

“Sorry, I’m still a little shook up. I’ll make it up to you with dinner tomorrow night instead.”

He sat back, taking a breath. “No problem. I’m sorry you’ve had such a tough day.”

“Everyone I’ve come across today has irritated me.” Her aggravation was interrupted momentarily as she wiped some soda off her jeans.

Alex’s eyes dropped. “Are you including me in that broad brush?”

She brought her hand to her eyes and shook her head. “No, not you.”

Alex handed her a plate, taking his time to respond. “Dixon’s the only cop you don’t get along with...that nobody gets along with. Take that for what it’s worth and let it go. And we’ll deal with Pirelli.”

She sighed. “That’s too simple. But it makes perfect sense.” She rolled her eyes.

Alex chuckled. “What was that for?”

“I don’t know why you put up with me.” Liz put a chicken leg to her mouth.

Put up with her? He couldn’t get enough of her. “There’s nothing I enjoy more.”

She grabbed his drink to choke down some chicken. “You enjoy my drama?”

“I’m saying I enjoy being with you.” More than she knew, but he didn’t think she was quite ready for that admission.

She didn’t answer, just looked at him. He watched her slowly find a lock of hair and start twisting it around her finger.

As nervous as she seemed, he wouldn’t let it deter him from finding out how she really felt about him.

An unidentifiable emotion flitted across her face as she smiled.

He put a hand on hers.

Her big brown eyes were set on his as if seeking some sort of assurance. She looked away and he wished he could tell her he wouldn’t hurt her. Was she in denial or just plain scared?

“Liz, you’re safe with me.”

From the suddenly relaxed set of her shoulders he hoped she knew he meant it.

Chapter Twelve

Leadership council for Liz’s Bible study started at eight a.m. sharp. She was doing well to get there before eight-thirty. She had missed the coffee and conversation so she jumped right into the discussion group.

“Sorry I’m late,” Liz apologized as she took a seat next to Pam, the leader.

“Morning, Liz. I was just asking the leaders how their groups were going.”

“My group has come a long way. If you remember, I have such a diverse group of women it took awhile for everyone to come together, but I think we’ve finally gotten there.”

“That’s good news. You were struggling there in the beginning. Anyone else?” Pam looked around the circle at the other leaders.

Laura leaned forward in her chair and clasped her hands together. “One of the women in my group says curse words.” She cringed and lifted a brow. “I hoped she stop without having to address it but she hasn’t. Any thoughts?”

There were a few mumbles and whispers throughout the room. One woman spoke up. “Have you asked her to stop?”

“No.” Laura answered.

Another asked, “Do you mean cussing like four letter words?”

Laura nodded.

Others talked amongst themselves. “I can’t believe she wouldn’t catch on.”

“You’d think she’d get it.” Another woman shook her head.

Pam held up a hand to stop the talk. “Let’s talk together, not amongst ourselves, lest this turn to gossip. Does she use the Lord’s name in vain, Laura?”

Laura shook her head.

“Well, that much is good.” Pam turned to Liz. They’d served on Leadership Council for many years and kept each other accountable to their faith. “Liz, do you have anything to add?”

All eyes turned to Liz as she gathered her thoughts. “I’m thinking about what Christ would do. And I’m remembering the people he was with, three basic groups. One group was fishermen. I don’t know if any of you have seen the movie The Perfect Storm but those fishermen can cuss. And if you read the book there’s even more.”

One woman nodded. Another joined her in agreement.

“Another group was the prostitutes, so the cursing pretty much goes without saying. And then there were the tax collectors. They may have used a few more choice words but it’s all the same.”

Most nodded and others waited, scrutinizing Liz’s words.

“Then I thought about the fact that Jesus sought these people out. He knew their stuff and still wanted them with him. And I’m sure in time they quit cussing. Not because he told them to stop, but because he did what Christ always did. He led by example.”

The room was quiet so Liz continued. “What do we know about this woman? Has she done other Bible studies? Did she grow up in the church?”

Laura’s eyes misted. “She just got her first Bible for this study. And no, she’s never been to church. Her husband’s not a believer.” A tear fell and the women were still. “I haven’t been a good leader to her.”

Liz felt Laura’s self-disappointment, and decided she wouldn’t let it go any further. “Laura, don’t let the evil one steal your joy. God put this woman in your group. It’s like Mordecai said to Esther. If you don’t take this opportunity that God has given to you, it will still be done. But someone else will be blessed for doing it.”

Laura nodded slowly. “Yeah, I remember. Thanks, Liz.” She looked around the room. “All of you, thanks for your support.”

They wrapped things up and went out to greet the other women who were already seated for the lecture. Liz scanned the room and looked for Brenda. When she found her, she sat in the seat next to her and focused in on what was being said. They were reading Song of Solomon as this year’s selection, which Liz loved and hated at the same time. She loved the story but hated the lack of romance in her life.

With her distinguished gray hair and lines etched into her worn face, the speaker shared wisdom that Liz could only reflect on.

“You need to pour your heart out so you can work your life out.” She went on but that one sentence stuck out in Liz’s mind. It was so simple to say but hard to do. Especially now with so much changing in her life.

As Brenda and Liz walked to their cars, Liz pointed out to her friend what the speaker said was similar to what Brenda said to her the other day.

“You hold back, Liz. It would do you some good to talk with Alex about how you feel instead of being scared of getting hurt all the time.”

“I know you’re right. My excuse of having an unhappy past relationship isn’t going to help me with a new one.” She looked into her friend’s warm eyes. “I think I may have disappointed Alex the other night. I’m just not sure I can trust him.”

Brenda narrowed her eyes. “Has he ever done anything to you that caused you not to trust him?” She smiled knowingly.

“Hmm.” Liz smiled back.

****

The shrill sound of a phone ringing echoed throughout the hall as Liz walked to her office. She was hoping it wasn’t hers, but it was, concerning a court date for the Harris family. As soon as she hung up, it rang again. She could hear the police radio in the background. Alex must be at work already too.

“We have court today.” Alex informed Liz.

She opened her Day-Timer and glanced and the stack of paperwork on her desk. “Yeah, I just got the call. Hey, what was on Pirelli’s record?”

“Vandalism, car theft, shop lifting and drugs.”

She wasn’t surprised considering the Harris’s daughter had met him at Carl’s. They hung around together in packs, finding whatever mischief they could. Alex hadn’t brought up last night. For that matter, he hadn’t even said hello.

“I might stop in at Carl’s if I’m not swamped with calls. If you want to go with me, I can let you know when I’ll be there.”

“I have some visitations, but I can work around it.”

“Okay. I’ll check in with you later.”

“Hey, sorry about last night.” What was she sorry about? She felt like she should say something but hadn’t thought things through.

“Forget about it.” An awkward silence pursued.

“Okay...” Her words hung there like dead weight.

“I’ll see you this afternoon, if not earlier.”

After they disconnected, she decided not to bring the subject up again until she knew exactly what the subject was.

Michael knocked on her door and sat across from her in his normal attire. As he leaned forward, Liz noticed his concerned-father look.

“What did I do?” she quipped.

“Norma wants out of response calls.”

Liz knew better than to be surprised at Norma’s version of their talk. “We talked about it. She might take a bigger caseload if she moved to long-term cases.”

Being straightforward was the only way she knew how to operate on the job, so she offered a solution. “I’d like the cases to go through you instead of me.”

He raised a finger to his lips in thought. “That might be an option.”

“I think it would be better coming from you.”

He nodded. “DPD Narcotics are interested in the Harris case. Have they gotten in touch with you?”

“No, Demas is taking that end of it. I’m going to talk with the daughter, Carrie Harris, about it later today. Her boyfriend Pirelli is a recognized dealer.”

Michael moved to the front of his chair, his dark blue eyes scrutinizing hers. “Demas again? It’s almost as if he’s requesting to go out on calls with you.”

“They can’t do that, can they?” She wanted his eyes off her.

“They’re cops. They can do whatever they want.” He sat back in his chair, his expression tight as he stared at the wall.

“He was the original officer on the call with me. We’re just finishing what we started. It’s turned into more than we thought.”

“Are you and Alex interested in one another outside of work?” His gaze was hesitant.

She had to think through her answer so she didn’t tangle herself into a mess. “Not officially.” He could take that either way.

“That would help make things less complicated.” He flashed his boyish smile and got up to leave. “Are you going to take some time off to go back home for Christmas?”

She lifted a single eyebrow, puzzled by the sudden mood swing. “Yeah, that’s why I’m working so hard to lighten my caseload.”

“I just thought you were a hard worker.” He tapped on the door and left.

Then Liz heard Margie’s footsteps pounding down the hall and knew the woman was coming to her office so she sat at her desk looking at the door, waiting. Margie flew into her office. She took a breath and put a hand to her chest, touching the pink, glittery sweater she was wearing.

“Okay, at least let me show you a picture of him.” She had the church directory in her hand and flipped through to a page she had dog-eared.

“See, here he is.” She pointed proudly.

Actually, Ken wasn’t bad looking. He had nice eyes, and was dressed in dress pants and a button down shirt. He looked like a clean-cut, church-going guy, short cut hair and collared shirt, straight smile. “There’s got to be something. You make him sound flawless. I just want to be prepared. I don’t like surprises.”

“Quit trying to find something wrong with him.” Margie dropped her hand down to her side with fervor.

Liz admitted to herself she might be avoiding going out with this guy because of Alex. Her pulse quickened at the thought of being partial in any way due to the uncertain relationship they had.

“All right, one dinner, but if he talks like Mickey Mouse I’m walking out the door.” Liz crossed her arms over her chest to give her decision emphasis.

Margie clapped her hands. “I knew you’d come around. Trust me, you won’t regret it.” She turned on her heel and walked off.

Liz sat staring at the door. What did I get myself into?

****

Cops have it easy. They can wear their uniforms to court, Liz grumbled to herself. She, on the other hand, had to wear heels. She’d put on her gray skirt and gray jacket with a white blouse and low black heels.

She drove around until she found a parking spot with a meter. She got out and started digging in her coin purse for change. Nothing, only pennies and a couple nickels. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone put a ticket on her windshield. She turned to protest and then saw Alex putting a pad in his pocket.

“What are you doing?” She dug deeper with her hand still in her purse.

“I don’t have any change either, and we don’t want to be late.” He grinned that awesome grin that made Liz happy.

“Is that legal?”

He put his hand on her back to get her moving. “You’re on government business, and besides, now you owe me.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

Liz shot him a sharp look. “I don’t like the thought of owing you anything.”

“Tough break. That, or get a real ticket.” He took her by the arm and led her forward.

“Are you going to call Dixon?”

He chuckled. “No, I’d write the ticket. But I like it that you owe me better.”

She rolled her eyes and smirked at him as they walked to the courthouse. As they passed by the Harris’s, Liz nodded at them and said hello. Rose nodded, but Tom was leaning over with his hands on his knees and slowly looked up. His solemn face was a reflection of Scotty’s, and just as sad. He shrugged at her, and she understood his regret.

An officer sitting next to him said hello to Alex and he returned the greeting. They found an unoccupied bench in the hallway of the courthouse by the courtroom they were assigned and sat down, waiting for their case to be called.

Alex smiled and tapped her on the knee. “You look good all dressed up.”

“Thanks, and you always look good in that uniform.” Embarrassed, she jumped up and walked toward the courtroom doors. She peeked in and saw that the previous case had finished. She looked back at Alex and motioned for him to come over and then they walked in together.

When the room was situated the bailiff called out their case and started the proceedings. The judge tapped his gavel and looked over the paperwork. Judge Thomas was an older man with gray hair, and glasses on the tip of his nose. He had always been fair when she had dealt with him in the past.

The judge reviewed the materials, including the information on placement, investigations and pictures. He finished reading and removed his glasses. “A report to CPS was filed because of the at-risk nature of the children. However, the client has the right of due process. Please state the problems perceived.”

Alex took the stand and was asked about the threat Tom Harris made. “When I entered the room Mr. Harris was on one knee within a few inches from Social Worker Liz Adams and Mr. Harris’s son, Jimmy. In his attempt to keep his son from being taken from the home he tried by force to take the boy from Ms. Adams.”

After his statement Alex stepped down and Liz took the chair. “I have given suggestions of resources available to the client for primary prevention, which is basically to get a job, counseling and detox.”

The defense attorney put his hands in his pockets and leaned forward slightly on his tiptoes. “Ms. Adams, in checking into the foster home the clients are residing, we have knowledge their license is suspended. If the judge does order them to stay in placement, they will need to be removed and placed into a more suitable facility.”

The blood rose in her cheeks. For anyone to say anything even close to an insult referring to the Bowies called for a rebuttal. “Mr. Flenner, I have very high standards involving placements, and I can vouch for this particular foster home as being the most “suitable” placement for Scotty and Jimmy.”

The defense attorney scoffed. “You speak of these clients as if they were your own children, Ms. Adams. I sincerely hope you have retained your objectivity in this matter.” A small smile appeared at the edge of one side of his mouth.

“Mr. Flenner, many of our laws are influenced by the Latin forms of government and judiciary procedures. Do you agree?”

He frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, yes but what does that have to do with—”

“So,” Liz interrupted after getting the answer she wanted. “Consider that the Latin meaning for the word parent means, until God. And I am a licensed social worker through the state of Colorado. And these clients are wards of the state. I most certainly am in fact their ‘parent’ until further action is taken involving returning them to their home or their Heavenly Father decides to take them.”

He put a finger to his lip and smirked. “Okay, Ms. Adams, so you’ve done your homework. But the fact still remains that the foster home they’re presently in is not legally licensed.”

Liz didn’t dare push any further. If what he was saying were true, the boys might have to be moved. Keeping them with the Bowies only involved paperwork, red tape that she would have to push through the system, fast.

“I’ll look into it immediately.”

The judge had been quietly listening to the debate and now gave Liz a smile. “Ms. Adams, you may step down.”

As Liz stood to leave the bench he whispered, “Giving my attorneys a run for it today, Ms. Adams?”

“I didn’t intend any disrespect toward you, your honor.”

“None taken.” Judge Thomas then turned to Tom. “Mr. Harris, my job is to resolve your self-determination to complete the court orders required of you. This will decide when your boys will return to your home.”

Mr. Harris nodded as a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead to the ruddy neck that bulged over his white collared shirt.

“You will be required to attend counseling and find employment. Your progress will be evaluated weekly. Do you understand what is expected of you, Mr. Harris?”

Tom nodded again, lowering his gaze.

“Do you have any questions?”

Tom moved forward a couple of steps causing the bailiff to hold up his hand not to come any closer. “When will my boys come home?”

The judge stared down at him through his glasses. “You will be evaluated one week from today by your caseworker. If you have found a job and have enrolled in the required classes and therapy, they will return home upon the caseworker’s assessment.”

Liz was glad to hear Tom ask about his sons. He acted sober. His hands were a little shaky, maybe from nerves, but hopefully from drying out. The Harris’s had their struggles but things were hopefully on the mend.

Rose Harris gave her a weak smile.

“I’ll be praying for you and your family,” Liz told her with a soft smile.

Rose thanked her and followed after Tom. Liz felt the uneasiness between them fade away.

Alex was waiting for Liz when she exited the courtroom. “You were on fire today,” he exclaimed with a grin.

“Yeah, well he sort of asked for it. He didn’t have to get personal.”

“Yeah, he did. I was on your side.” He winked.

“I’m going to have to run by the office and get some paperwork started for the Bowies if what he said is true.”

“Yeah, it sounds like he did his homework too.” They turned and walked past security to the tall, oak doors leading outside.

“How can you be so forgiving to a man who beats his wife and kids?” Alex questioned as they walked down a number of small cement stairs.

Liz tried not to let his words disappoint her. She felt him struggling with his faith, and saying anything self-righteous would only make it worse. “I try to see them through God’s eyes.”

He paused. “I’ve never thought of it like that before.”

Liz released the tightening in her stomach. At least he was open to her way of thinking and that encouraged her. “Do you ever feel led to pray for the people you work with?”

“I haven’t felt led to pray for quite a while.”

She turned to him with soft eyes. “I guess I have something else to pray about.”

He stared at her and remained silent until they were outside the building.

Liz absorbed his words slowly. He had said little, but it meant a lot. The main thing was that he did pray, but something had happened to make him lose faith. Now wasn’t the time, but she had some leads and would probe into them when the time was right.

“I think things will work out for them, don’t you?”

He shook his head. “You’re such a peace maker. We’ll probably be going on a disturbance call to their place next week.”

They walked over to her car. “You won’t be needing this anymore.” He took the ticket from the windshield.

“Hey, I want to keep that. I might need it again, especially for what it’s costing me.” She swiped it from his hand.

“And don’t you forget either.” He leaned against her car, and gave her a knowing grin.

“Guess we’re not going to make it over to Carl’s today.” She stuck the ticket in her purse. She wanted to be the one with the proof of anyone owing anyone anything.

“Nope. Can you make it first thing in the morning?” He tapped his fingers on the car.

“Yeah, that’ll work.” They had been spending a lot of time together, partly because they were working on the same case, but she felt there was more to it than just that. They had never spent this much time together off the job in the past, and Liz hoped it would continue.

“I promised you a rain check dinner at my place. Still interested?”

He crossed his arms over his chest, giving her an enjoyable view of biceps. “Sure, what time?”

She did a mental inventory of her food supply. “How about seven?”

“Have to go grocery shopping, huh?” he asked playfully.

“I didn’t think you’d say yes. It seems like you’re always doing something.”

“Some of the guys are getting together, but I’d rather see what you come up with for dinner,” he teased as he opened her car door.

She frowned at him, taking on the challenge. “Glad you’re enjoying this. Just come over at seven. You might be surprised.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” He gave her hand a squeeze and left.

She was hoping she would surprise herself with a great foolproof meal she could throw together by seven. But he had challenged her so she had to think of something good. Then she had a brilliant idea. She’d call her mom. What a great way to let her know she was cooking for a guy.

The minute Liz told her Alex was coming over for dinner, she started in with her suggestions. “Oh honey, you have to make my lasagna. Be sure and use mozzarella and not Monterrey Jack. I’ll read off the sauce recipe to you. Don’t skimp on the spices. Does he like spicy...”

Liz checked through the ingredients in her head, trying to avoid her mother’s rambling.

“Liz?”

Liz suddenly realized her mother had stopped talking. “Yes, I think he does.”

“If you go to the signature grocer, you can get the fresh noodles. Is he on that low-carb diet? They have low-carb noodles now.”

“Okay, I’m going to have to write all this down. Mom, read me the recipe, and I’ll figure out the rest.”

She rattled of the recipe and then said, “I can’t wait to meet him, maybe at Christmas.”

“I don’t know if he’ll be able to come for Christmas.”

“Why?” Disappointment soaked through the phone.

“It’s a little awkward. I don’t know if we’re ready.” That was an understatement.

“It would sure be nice if he could come.”

“Yeah, we’ll see. But thanks for the recipe.”

Liz wondered if she should ask him. It would make her mother happy, and if she was going to spend time with someone, at least it would be with someone she knew and had secretly always wanted to get to know better. Her stomach fluttered with the thought.

Chapter Thirteen

After three stops at two different stores, because she forgot a spice the first time around at the first store and the second one didn’t have it, she finally had everything she needed to make Mom’s lasagna. The only problem was it was six-thirty and it would take more than an hour, at least, to get everything on the table.

She walked in the side door that led into the kitchen and laid the groceries on the counter. She actually enjoyed cooking when she had the time and for special occasions such as this.

Her kitchen was convenient to cook in now that it had been remodeled. She had removed the age-old wallpaper, replacing it with textured, mushroom colored walls. A friend of a friend, who owned a remodeling store, got her a deal to reface her cabinets in a rustic lightwood with brushed silver handles. The stainless steel appliances complimented the room with the earth tones in the rest of the kitchen.

She stopped admiring the room and started using it. She dug in and got busy beginning with the sauce, losing herself in time.

As the sauce simmered, Liz decided to spend some time with the Lord.

She headed to the bedroom and sank onto her down comforter, reaching for the devotional she kept on her bedside table.

Feel that, trust Me. Am I not leading you safely, faithfully? Will you believe Me, your Master, that all this is really to bring the answer to your prayers? Remember I am God, who knows all and can control all. Directly you put your affairs, confusion, and difficulties into My hands so I begin to affect a cure of all the disharmony and disorder. I will do all as tenderly as possible. Tell Me that you trust Me in this.

The devotional had been exactly what she needed to hear. Her thoughts wandered back to Alex and everything they had been through together in the last few days. She felt vulnerable knowing her feelings were growing for him.

She pictured his face filled with concern after both incidents. She knew he had feelings for her, but what they were exactly she didn’t know. Maybe a certain obligation because they worked so closely together, or pity. Oh, what if he felt sorry for her?

Liz held a hand to her head and closed her eyes, then slapped her devotional down on the nightstand. He was on his way; now was a little to late to remember why she had quit dating.

The doorbell rang right at seven. The noodles were boiling, the sauce simmering and she had the rolls ready to put in the oven. The salad ingredients were all on the counter unopened. She figured three out of four wasn’t bad. She’d just feed him extra lasagna if he was really hungry.

Grabbing a kitchen towel on her way to the door she wiped the sweat off her face and the sauce from her hands, but not in that order.

She’d never seen Alex out of uniform before and sucked in air when she saw him. He wore a dark brown, cotton T-shirt that molded to his chest, showing every ab in the six-pack. Denim jeans showcased formed thighs, and his trim waist was banded with a leather belt that matched his black Doc Martins. Dark locks were slightly slicked back, framing his face, and what a face. She could have sworn she heard music.

Liz could only imagine what he must be thinking of her old, stretched out, faded jeans a UNL sweatshirt and barefoot. She had been so into cooking she hadn’t had time to change. But he didn’t seem to mind. His eyes sparkled as his lips slowly curved, showing off his dimple. She relished the moment until she noticed him studying her face.

He lifted his fingers to her chin, moving her head to the side. He chuckled and took the towel that she had thrown over her shoulder. He wiped some sauce from her cheek...chin...and forehead.

“Guess you misplaced a little sauce.”

He finished cleaning her face and brushed a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “Do you cook often?” He took a step inside.

Liz had been so enamored she forgot to let him in. She quickly stepped aside. “Not my mom’s lasagna. First time actually.”

He took her hand, turning her to face him. “I’m sure it’ll be great.”

Liz stood staring, lost in his eyes for a brief moment and then caught the smell of something burning.

“My sauce!”

She turned and ran into the kitchen and pulled the stainless steel saucepan off the stove without grabbing the pot holder.

“Ouch!” The saucepan went flying onto the counter, sauce splattering everywhere.

Alex rushed in and grabbed her by the arm. He turned on the faucet and held her hand under the cold water. She sighed as the cool liquid washed over her burn. Liz felt like crying but when she looked up at Alex a bubble of laughter crept out instead.

He chuckled a little too. “How’s your hand? Does it still burn?”

“It’s better.” She turned around and inspected the counter where she flung the pan full of sauce. “But my sauce isn’t looking too good.”

He wrapped her hand in a towel, opened the freezer and took out a bag of frozen peas. He placed them in her wrapped hand and leaned closer to her. She felt the firm press of his hand at her waist. Soap with a hint of musk teased her nostrils, and his warm breath fanned her face.

She had promised herself not to let things get to this point, but now cuddled next to him it felt so natural to be where they were.

With gentle fingers he traced along her cheek. The need for self-protection took over and she pulled back feeling empty. She dared herself to look into his eyes. They were still and set on hers. He nodded and looked away.

“Thanks for the peas.” Her voice was only a whisper.

He smiled as he gazed at the sack in her palm.

She walked over to inspect what was left of the sauce. He followed and stood behind her.

“Got any Ragu?”

She chuckled and drew in a ragged breath. “I worked hard on that sauce. It’s my grandmother’s recipe.”

He swiped some off the counter with his finger and put it to his mouth. “Good stuff, too bad. It would have been great with that lasagna.”

“Yeah, it would. That’s the best part of the whole dish.”

He scanned the room and spotted the vegetables waiting to be prepared. “I’ll get started on the salad and help you with the lasagna, since you’re injured.”

“Thanks, but I can finish it. I’m sort of on a family quest.”

She salvaged what was left of the sauce and they finished making dinner.

For once she wanted to talk about something other than work. “Where did you go to college?”

“I got a partial scholarship to John Jay College in Chicago. Nothing much interested me other than criminal justice. My dad told me he’d pay for room and board if I took advantage of the scholarship. I figured I’d stick to what I knew and take him up on it. He was a police officer for over twenty-five years.”

“So you followed in your father’s footsteps?”

He nodded. “So did all my brothers.”

“How many do you have?”

“I’m one of six siblings, four boys and two girls.”

Liz shot up her brows and leaned forward in interest. Funny how she never thought to ask about his family before now. “So what are their names?”

He pulled two plates from the cabinet. “Are you ready?”

She nodded.

He flipped a plate in the air each time he said a name and caught it.

“In birth order...Barbara Dena.” Toss.

“Colin Eugene.” Toss, a clink sounded as his ring hit the plate.

“Alyssa Delia.” Toss and almost dropped.

“Whoa! Damon George.” Toss.

“Christopher Dion.”

Liz clapped her hands together and laughed, enjoying the entertainment. “I’m glad I don’t have any china. So you’re the baby of the family?”

“Yes, and don’t give me the psychoanalysis of that, please. I was a surprise. My folks thought they were done having kids. That’s why they moved. I’m the only one born in Denver.”

“And what’s you’re middle name?”

He shot her a look. “If I would have wanted you to know, I would have told you.” He walked over to the table and set the plates down.

“There is no way you are getting out of this, so just get it over with.” She shoved her fists on her hips and gave him an unblinking stare.

He sighed. “Alexander Cornelius,” he mumbled under his breath, looking away.

She held her hand to her mouth, holding back a snicker. The name Cornelius would just kill a guy like Alex. “Oh, that’s nice.”

He turned his head toward her, silently daring her to continue. “No, it’s not. End of subject.”

They placed the last items on the table and stood back to inspect their culinary art.

Alex turned to her in question. “Candles?”

“Candles?”

He grinned. “Yeah, do you have any?”

She never figured him for a romantic. But she was more than happy to oblige. She placed two crystal candleholders on the table and lit them. They were her grandmother’s and she never got them out, worried they would get broken, but this was a special occasion.

They sat down and Liz automatically bowed her head.

“Do you mind sharing that prayer?”

She’d never heard hesitancy in his voice like she just had and appreciated his humble tone. She lifted her head, and gave him a soft smile, then said grace.

“I’m glad to know you like hearing prayers even if you don’t feel comfortable praying.”

He reached for the bread and offered some to Liz. “I’m making some amends.”

Liz thought for a moment, not wanting to say the wrong thing as so many words came to mind. “Maybe you just need to talk to Him and not worry about the ‘praying’ word.”

He nodded. “I can appreciate that. Makes it feel a little less formal.”

Liz smiled as the sparks of faith ignited for him and hoped they would turn into flames.

The well-earned dinner was enjoyable despite the mishaps. Making the meal together was more fun, and he seemed to enjoy helping.

The bright glow from the candlelight outlined his profile that she admired briefly before he noticed her gaze. Long, dark lashes hooded large eyes and his whiskers intensified his olive colored skin.

“Your turn,” he said taking a sip of his soda. “I know you grew up in Nebraska and went to UNL. You have a brother and sister right?”

“Yeah, I’m the baby too.”

“Really?” He scrunched up his face.

“What?”

“That makes us incompatible according to all you sociological, analytical people.”

“Do you think we’re incompatible?” she asked before realizing the depth that question could take.

He shook his head. “No, do you?”

She took a moment to respond. “I guess we’ll find out.”

He caught her eyes and captured her with them. He released their gaze and continued to quiz her as only a cop could do. “So how did you end up in Denver?”

“I grew up visiting Colorado as a kid and always loved the skiing in the winter and hiking in the mountains in the summer. After I graduated, I ended a relationship with a guy I met in college and headed west.”

“Why did you go into social work?”

“Because I wanted to help people, make a difference, same as you.”

He nodded. “All my brothers and I are cops. I’d like to say it was because we did it to help people, but even more so I think we did it because of my dad. You, on the other hand, I believe are a true social worker in every sense of the word.”

“What a nice compliment. Some cops don’t feel that way, like Dixon.”

He lifted his head abruptly and she continued.

“There are plenty of cops that feel the way he does. That our procedures just get in the way and add more time and paperwork to your workload.”

“Yeah, but those with that attitude have it with every aspect of their job. They feel the power the law gives them and abuse it.” He paused. “We’re talking about work again.”

They finished eating and did the dishes. Since she was one handed and he was letting her milk it for all it was worth, she did most of the talking while he loaded the washer.

“I talked with my mother today. I didn’t call her about tonight, I called her about the sauce, the recipe.” Lovely, Liz. Way to ramble.

He scrunched his eyebrows together as if confused but his eyes twinkled.

“She asked about Christmas and invited you, so you can come if you want to.” She took a deep breath.

He was quiet for a moment. Doubt assaulted her so she rushed on. “I only told you in case she called tonight and she started pressuring you. She doesn’t mean to but it might come off that way.

He leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. “I won’t feel pressured.”

“Good, you do whatever you want to. I know how families can be around the holidays.”

He looked her in the eyes. “What do you want?”

The question caught her off guard. The phone rang breaking the stare between them. Liz took a step away and answered.

“Yes, he’s here. The sauce...it turned out great.” She turned to him and shrugged.

Still leaning against the counter, he looked down at his boots, crossing one over the other, his black locks falling down around his forehead.

She held her hand over the receiver and gave him an apologetic lift of one eyebrow. “She wants to talk to you.”

The corners of his mouth turned upward as he reached for the phone, keeping his eyes on her. She stood next to him and finished the dishes while he and her mother made small talk. When, apparently, her mother popped the question, Liz couldn’t believe her ears.

“I’d love to come, Mrs. Adams.”

She dropped her jaw and a plate into the sink at the same time as she looked over at him. He winked at her and continued to make Christmas plans with her mother, watching her squirm.

Chapter Fourteen

Liz drove to the police station and parked close to the entrance. She scanned the parking lot and spotted Alex sitting in his car. He had a sixth-sense-cop thing that was annoying because she had never been able to take him by surprise, so she walked up behind his window and waited.

“Hey, Liz.”

She stuck her head in the window. He was busy doing his paperwork. He smiled knowingly but didn’t look up as Liz rested her chin in her hand, elbow on the window frame, waiting for his attention.

“How did you know it was me?”

“Your perfume. Chanel. You’re not going to believe what I have a hankering for.” He stopped writing, sunk his pen into his breast pocket, and flipped his notepad closed.

She was stumped for a moment, then beamed. “Donuts.”

He nodded with reluctance. “Follow me to Dunkin’?”

“You’re never going to live this down, you know.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He gave her an annoyed stare.

She pulled in a few minutes behind him and swallowed a laugh when she saw him sitting in a booth with the neon sign, Dunkin’ Donuts, hanging above him. She walked in casually but couldn’t suppress the grin.

He gave her a cautious look. “All right already, what do you want?”

“Whatever you usually get, I’m sure you’re the connoisseur. And coffee with...”

“Cream and sugar,” he finished for her.

She enjoyed observing him wolf down a jelly donut, a sight she thought she’d never see.

“You missed some.” Liz dabbed a little jelly off of the corner of his mouth. Her eyes trailed up to his, and she suddenly felt too close. She slowly sat back in her seat, wishing she hadn’t done the mouth-dabbing thing.

He leaned back into his booth spreading his arms across the back. “So, does this count as a date?”

“No, this is work,” she said confidently.

“That’s disappointing. According to your mother, I’m your boyfriend.” His vivid blue eyes danced playfully, and his defined lips parted, waiting for her response.

The kiss he gave her the night he took care of her after the Sanders episode replayed in her mind. It was a sweet kiss, one that resembled certain tenderness and nurturing. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

He sat back, his eyes wide with a hint of bewilderment. “Why?”

She sat up straight in her seat. “I’ve heard you’ve had a lot of relationships.”

His eyes faded into disappointment as his brows gathered into a confused expression. “Well, you heard wrong. Maybe when you first met me I dated around little, but it’s not like that now.”

What was she doing? She closed her eyes to regroup. “Sorry, it’s none of my business. It’s not like you need to answer to me.” She was as guilty as Michael, and the rest of those who fell prey to gossip, the ones she defended him against.

Alex sighed, looked away a moment, then back to her. “Maybe we just need to get to know each other better. Even though we’ve known each other for a while, it’s been a work relationship, and obviously a lot of rumors.” He chuckled. “No wonder you never wanted to meet me outside of work. You think I’m some sort of womanizer.”

Humbled, she tried to explain. “It’s not you. It’s me.”

He smiled. “You know, I hear a lot of good things about you.” He leaned in closer to her with his arms folded on top of the table.

“Really?”

“Professionally speaking, you’re very much admired. You’re considered somewhat of a workaholic, a Christian and soft on the eyes.” He leaned his head to the side, a grin on his handsome face.

She tilted her head and shrugged. “I have a hard time believing that the cops I know really spend that much time thinking about me.” She chuckled. “But I guess I am a version of that.”

“I thought all those descriptions were fairly accurate,” he said with certainty.

“I’ve actually heard a lot about you too.”

“Let’s have it.”

“You’re an honest cop, make good judgment calls, and I guess I could use your phrase ‘soft on the eyes,’ but I think the younger women usually refer to the word hot .”

“Interesting. This has been good for us already.” He smile with relief.

Her heart fluttered in her chest as his eyes crinkled and his dimple popped out. “Yeah, I guess it has.”

His description of his past relationships hit her hard. It wasn’t at all what had been spread around, and he seemed so sincere. Now that he’d cleared up her misconceptions of his “womanizing,” she was ready to give him the benefit of the doubt and see where the relationship would take them.

She paused, wondering if she should ask him what was on her mind. She’d already overstepped her bounds, so why stop now. “Why did you leave Chicago, Alex?”

The static from his radio resonated in her ears. He sighed and paused a moment, still looking at her before getting the radio. The dark sadness in his eyes spoke to her more than words.

Her throat tightened at their depth. She gathered everything off the table and threw it away as Alex reluctantly accepted the responsibility to go on a call. She was actually relieved they were interrupted, and he had a reason not to respond. Whatever the answer was, he wasn’t ready to share it with her.

As they walked out to their cars, she felt his hand at the small of her back. Before she could let herself enjoy the feel of his touch, she found herself in her car driving to the office.

****

Alex called on his way to Carl’s. “What’s your ETA?”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

“I’ll be there a couple of minutes after you. Wait for me before you go in.”

“Don’t worry, I will.”

As she drove up and down the side streets trying to find a place to park, she observed the action on the corner. A couple of guys were standing around doing nothing . One wore a beanie and had numerous tattoos on his arms. The other had a multicolored Mohawk and wore a dog collar. When Liz didn’t give them the attention they were trying so hard to get they started to walk toward her.

Liz had learned to drive like she meant it and avoid eye contact unless she was stopped. Once you did meet eyes with them, you didn’t look away. It was sort of like the rules of the jungle, which had to be followed to survive.

Alex drove up and she waved, hoping he would wave back, and these guys would find someone else to bother. He gave a quick flick of his siren to signal he’d caught the message. The punks played it cool and walked past her car and around the corner of the building.

Alex parked right in front of the store and was leaning against his car when Liz walked up.

As they walked through an aisle that lead to the cash register, Liz glanced at the magazines. There was not a single one her mother could set eyes on. She stopped at one and gaped. Alex chuckled and encouraged her to keep walking.

She’d let Alex do the talking since this was more law enforcement. That meant that he would do the enforcing, and Liz could leave if things got hairy.

Carrie was behind the checkout counter talking to a guy a little older than she was. She looked their way but didn’t acknowledge them. She appeared small behind the counter. Carrie was a pretty girl, but her body posture and her lack of expression took away from her good looks, making her appear older than her eighteen years.

As they approached the counter, the guy saw Alex and left in a rush.

“What’s he in a hurry about?” Alex saw the guy slip through the back.

“Guess he doesn’t like cops,” Carrie said holding his stare.

“Carrie, I talked with the placement where your brothers are staying. They are doing really well. Thought you might want to know.” She moved her gaze from Alex to Liz.

“Good. Thanks.” Carrie’s bored tone told them she didn’t want them there.

Alex held up the sketch of Pirelli. She tried not to show it, but Carrie’s eyes widened when she saw the picture.

“Your boyfriend sells drugs to little kids. There’s nothing I hate more than jerks like your boyfriend, and if I ever see him around that school again, he’ll have to deal with me.”

He was being awfully intense. If he had a game plan, Liz wished he had let her in on it. Carrie looked like she was going to cry or hit him. Liz wouldn’t want Carrie to hit her. She was small but seemed pretty tough in an angry sort of way.

Alex didn’t even blink. “The narcotics cops at Scotty’s school have a positive ID on him.” He stepped back, rigid and unyielding, and crossed his arms over his chest.

“By the way, you’re not old enough to work in a store that sells liquor. I’d hate for you to lose your job.”

He had her where he wanted her, and she knew it. She whipped her head up, and if looks could kill, Alex was a dead man.

That’s your cue to step in, Liz thought. “Does any of this have to do with what made your dad so angry?”

Carrie waited a couple of beats but finally peeled her glare off Alex and over to Liz. “Yeah.”

“And Scotty ended up paying the price for it,” Liz stated, as Carrie ‘s gaze shot daggers at her and then turned away.

“Is Sanders just buying, or is he in on this drug ring too?” Alex asked still looking at Carrie.

“Drug ring?” She narrowed her eyes.

“That’s what you’re involved in, Carrie. Where does Sanders fit in?”

“Just a customer,” she mumbled with a sigh.

He waved his arm gesturing around the store. “And this is where it all happens.”

Carrie gave him a look. “I can’t be telling anything. I shouldn’t even be standing here talking to you.”

“Well, if you can’t get yourself out, at least get your brother out.” Alex turned and walked to the door. “And tell Pirelli I’m looking for him.”

Liz gave Carrie a curt wave and followed after him.

“Playing the bad cop today are we?” she quipped when they were out the door.

“Hey it worked.” He had quickness in his step with sort of a swagger.

Liz shook her head and pulled out her notes. “I don’t like Scotty’s involvement. I’m glad I placed him.”

“I don’t like that Tom Harris tried to beat Scotty out of being in the middle of all this. If anyone’s to blame, it’s his big sister, hanging with trouble like Pirelli.”

She stopped and became annoyed. “You need to get Pirelli. He’s bad news if he’s still going to that school.”

He lifted his head up and faced her. “Yes, but I’m going without you.”

She leaned back and decided silence was the best option, glad to turn Pirelli over to Alex. She had resolved to lie low and avoid the offenders from here on out.

Alex opened the door and took out his laptop and set it on the hood of the car. “I might get me a drug dealer out of this whole mess. That would make my day.”

“You’re such a cop.” She scrutinized his face and body posture evolving into Eastwood. “You think you’re Clint now?”

Alex sneered. “No, Clint is like me.”

Liz laughed as he squinted one eye shut and pulled his mouth up like a half-smirk imitating Clint Eastwood.

He adjusted himself to look at her straight on. “Just think, next week we’ll be looking through our stockings at your parents’ place.”

Surprised at his change of conversation, she shook her head and met his gaze. “I can’t believe you’re doing this. You don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Are you really?”

“Your mom and I had a nice talk. Got things all planned out, even talked with your dad.”

Liz gasped and looked away for a moment. “What a nice guy you are.”

He leaned against the car. “If I’m not, your mother will make your life miserable.”

“You’re right. What’s in it for you?” Liz’s usual skepticism reared its ugly head.

“I’ll get to be with you.”

She smiled and began to twirl her hair. His enthusiasm surprised her.

He hitched a thumb on her twirling finger, giving her a mischievous smile. “Christmas with the Adams family.”

Their fingers remained interlocked, and Liz laughed at his depiction of her family.

“So what are you doing this weekend?” he asked, his thumb brushing over hers.

“I’m going over to Margie’s for dinner,” she said with reluctance and pulled her hand away to write some notes.

He chuckled. “That should be entertaining. Her household sounds like a war zone. Believe me, I know what it’s like to be in a house with four boys.”

She smiled at the thought of him wrestling and fighting with his brothers, tormenting his mother as a kid. Then the guilt set in. She couldn’t bring herself to tell him it was a date. Then again, she didn’t need to because it was an arranged get-together, not a real date. And she didn’t want to go, so that helped ease her conscience too.

“Do you want to come over tomorrow and watch the game?” The invite popped out of nowhere, but Liz wasn’t going to back down.

His face lightened as he replied with a nod, “I was hoping you’d ask.”

Chapter Fifteen

The light from Michael’s office flooded the dim hall. Liz paused at the doorway, and he motioned her in while finishing a phone conversation. She sank into the chair, thankful for its embrace after a particularly difficult day. She concentrated on the lineup of photos on his desk that she’d seen a hundred times before.

He had a picture of his family and some of the trips he had taken. He loved to travel and had been to some great places. The photos chronicled interesting sites from all over the world, and his photography skills were impressive.

Liz noticed a new one of a smart-looking woman with a sweet face. She wondered if this was who he’d been seeing recently, which wasn’t a common occurrence for Michael. He didn’t take the time to date. She’d have to try to pump him for information. He got off the phone and noticed her looking at the picture.

“Is this Shelley?” She asked, nodding toward the photo.

He was silent for a moment and answered slowly. “Yes. How was court?”

She got the hint. “It went well. The family will hopefully do what needs to be done.”

He nodded. “Always the optimist with your clients. I’ve always liked that about you. I’m going to the café to have a cup of coffee. Care to join me?”

They had never done anything outside of the office, except for the occasional Christmas party, baby or wedding shower hosted in the office. She didn’t want to have a personal conversation but if it was all work what could a harmless cup of coffee do?

“Let me get some paperwork together, and I’ll meet you downstairs in five.”

He smiled and stood quickly. “I’ll get us a seat.”

Michael was always politically correct, did his taxes in January and never talked about anything other than work. So what could he possibly want to talk to her about? The promotion or the change of assigning caseloads?

She finished a few forms and put all the paperwork together for Norma. She dropped the file on her desk and went down to the coffee shop on the first floor.

The shop was quaint with Italian décor. Small café tables were scattered throughout the place. The tinkling of silverware filled the room, along with the low hum of voices.

It was busy this time of day, and she had trouble finding Michael at first. Then she spotted him. He sat forward gazing out a huge pane glass window with a forlorn look on his face.

He already had his coffee so she ordered a latte at the cash register. The dull misting noise of the espresso machine put her in a cheerful state. The cashier handed her a cup and she sipped her coffee feeling the comfort of the warm liquid. Liz walked over and sat down across from him at the little wooden table for two. Michael slowly turned his head to look at her.

“Are you okay?” As she set her purse and briefcase on the floor, she discovered her cell phone wasn’t clipped on her purse. She hoped it wasn’t lost, and tried to think back to the last time she’d used it.

He shook his head.

Maybe if he weren’t her boss it wouldn’t be so weird, but it was. Trying to change the subject, she made small talk for a while. She even got him laughing a little at some of her stupid jokes.

“Do you remember the year you catered the Christmas party?” He held his side and laughed. “The food was great except for the fact it gave us all food poisoning.” He laughed again.

Liz laughed too but didn’t think it was quite as funny as he did. “Yeah, I got plenty of flack for that and had to make a solemn oath not to ever be in charge of any party at the office ever again.”

Once he settled down she asked, “Are you going to tell me what’s bugging you?”

He let out a long breath. “Shelly and I broke up.”

“I’m sorry, Michael. What happened?”

“She got back together with an old boyfriend. She said I worked too much and didn’t spend enough time with her. But it’s all right. Maybe it’s for the best.”

“I’m sorry, but if she didn’t understand how important your job is to you, it would have been a constant problem.” Spoken like a true workaholic.

“Oh, there was already. No use dwelling on it. I guess I don’t have the time for a serious relationship, and I don’t know how to have a superficial one, so I guess I’m permanently single.”

That sounds lonely . She set her cup down. How well that described her.

“It may seem that way right now, but I don’t think either of us wants to end up alone forever.” She heard her advice as if hearing it from a stranger.

Michael cocked his head. “That’s interesting coming from you.”

“It is, isn’t it?” She tapped her fingers on the table, wondering why she was giving this sort of counsel.

“Anyway, that’s not why I asked you to meet me here. There’s something I need to say to you.”

“Okay...” she said hesitantly. He was too serious. A little teasing was in order to lighten the mood. “Am I getting fired?”

That caught him off guard. “Of course not. This isn’t about work.”

“So we’re not talking about the promotion either then?”

“No,” he mumbled as he sat back in his chair. “I’m trying to apologize. I’ve been playing the big brother role with you and Demas. I think he’s trouble, but it’s none of my business.”

She appreciated the apology, but his cautioning words only made her want to be with Alex even more, to prove to everyone he wasn’t who they thought he was. She ran out of patience just as Alex popped in out of nowhere and handed Liz her phone.

“Hey, you two, hope I’m not interrupting anything. Liz, I found your cell phone in my car. I thought I’d try and catch you before you left work.”

He pulled up an empty chair from the table next to them and sat down, oblivious. Michael leaned back in his chair, deflated. Liz on the other hand was never so happy to see Alex. Maybe if Michael spent a little time with him he would see past the rumors. Without even thinking about what she was about to do, she put her hand on Alex’s cheek pulling him toward her and kissing him on the other cheek.

“Thanks for bringing me my phone. I was wondering where I’d left it.” She stood up and grabbed her purse and briefcase. She looked at her watch. “I’m late, gotta go.”

Both men stared at her in shock as she smiled at one, then the other and left.

****

“Brenda, you have to come over here tonight.” Liz paced her kitchen trying to decide what she wanted to eat, or more so, if she wanted to cook.

“Okay. What now?”

“I’ll tell you when you get here.”

“I liked it when your life was like mine, boring.”

“Me too, Brenda.”

Liz charged her cell phone and checked messages. As expected, there was one from Alex.

“You can run, but you can’t hide. We need to talk. Oh, and tell Brenda hello.” Alex knew her too well if he knew she was seeking Brenda’s counsel, and that Liz would avoid him.

By the time Brenda got there, she had started a fire, ordered a pizza and slipped into her pajamas. This was definitely a girl’s night, and she was looking forward to it. They sat in front of the fire munching pizza, as Brenda filled Liz in on her new boyfriend. When Liz finished, Brenda started laughing.

“What’s so funny?”

“This is hilarious. You, the girl who hasn’t had a guy in over a year, and now look at you. A blind date and Alex, the guy you’ve always been sweet on.”

Liz sighed and set down her pizza. “I’m nervous about this, Brenda. I mean, what do Alex and I have in common?”

Brenda poured herself more soda and pulled a blanket around her legs. “Have you ever asked him? And how do you know you don’t have anything in common? All you two talk about is work.”

“We haven’t been lately.”

“That’s because you’re seeing him off duty.”

“He’s great to work with, and we have the same philosophy about work-related issues. But I don’t know what a relationship would be like beyond that.”

“You just can’t let yourself believe in anyone,” she said matter-of-factly.

Brenda had a point, but Liz didn’t know how to forget the past and be ready for a relationship again. She sighed. Lord, If I’m supposed to get involved with someone, You’re going to have to drop him in my lap. But first she would have to peel her hands off her knees.

Brenda tilted her head in thought. “And the blind date is yet to be seen, literally. What do you know about this guy?”

“Margie thinks the world of him. I’ve seen a picture. He’s good-looking, involved in his church, finishing his doctorate, sounds perfect.”

“So, Alex might have some competition after all.” Brenda wiggled her eyebrows.

“Oh, you’re impossible.” Liz grabbed the TV Guide and scanned the movie section. “ In the Heat of the Night is on tonight with Sidney Poitier.”

Brenda’s eyes lit up. “I love that one.”

****

It was almost game time, and Liz had just gotten out of bed. The African Queen had come on after Sidney, so they watched a double feature. Then Pillow Talk started and they couldn’t pass that up. Brenda had been too tired to drive home so she’d slept in the guest room.

Liz opened the door to see Brenda lying on her back in a deep sleep. “Good morning. Did you dream of Sidney, Bogart, or Hudson?”

Brenda’s eyes squinted open and she sat up. “None of the above. Blake.”

“You’re very loyal to the guy you’ve dated for only a month.” Liz opened the blinds and sat down in the rocking chair, covering herself with a crocheted blanket. The room held a brass double bed, nightstand and dresser. A floral-print area rug covered the middle of the wood floor.

Brenda lay back down in the bed with a thud. The pillows and comforter puffed up and back down as the air went through them.

“You need some caffeine. I’m going to the kitchen to make coffee.”

Liz had just started the coffee brewing when the doorbell rang. She pushed up the sleeves of her Bugs Bunny sweatshirt, ran her fingers through her hair and walked to the door.

****

Alex saw her gasp and smiled at her through the side window. She slowly opened the door.

“Did I wake you?”

She pushed her hair back and let him in. “No. If you had come five minutes earlier you would have.”

He chuckled as he stepped inside. To his surprise, Brenda came shuffling out yawning. Sleep lines still formed on her rosy cheeks. She pushed some big blond strands of hair out of her face and gave Alex a lazy smile. He and Brenda had always gotten along well. She was a good friend to Liz, and Alex could tell Brenda liked Liz spending time with him.

“Good morning, Alex.”

“Morning. Well almost afternoon. Haven’t seen you in a while. How have you been?”

“Good. Still slapping those babies’ bottoms.”

He smiled. “Sounds like a good job to me.”

Brenda nodded. “Want some coffee?”

He stuffed his hands in his pockets and smiled. “I’d love some.”

He followed Liz into the kitchen. “Nice PJs.”

“Thanks. I love flannel.” She tugged at her pants. “Sorry I’m slow getting around. I didn’t realize how late I slept.”

“Did you two go out on the town last night?”

Brenda hopped up on the counter, swinging her legs. “No. We watched TCM for six hours straight.”

“Chick flicks?” he asked with a sarcastic tone.

“Humphrey, Hudson and Poitier,” Liz answered.

He glanced up in astonishment. “You didn’t see In the Heat of the Night did you?”

“As a matter of fact we did,” Brenda confirmed, giving Liz a direct stare.

“That’s a great movie.” Alex sat down, put his hands behind his head and leaned back in his chair.

Brenda walked over to Liz and whispered smugly, “Nothing in common, huh?”

Liz sighed, and then poured a smidge of cream and one teaspoon of sugar into his coffee.

Brenda laughed. “Just how he likes it, huh?”

Alex grinned. He was enjoying Brenda’s observations. “Do you think I can’t hear you?”

Brenda and Liz sat down at the table with him, ignoring his comment.

“You know what we need?” Brenda asked. “Donuts.” She turned to him. “You’re a cop, you like donuts, right?”

Alex shook his head in disgust.

“Jelly-filled. That’s his favorite,” Liz stated, not taking her eyes off his.

Brenda smiled calculatingly. “I’m on my way. What kind do you want, Liz? Oh, that’s right, you like jelly-filled too.” Brenda beamed and walked out of the room.

Alex gave Liz a serious stare then leaned forward. “So, what was that all about last night in the coffee shop?”

She sighed and put her face in her hands. “I don’t really know.”

He knew she did it out of impulse, but the kiss was nice. Even if it was only for a split second, which technically could mean that it was a thank-you kiss among friends, but he hoped not. Alex made a point not to move a facial muscle, to appear as though his features were etched in stone, and waited.

She glimpsed at him and continued. “Michael was trying to tell me something.”

He remained still, no movement, not even a blink. Only his lips moved when he asked. “Can you expand on that?”

Liz sighed again and pulled her head up. “Didn’t you two talk after I left?”

He and Michael were so shocked they hadn’t, but maybe they should have had a heart to heart, or a Liz bashing, one of the two. “No, we didn’t quite know what to say to one another.”

She grimaced and continued. “Oh. Well, I was consoling him after a break-up with his girlfriend.”

Alex stared at her, not knowing what to do with these growing feelings he had. “How nice of you. So why the kiss?”

She sighed a third time. He could tell she was getting frustrated.

“I had the feeling I was going to get some unwanted advice.”

“And you made sure it didn’t happen by kissing me and leaving?”

“Yes.”

“What if I hadn’t shown up when I did?”

Liz shrugged. “I would have thought of something else, improvised.”

He shook his head, looking down at the table. “You’re so good with your client relationships, but not so good with guy relationships.” That was harsh but needed to be said. One minute he thought she felt something for him and the next he wasn’t so sure.

“Maybe that’s because clients are easier to deal with,” she said a bit sarcastically.

“Well, I guess I won’t pour out my heart then,” he retorted.

She gave him a blank stare.

“What?” Why did he bother putting his heart out there to a woman who couldn’t, or wouldn’t receive it?

“At Bible study, the speaker talked about what you just said, so did Brenda. Hearing it three times in one week must mean something.”

He sat up in his seat. “That’s a coincidence.” Maybe you’ll listen after the fourth time.

Liz rolled the coffee cup between her hands. “Or a God sequence.”

****

After the game was over Brenda left and Alex helped Liz clean the kitchen and the aftermath of munchies they’d eaten during the game.

Alex was increasingly curious about Liz’s plans for the night. “So, Margie’s tonight?” he asked as he put a plate in the dishwasher.

She stiffened and looked away. “Yeah, I guess so. What are you doing tonight?”

“Got a date.” He kept his eyes on the plate he was rinsing off, although he really wanted to see her reaction.

“Oh,” she said flatly.

Silence filled the room. He could tell she really wanted to know more, but he let her stew for a few minutes. They finished in silence then walked to the door.

“Who are you going out with? Do I know her?”

He had to string it out a little longer, just for effect. “No, but hopefully you will soon.”

She gave him a puzzled look.

He chuckled, knowing he’d stumped her. “My mother.”

****

Liz looked at the clock. She had three hours before she had to be at Margie’s, plenty of time to run some errands and get back to get ready. She finished in the kitchen and put on her long wool coat. It was a dreary day. The clouds were dark and ominous overhead. The sky looked as if it would burst with snow any second.

She stopped at the strip mall to make a one-stop shopping trip. As she walked up to the store she saw someone duck around the corner of the building. Liz kept looking out of the corner of her eye and could have sworn she saw someone standing right next to the building without moving. But the skies were gloomy, and the figure was dressed in dark clothing, making it hard to tell.

She quickened her step and made it to the door. Liz swiftly stepped inside, appreciating the bright lights and people roaming about. She took a deep breath and took out her list. After she found the essentials, she rewarded herself by taking a walk down the Christmas aisle.

Liz ended up spending more time than expected looking at all the beautiful decorations, and rationalizing as to what new figures she needed for her Christmas village.

After all that time, she ended up putting only two boxes in her cart, then looked at her watch and hurried to check out.

Stepping out of the store, Liz glanced over to where the figure had been. No sign of anyone. She sighed and walked quickly through the parking lot. She felt sure her imagination was just running away with her and settled into her car.

Just as she started the engine, the figure flashed before her. He ran in front of her car to the driver’s side. The dark clothing and hood covered him completely. She had no way of knowing who it might be.

Her heart pounded double time in her chest. She was on full alert now as she steadied both hands on the wheel. Liz wasted no time backing up, without looking behind her. She heard the slightest nick of metal to metal and slammed on her brakes, the seatbelt tightening across her chest.

The smell of rubber permeated the air as she grasped what had happened. She turned around and saw a silver sedan sitting behind her. An older man got out and walked to the side of his car to inspect the damage.

Liz made a full scope around her to see if the dark figure was in view. There was no sight of him, but she still hesitated and decided to call Alex, and then Margie. She had a good reason to cancel that date.

Chapter Sixteen

As soon as Alex got to the door, it opened, and his father grabbed his son and gave him a hug. “We just sat down to eat.”

They walked down the short hallway to the kitchen discussing the weather. Mouth-watering smells of roasted lamb drifted through the air as they entered. His mother held out her arms to embrace her youngest son and held on tight.

“Ma, you gotta let me breathe.” Alex chuckled as he gave her one last squeeze, and they all sat down together.

“It’s so good to see you. Now eat.” She piled on huge slices of lamb onto his pita and added lettuce, tomato and feta cheese.

He was glad none of his other siblings were there, which was a rarity in his family. Alex had so much on his mind. He just wanted to be home for an evening. He always had a good time meeting the guys to catch a game after a shift, but tonight he felt the need to be home.

They ate and caught up on family events and happenings. His mother finished eating and pushed her plate forward on the table. She sat with her hands in her lap and stared at Alex.

His father looked from Alex to her and got the nod from his wife to say something. “What’s on your mind, son?”

Alex was just putting the last bite of food in his mouth and stopped short. He looked at his dad and then his mom. They were on to him.

“Nothing, just felt like Ma’s gyros.” He smiled and pushed his chair back from the table, crossed his leg over his knee and tried to look nonchalant.

“No.” She scowled at her husband and then looked at Alex. “Who’s on your mind?”

Both men looked at her in surprise.

“Are you seeing someone?” His father leaned an elbow on the table and stuck a toothpick in his mouth.

How his mother knew these things always dumbfounded him. He smiled at her with sharp eyes, not knowing if he liked it or not. “It’s nothing serious.”

“Serious enough that you’re here,” his father stated.

His mother smiled and nodded.

Alex let out a breath. It wasn’t like he never came over unexpected. “I thought you’d want to know I won’t be here for Christmas dinner.”

His mother raised her eyebrows and looked at her husband. “Where will you be?”

Alex hesitated. He didn’t want to make this a bigger deal than it really was. As much as he knew where he wanted the relationship with Liz to go, he didn’t know if she would ever be as sure. “Do you remember me talking about a social worker named Liz?”

She nodded and he answered. “Why, yes, a number of times.”

Alex’s brows shot up. “Really? I didn’t know if I had mentioned her.” He paused and looked at his dad. “A number of times?”

His dad grinned as he nodded. “So, you’ll be spending Christmas with Liz?”

Alex was still stunned by the realization he had talked about her so much. “As long as the weather holds out. Her parents live a few hours north.”

He didn’t want to get into too much detail. And if the weather didn’t cooperate, he hoped they would come over to his parents. That might stress Liz out a little, but considering he had agreed, maybe she would too.

“So you like this girl?” His mother patted his knee and smiled warmly.

“Of course he likes her.” His dad laughed. “See the lovesick look he’s got on his face.”

His mother brought her hands to her cheeks and made an O with her mouth. “She must be a special girl. When can we meet her?”

Alex shook his head and snorted. “I don’t know, Ma. Maybe Sunday night dinner, but no promises.”

His parents seemed satisfied with that and asked only a few more questions about her before his cell phone rang. He jumped up at the sound of Liz’s shaken voice and walked into the family room.

“I’m okay, just a little fender bender.”

His mind flashed from one scenario to another with what could have happened. “Where are you?”

“I’m in my car in the parking lot of the strip mall by my house.”

“I’ll be there as quickly as I can. I’m not close so it’ll take me awhile to get there.”

“Oh, that’s right. You’re at your parent’s house. I’m sorry, Alex. I’m fine. The man in the other car didn’t even want my insurance information, so there must not be any significant damage.”

“Damage? No, don’t tell me, I’ll call you when I get on the road.”

Chapter Seventeen

The next morning, Liz opened the blinds of her bedroom window to see to a blanket of snow covering the ground. Everything was pure white. Crystals hung from the trees, and everything was still. It had snowed all night, leaving two feet of snow.

She was late for the first church service so had to hurry and get ready. She grabbed her Bible and purse then headed out to the garage. As Liz drove down the snow-covered streets, she thought back to her conversation with Alex. By the time he drove into town, she had driven home and was ready for bed. She only told him about the accident, but he seemed to know there was more in the way he continued to question her. She hoped to deter him by waiting until the next day to talk about it any further. They were both tired, so she’d promised him they would get together again to finish their conversation.

Pulling into the church parking lot, she spotted Brenda’s car and parked close by, then started up the walk. She admired the crystal white snow heaped on the rooftop surrounding the white steeple.

Brenda was in the foyer waiting. They walked in just as the music started and looked around for a few empty seats, then quickly sat down.

The music had just ended when Liz felt someone sit down next to her. There was not much space so she had to scoot a little to make room. When she looked up to greet them she inhaled sharply, and couldn’t contain her surprise.

“Hey.” Alex leaned forward staring at her with those eyes, deep blue like the ocean on a dark day.

She held his stare for a moment. His eyes twinkled, and his dimple was big and beautiful.

It felt right sitting next to him, listening to the sermon. Pastor Tim talked about becoming what you already are in Christ. Alex gave his full attention to Tim’s words and glanced over at Liz’s Bible when he made reference to Scripture.

After church, Brenda chatted with them for a while then left them to be alone. Alex walked Liz to her car. “Do you want to get some coffee?”

“You read my mind.”

Liz put her car on auto pilot and ended up at the Java Hut. They stood in a grueling line of patrons with exceptionally complicated combinations of coffee orders. Finally, with their precious cups of coffee, they scanned the place for a seat. Liz spotted one and quickly walked to a recently vacated table. Mellow jazz music played as they sipped on their coffee. They chatted a few minutes then longer as nearly everyone left. They moved to a couch in the corner and made themselves comfortable.

“I’m so glad you came. How did you find me?”

He chuckled. “You must not realize how much you talk about the sermons. And I am a cop, you know.”

“Sorry, I guess that didn’t come out right. I meant that I’m glad you’re here.” Liz couldn’t help beaming as she said it.

She moved forward and studied him for a moment, then asked. “What did you think of the sermon?”

He looked up in thought. “What I got out of it was true Christian living begins with a changed mind.”

She followed his lead, and blurted out with excitement. “That reminds me of that Bible verse, something like, don’t conform to the pattern of the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

“Exactly, I remember that one. I hadn’t put it together with this, but it fits. He’s a good speaker. Maybe I’ll come again some time.”

Liz smiled her hope that he would return and that this might be a new beginning for him with his faith. “I applied the sermon to my need to let God be in control and rest in that.”

He nodded, relating to her words.

She sat back, watching her hand slip away from his, amazed after all this time that she was finally having this conversation with him. “I’m glad you liked my little church and the long sermon. It was a lot to live up to with all my talk.”

“This is something I’ve needed to do for a long time now. I’m glad you were with me.”

Their eyes met, and she found herself speechless. His eyes held softness in them she hadn’t noticed before, something vulnerable. Her feelings for him were becoming harder to hold back.

He leaned close enough to take her hand in his. He was searching for God just like she was. It humbled her to see his desire to learn more.

He sat back and crossed a leg over his knee. “So tell me what really happened last night.”

Many answers rattled around in her brain, but the deeper he looked into her eyes the fewer options became feasible. She looked down at her hands, deciding it was time to tell him. There would be no proof or reason, as far as she could figure, as to what was going on, but he wanted to hear it, so she told him everything—the call, the note and the stranger at the store.

After she finished, he looked away in thought.

“Liz, I could ask you all sorts of questions. Like why didn’t you tell me sooner, for one. But the reality is what’s going on right now, so that’s what we’re going to focus on.”

“Okay,” she said with a sheepish nod. “I’m sorry, Alex. You’ve gone out of your way so much already. I just couldn’t bring myself to worry you with things that I figured were harmless.” She sighed. “Besides, none of it makes any sense. The phone call could have very easily been a prank, and the guy at the mall could have been some teenager causing trouble.”

Alex leaned forward now, his eyes intense. “Right, but let’s say it’s not just a prank. Do you honestly think either of these people meant to cause you any harm?”

“No.” She shook her head to emphasize.

“Okay, then why would these two instances have happened within days of each other?”

She shrugged. “Just a fluke?”

He smiled wryly but kept his interrogation face intact by remaining expressionless. “Let’s not use that word anymore, okay?” He put his fist to his mouth. “Can you think of anyone who might hold a grudge against you, even for an irrational reason?”

“That could be any number of parents whose child I had to remove from them.”

“Let’s think more recently. Can you give me a description of him?”

“Tall and skinny but the hood concealed his face. I know you’re trying to get me to say Pirelli.”

Alex shrugged. “He would be the most recent. Harris threatened you with assault. And Pirelli because we’ve exposed him, and he’s missing his cash.”

Liz lifted her head. “Something I’m hiding that he’s seeking?”

Alex shrugged. “Could be, but he doesn’t know that we’ve found it. He might be talking about Scotty.”

A chill ran down her spine, and her body felt numb. The mention of Scotty made her suddenly feel helpless.

“But this is the way I want you to start thinking. Don’t assume it’s nothing. Assume it’s something until this stops.”

“I’m not a cop, Alex. I just want to put the pieces together so I can help my clients.”

Alex continued, keeping his tone even and steady. “But this time our jobs are intertwined, and we need to work together.”

She nodded. “But I think this cat and mouse stuff is a waste of time.”

“Unless he goes too far, but I think you’re probably right. If it is Pirelli, he’s just trying to scare you to reach Scotty.”

“What is that going to get him?”

“In his illogical mind, the money. I’m sure he has somebody riding him about it, maybe even threatening his life, causing him to take extreme and unreasonable measures out of desperation.” He shook his head and folded his arms across his chest. “Maybe he’s following you to see if you make a visit to Scotty. I’m just speculating, like you should be. You never know how a criminal’s mind works.”

“I hadn’t put it together like that. I’ll start taking it more seriously, for Scotty’s sake.” Liz let out a breath. Alex leaned back again and relaxed.

She actually felt better now that she’d gotten all that off her mind. Liz somehow felt safer just knowing he knew, even if it meant he would be her shadow because of it. “Want to come over for some lunch that you make me?”

“Why am I making lunch?” he asked and gave her a playful look.

“Because it always tastes better when someone else makes it.” She tilted her head to try and look persuasive.

“Right, so it would taste better for me if you made it.”

They continued their debate once they met at the grocery store to buy a rotisserie chicken and called a truce to anyone making anything. Then they met back at her place.

Alex made a fire, and Liz changed into some comfy jeans and a sweatshirt.

“How about a picnic?” Liz picked up the chicken and potatoes.

“It’s a little cold isn’t it?” Alex followed her with the drinks and plates.

“Not in front of the fire.” The smell of the gravy and cornbread filled the air and made her stomach rumble. They stuffed themselves then lay back on the blanket they had put down on the floor in front of the fire.

“I ate too much,” she said as she put a hand on her stomach.

“That makes two of us.” He rolled over on his side and pushed himself up on an elbow.

“Do you spend all of the holidays with your parents?”

He shifted his weight and leaned closer to her. “We all live within an hour or so of my parents’ house, so we get together every weekend.”

“That would be tonight.”

“Yep, Sunday dinner, and everyone will be there. It would be a great chance for you to meet everyone. Do you want to come with me?”

“Everyone as in how many?” A sense of panic washed over her as she thought about his last word everyone . Her full stomach turned into an upset stomach thinking of meeting his family. She looked into his twinkling blue eyes and saw how much he wanted her to go. How could she say no? His parents were only a drive across town, and hers were a half day’s drive.

He looked down for a moment in thought. “My five brothers and sisters, and all the nieces and nephews. My aunt and uncle might be there too.”

She slowly reached up and found a wisp of hair and started to twirl. “Okay, but you have to prepare me.” She rolled over on her full stomach, noticing his eyes light up.

He lifted a brow. “How can I do that?”

“Tell me about what everybody’s like so I know what to expect and talk about with them. Kids’ names, all that.”

His stroked her arm, sending tingles down her spine. “Are you nervous?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” she scoffed, trying to keep her mind off the caress. “I’m going over to a house full of a dozen adults and their children who are all related to you.” She screwed her lips to the side and nodded vigorously. “Yes.”

He laughed and went through a list of each of his siblings and their children. He was the only one not married, and all but one brother had children.

“Does your family give you a hard time about not being married?” It was always good to hear when somebody else was pestered about the same thing.

“All the time. My brothers figure I won’t get married. My sisters are still working on me.”

“Why don’t your brothers think you’ll get married?”

“They say I’m too particular and not looking for a serious relationship.”

That got her attention, because she’d thought the same thing when she first met him. “That’s interesting. What do you think about that assessment?”

“I think they’re right about the not getting serious part. But I haven’t met anyone I wanted to get serious with, not for a while anyway.”

She sensed some history in that statement and waited, but when he didn’t continue, she asked, “So you’re too particular?”

“I don’t see anything wrong with that. Benjamin Franklin said, ‘Keep your eyes wide open before marriage and half shut after.’ That makes perfect sense to me.” He paused and reached for her, interlacing his fingers with hers. “What’s your story?”

This conversation had been very enlightening. But she didn’t like the shift to her. Liz didn’t know the answers herself, let alone how to explain it to someone else.

“It’s complicated.” She moved her hand away.

He crossed his arms over his chest and waited.

“I haven’t met the right guy I guess.”

“That’s not complicated.”

“No, I guess I am.”

“That’s a fact.” He lifted his hand to stroke his fingers across her cheek.

She couldn’t handle any more stimulation. Her nerves started acting up the minute he asked her to go with him. His touch caused another kind of sensation. She rolled over onto her back and started thinking about what she should wear which only added more stress. She grabbed a piece of hair and twirled.

“Are you okay?” He moved up into a chair, leaning over her.

“No. A bath would be good and some chocolate.”

He hitched a thumb onto her twirling finger and chuckled. “Whatever it takes to get you there. I’ll be back to pick you up after you get ready.”

Then he stood and called his parents.

Chapter Eighteen

When the doorbell rang, she had just finished her hair. The hot curlers had out performed themselves. The usually long straight strands that hung down her back now sat on her shoulders in perfect twists and curls of brown, touched with gold.

She had spent far too much time trying to figure out what to wear for an informal get-together with Alex’s family. She’d finally settled on some dark jeans and a fitted blouse with brown boots.

As she opened the door to let Alex in, she looked him up and down to see if she had dressed appropriately. A black long-sleeved shirt covered his broad shoulders and looked good with his dark Levis and black boots. She took him in bit by bit and then enjoyed the whole package.

He grabbed her coat, and they walked out onto the porch. He stopped, holding her by the waist and tucked a russet strand behind her ear. “Did you get your hair cut?” He leaned back to get a better look.

“No. I just went a little too far with the hot curlers.”

“You look cute,” he said as he continued to look her over.

She smiled, happy that he noticed, and took his arm to keep from slipping on the partially iced over sidewalk.

The drive was relaxing, and Liz enjoyed every minute. Although she was nervous to meet his family, it was good to be with Alex. But he was silent and hadn’t taken his eyes off the road.

“It will be interesting meeting your parents. Being a social worker, you know I’ll be analyzing them all night. And I’ll have you all figured out before the night’s over.” She chuckled. He didn’t.

His expression was serious as he spoke. He kept his eyes straight ahead of him watching the road. “I have only taken one other woman to meet my family. This isn’t a small thing for me. Not to mention my family. They were in complete shock when I told them you were coming tonight.”

Liz looked at him in surprise, feeling the tension in his voice. “I think you’re more nervous than I am.”

“Isn’t meeting someone’s parents somewhat important, as in a turning point in the relationship?”

The last serious relationship Liz had was full of tension. He was so controlling, and she spent more and more time at work to avoid him. This was a common pattern for her with her love life, and it had driven her to swear off anything serious.

She didn’t answer but turned toward the window, watching the cars clip down the street beside them. She wanted to tell him how much she loved being with him, even more than she always thought she would. The trip back home wasn’t what was important. What mattered was if she could have a relationship with him. But did she dare play with the thought that they could ever have more than just this? To have a relationship that would last? No, she was setting herself up for a big hurt if she let herself think that way.

“I don’t have everything figured out like you do.”

He let out a breath and stopped for a red light. “I guess we still have some things we need to figure out together.”

Their eyes met and held briefly. He moved closer, their lips almost touching. She took hold of his arm but pulled back as an impatient driver honked, unpleasantly telling them the light had turned green.

They had just started again when Alex turned the wheel to the right, her body suddenly jerked to the side. She pulled in tighter to him as she saw the car in front of them slipping and weaving on the ice.

Alex turned the wheel back to avoid a collision. They barreled into a drift on the side of the road, left by snowplows from the previous night’s storm. After catching their breath and adjusting from the jolt to their necks, they stared at each other.

“Are you all right?”

She nodded. “Yeah, are you?”

Alex chuckled, then started to laugh.

Not understanding what could possibly be funny at the moment Liz frowned. “What is it?”

“I’m never going to get that kiss.”

She chuckled a little too. “Can we still drive?”

“Oh yeah, this pickup has been through a lot worse than that.” He put the stick shift in gear and they were off again.

For the rest of the drive, she was somewhat of a chatterbox due to her nerves. Liz plagued him with childhood stories and managed to get a few out of him as well. By the time they got to his parents she felt as if she knew at least a little bit about each of his siblings.

The Demas house was in an older well-kept neighborhood. The yards were of good size with matured landscaping. Their home was a white stucco ranch, crowned with a red tile roof. The little one-car garage didn’t suffice the Demas clan. Cars filled the driveway and overflowed halfway down the block.

As they walked inside, the smells of food engulfed them. Bread, cake and a roast of lamb were cooking in the oven or sitting on countertops.

Old furniture ornamented the home, leaving little room for people. Most of the furnishings were worn and needed repair. Alex told Liz the house hadn’t changed much since he was a kid, except for the accumulation of a few more items.

The adults gathered in the family room and kitchen, and the kids traipsed in and out of the snow-filled backyard. One of the dark-haired blue-eyed brothers welcomed them. Liz could have seen any of his brothers on the street and noticed their resemblance to Alex. She took a deep breath and prepared herself for what she thought would be a stressful evening.

He hugged Alex and then Liz. “Wow, what a beauty. Liz right?”

Her cheeks heated. She could see that charm ran in the Demas family. “Yes, and you are Colin, Damon, or Chris?”

“Hey, you know the whole crew already. I’m Chris. Just remember I’m the good-looking brother.” He winked. “I’m also the only one without kids to chase after. Well, except for little brother here, of course.” He slapped Alex on the back.

Alex just smiled and took her coat then walked back to the entry closet. He got caught up in a tangle of nieces and nephews coming in to attack him.

He fell on the floor amidst shrieks and giggles, letting them bounce on him and sit on his stomach while he tickled them. She couldn’t help thinking that he would be a good father. It wasn’t the first time she had the thought, and it was always something she’d appreciated when they were on calls together. Kids always warmed up to him.

Chris introduced Liz to the entire family, nieces and nephews included. And it was no surprise that all Alex’s brothers were very charming. The spouses felt at ease and were very much included. Most of them had dark hair and blended in with the rest of the family. The exception was Alyssa’s husband, who stood out like a beacon with his blond hair and green eyes.

Alex showed up in time for Liz to meet his parents. His mother, a petite woman with olive-toned skin and long gray hair braided down her back, was delightful. “Welcome to our home, Liz. We’re so glad that you’ve come.” She hugged her once, then again.

“Thank you for having me, Mrs. Demas.” Liz couldn’t tell if this was her normal hospitality, or if she was just really happy that Alex had someone with him.

After meeting his father, there was no doubt where the boys acquired their debonair traits. He was handsome and gracious but not a tall man, making her wonder where Alex acquired his height. He went out of his way to make her feel at home.

He brought Liz into his den and showed her pictures of himself and his sons together, all in their police uniforms. The four sons stood from eldest to youngest with their father standing in the middle of them. Alex, of course, was the most handsome.

Liz went into the kitchen to help with the meal, which she hesitated over due to her lack of cooking skills, but Alex’s mother patted her cheek and put her to work. His sisters were talkative and busy bustling around after children and helping with the food.

They both held the Demas characteristics. Alyssa, the shorter of the two, chatted incessantly, while Barbara, the oldest of the bunch, worked side by side with her mother to get things done.

The energy that came from the dining room as they entered was refreshing. They each found a place next to their significant others at a long oak table made for eight, but today it squeezed in fourteen. The children’s table was set up in the kitchen.

They had a wonderful meal and lots of conversation, many all going on at the same time. Alex and his brothers were loud talkers, trying to outdo each other with their stories and jokes.

Her eyes scanned the faces of everyone seated at the table and stopped when her eyes met with his mother’s. She gave Liz a thoughtful smile. Liz felt it was a good opportunity to praise her cooking. “You’re a wonderful cook, Mrs. Demas.”

Mrs. Demas held her napkin up to her mouth and smiled warmly. The rest of the family chimed in with their compliments, then the conversations continued.

Alex nudged Liz and winked. “You’re doing very well with this craziness. But don’t worry, we won’t stay long after we eat.”

“I’m fine, really. We don’t have to rush off.”

Alex stared at her in disbelief, his knife and fork frozen in his hands. “Really?”

She shrugged. “You’ll understand when you go to my parents’ house.”

“You’re scaring me.” He tried to look scared but couldn’t pull it off. She laughed and took another bite of chocolate cake.

Alyssa leaned over closer to Liz. “You can stay awhile, can’t you Liz?”

Liz nodded, wondering if they didn’t usually have visitors stay around very often. Liz felt Alex’s stare on her and wondered if he wanted her attention or was just observing as she talked with Alyssa. He kept tabs on her throughout the rest of the evening to make sure she was comfortable.

The guys settled in to watch a game on TV. Alex started to walk in the room with them but then stopped and caught her eye. He pointed and lifted his brows in question to get her approval to join them. She nodded and continued to visit with the women in the kitchen as they finished the dishes. The kids had quieted and taken over their grandparents’ TV in the bedroom watching cartoons.

It felt good to be a part of this big, happy family, and Alex was so glad to have her here, they all were. The importance of her being there made her wonder just how serious Alex thought their relationship was. Maybe the ride home would be a good time to find out.

Alex came up behind Liz a few minutes later and whispered in her ear, “Ready to go?”

Goose bumps tickled down her neck.

Liz turned to him as she dried a platter and placed it on the counter. “Let me finish up here first.”

He grabbed a towel and helped her dry. His mother glanced over at him. The corners of her mouth curved, and then she looked at Liz and gave her the same gentle smile. Alex didn’t see the tender gesture. Liz was glad that she had. And returned it with a smile of her own.

“So you know my Alex from work?” His mother handed a clean plate to Barbara.

“Yes, we’ve been working on a case together. We make a pretty good team.” She grinned at Alex who chuckled his response.

“She makes me tired, Ma.”

His mother shook her head. “Ahh, she makes you work...that’s good for you.”

Liz laughed and handed Alex a platter to dry. “Yeah, here get to work.”

He scowled at her and took the platter.

As they were leaving, all of his family came up to them to say goodbye. Liz went to Alyssa. “You give the best hugs.”

“Thanks for coming, Liz. And come back, okay.”

There is was again. The pleading for Alex to come with a girl. “I’m counting on it.”

She gave more hugs as she made her way back to Alex and thanked everyone

When they got to Alex’s truck, he backed Liz up against it and gently grabbed her by the collar of her coat with both hands. His eyes searched hers as he moved forward.

“I hope you’re not going to kiss me right now,” she teased, looking over his shoulder.

He took a step back and chuckled. “Why?”

“Because your brothers are spying on us.” She pointed to the large window in the front of the house.

He turned to see Damon and Chris looking out the window, all smiles. He shook his head, mumbled something and waited for Liz to get into the truck.

He leaned forward and put his lips to her ear, causing a rush of sensation on the left side of her body. The warmth of his breath swept down her neck.

“Thanks for coming with me tonight.”

She gave a one-shoulder shrug. “It was fun. But I can see why some people might not feel that way,” she said sarcastically as she watched Chris and Damon walking away.

He shook his head as he glanced at them. “It wasn’t too much for you then?”

“Nope, I might even do it again sometime.”

He touched her cheek tenderly. “I’m counting on it.” He shut her door and got in his side. “I think I’m going to have to call in my marker to get that kiss.”

She drew her brows together, not understanding at first, and then understood what he was referring to. “You mean because I owe you?”

He nodded with a silly grin on his face. She shook her head and grinned back at him.

“That might be what it takes,” he said with childish frustration as he put the key in the ignition and started his truck.

The chill of the night caused the roads to become icy making it more than the regular hour’s drive, but it didn’t feel like it was half that long. They talked about the evening’s events, and Alex filled her in on more family stories. Now that she knew the family personally, his stories were more interesting, and she enjoyed hearing him tell them.

He spoke highly of his family and his childhood. “We didn’t have much money, but we really cared about one another. All the boys were terrors, and Alyssa was a bit mischievous too. Barbara, being the oldest, took on a more parental role, and to this day, she can look at us with that one certain expression and we jump.”

Liz envisioned that look on Barbara’s face. “I think I would too.”

They rolled into the driveway, and walked up to her house. She rubbed her hands together, making the cold run up and down her fingers. She let out a breath, causing white puffs of air to circle around her face.

She realized how late it was and turned to him to say goodbye. He cupped her face in his hands. She tingled everywhere his hands touched her. His eyes swept along the curve of her neck, up to the line of her jaw, then to her lips.

His touch was entrancing, and she found herself fighting the urge to lean closer. His fingers moved through her hair, following through its length.

Realism fell on her like a weight. If things fell apart, she couldn’t handle it, not with him. She slowly pulled back. They held each other’s gaze for a moment.

“See you bright and early.” She tried to sound chipper, but her voice was soft and low.

He let out a long breath with a nod. “Good night, Liz.”

She walked in and shut the door behind her. As she stood by the picture window, she stopped to see him standing on the porch looking at her. He hadn’t moved.

His hands were in his pockets, his shoulders hunched against the cold. He held a serious expression, but his eyes looked soft and content. She caught the gleam in his eyes as he turned and walked to his truck.

Moonlight reflected off the untouched snow in the yard, and the streets were still. She brought her hands up and crossed them over her arms hugging herself. For the first time in a very long while, Liz truly felt lonely.

Chapter Nineteen

The doorbell rang, waking Liz. Not just one ring but consistent ringing. Ding, ding, ding ...she sprang out of bed, with the feeling she was in a fire drill.

She ran to the door and threw it open.

“Alex!” She ran her fingers through her tangled hair and tried to rub the sleep from her eyes. “What time is it?”

“Almost nine o’clock. We said eight, remember?”

She held her hand over her mouth, gasped and adjusted her flannel pajama bottoms. “My alarm didn’t go off, and I haven’t packed yet.”

Alex shook his head in jest. “I guess I’ll just have to help you.” He glanced at her, looking at her red, white and black flannel shirt and matching pants. “Do you always wear those kinds of pajamas?” He stepped inside and took off his boots and then proceeded into her bedroom.

“Yeah, do you like them?” she teased.

He snorted. “Absolutely, just like Mom used to wear.” He stood in her room studying it, like a cop. She opened the closet and took out a suitcase.

He sat down on her unmade bed, looking around the room. “This room suits you. Big pillows, squishy down comforter, everything warm and fluffy.”

He looked comfortable, maybe too comfortable. The fact that they knew each other so well made things less formal, which made this new relationship between them puzzling at times.

“Help yourself to some coffee or anything you can find to eat.”

He sat up straight. “What coffee?”

“The coffee you’re going to make for us,” Liz said as she started toward the bathroom.

He shook his head and walked into the kitchen.

After a speedy shower, Liz put on makeup and towel dried her hair. She slipped into her comfy faded jeans and sweater, then started packing.

Alex walked in handing her a cup of coffee.

“You made the bed and the coffee? You come in handy.” She smiled at him over her cup, cradling it in her hand for warmth.

“Just trying to pick up the slack.” He grinned and took a sip from his steaming mug.

She sat down on the floor next to the suitcase. “I’m sorry. I had every intention of getting up early to pack and to have coffee and donuts ready when you got here. I guess your family wore me out more than I knew.”

“That I can understand.” He sat down next to her stretching his arms behind him and his legs out front. “We don’t need to hurry. Take your time packing, and I’ll check the weather. It’s supposed to snow again today.”

Her cat, Monte came out from under the bed and rudely walked over Alex’s lap to get to Liz, as cats do. She put him in her lap and proceeded to pack.

“I didn’t know you had a cat. What is he, an alley cat? He looks tough.” He reached for him and held him up.

Monte hung there like a sack of potatoes and Liz laughed. Alex put him down and walked into the family room with Monte at his heels.

She wondered how it would feel, going on a trip with him considering they had just started spending time together socially. But since they had known each other for so long, it seemed like just another adventure.

She finished packing and took her bag out to the family room. Alex insisted on taking his pickup instead of her Honda and she agreed considering the weather. Alex methodically packed the truck and acted as if they were going on a two-week vacation.

As they drove they spent the time sharing their ideas about treatment plans for clients and different calls they had been on together, especially lately. They would get off track and talk about everything taboo, like politics and how bad their salaries were. It felt good to have uninterrupted time to talk. And the more she found out about Alex, the more she cared for him.

The snow started falling a couple hours away from their destination. She noticed the flakes begin to multiply and become thicker. “I’d hate to miss the Christmas Eve service. Do you think we can still make it tonight?”

Alex squinted through the windshield. “You’re in a four-wheel drive truck. We’ll make it.”

They got to her parents’ in plenty of time, thanks to Alex’s experienced driving. The old house was pretty surrounded by the white drifts. The brown shutters and front door stood out against the white snow. Bare branches on the big oak tree in the front yard hung low with the weight of the heavy flakes.

Liz walked through the foyer and into the kitchen. Nothing had changed since the last time she was home. Her mom loved blue, and all the carpet and walls were varying shade of the color.

Both parents liked antiques and had a number of pieces. Some family heirlooms had been handed down from relatives and added to the decor. The kitchen was dimly lit. The hardwood floors and paneled walls were all dark-stained with black appliances.

The dining area connected to the kitchen. Mom already had the Christmas dishes set with silverware and platters and a bouquet of red and white carnations in the green centerpiece vase.

Liz heard the blare of the TV coming from the family room. She yelled hello, and her dad came pounding in, hugging her and shaking Alex’s hand. “Dad, this is Alex.”

“How were the roads, Alex?”

“Not bad at all until we got close to town.” Alex mused at her dad’s eagerness to meet him.

“And this is my mom.” Dotty descended the stairs and into the foyer then hugged them both. “I’m so glad you made it through that awful weather. Go in and sit down. Liz and I will get us something to drink.”

“He seems like such a nice young man.” Dotty busied herself by getting out a tray to carry the coffeepot and cups. She got a dishrag to wipe the already spotless counter avoiding Liz’s stare. “You two act like you’ve been together for years.”

Liz nodded and secretly pondered her mother’s words. “We’ve worked closely together for a while.” She took some cups from the cabinet and set them on the tray with the coffee pot.

“Yes, I know. You’ve mentioned him before.”

“I have?” Liz racked her brain trying to remember.

Fans of lines sprayed around Dotty’s eyes as she smiled wide. “Yes, you have.”

Liz grabbed the tray and headed into the family room, wondering how she could have talked about him so much before, and why she’d never noticed. “Are you coming?”

Dotty followed after her into the living room.

Lee leaned toward Alex. “So what kind of salary does a police officer make these days?”

Liz set her coffee mug down, hard, on the coffee table, trying to get her father’s attention but got Alex’s instead. He caught her gaze and grinned.

Then Mom chimed in. “Oh honey, don’t do that.”

Good, Liz thought, at least her mother has some sense. She turned to Liz. “Here’s a coaster.”

“Would you like to help me get dinner started, Liz?”

Liz gave Alex an apologetic look and followed her mother into the kitchen. When Dotty got out her spices, Liz knew what they were having and smiled at the memory she had shared with Alex.

When they all settled in for a lasagna dinner, Alex looked at his plate, then to Liz. “Hey, this looks familiar.”

“I’m sure Mom’s will put mine to shame.”

“Well at least she doesn’t have sauce all over her face,” Alex said with a grin.

Liz giggled, and Dotty gave them a puzzled look.

Her dad missed the whole thing due to his bum left ear and started in with his questions again. “So you were raised Catholic, Alex?”

“Dad...” Liz thought Alex had probably had enough with the questions.

“It’s okay, Liz.” Alex put his hand on hers, rubbing his fingertips against hers.

They finished dinner and drove to church for the Christmas Eve service. It was the same every year with the nativity scene out front and Pastor Frank’s rendition of the Christmas story. Even singing the same Christmas carols never got redundant. That service was what made Christmas seem real and what it was all about.

When they all got home Dotty made some cider and they sat around the Christmas tree.

“That tree looks the same as when I was a kid.” Liz blew into her cup.

“It is the same tree.” Lee laughed as he responded and the others joined in.

“I can’t believe Pastor Frank can give the same exact sermon every Christmas Eve,” Liz commented.

“I find it comforting,” Dotty said.

Liz shrugged. “Yes, I suppose it is.”

“I thought it was perfect. A small group of people who all know each other enjoying a message they can count on each year.” Alex took a sip of his cider. “I’ve never heard the Christmas story straight out of Matthew like that before.”

“Well, we’re glad you enjoyed it, Alex. It’s nothing fancy but it’s from the heart.”

“It’s been a long day. I’m going to turn in.” Lee helped Dotty take the mugs and said their good nights.

After Liz’s folks went to bed, she and Alex took their bags upstairs to get settled in.

Liz gave him a choice between the bedrooms he could sleep in. She showed him her sister’s room with big yellow smiley faces and peace signs on the wall and a purple flowered bedspread. Next was her brother’s room. Larry Byrd and Magic Johnson posters adorned the walls and a basketball hoop hung on the opposite wall of the bed.

Liz grabbed the miniature basketball on the floor and threw it to him. “You can shoot baskets in this room.”

He picked her brother’s room.

They walked into her old room with horse posters and a horseshoe bedspread with matching lamp.

Alex grinned approvingly as he walked in. “I didn’t know you liked horses.”

“I used to ride all the time when I was a kid.” She pointed to a picture on the dresser of herself on her horse.

“Come downstairs with me.” She took his hand, and he followed her down the staircase. They walked past the old grandfather clock to the living room with blue carpet, and into the family room with a huge picture window. The flakes twinkled as they moved through the sky, settling in on a soft layer that had fallen before them.

He sat in her dad’s overstuffed chair, and she crawled into her mom’s recliner. They sat quietly and looked at the snow.

His gaze followed the snowflakes falling to the ground. “Maybe we’ll be like this some day, grandparents sitting in our recliners with our kids coming to visit for Christmas.”

She couldn’t hide the astonishment she felt at his comment. “Through all the years I’ve known you, I never in a million years, ever thought I’d hear you say something like that.”

A slight look of disappointment covered his face. “You didn’t think much of me before we started working this case together, did you?”

She tried to make light of it. “I always thought of you as the kind of guy my mother told me to stay away from when I was a teenager.”

His brows drew together. “I wasn’t ever that bad. How did I get that reputation?”

Liz sighed. It obviously bothered him enough to need some resolution. “What I figure is, you’re very handsome, and people like to talk.”

He almost looked embarrassed, but that wasn’t his style. He reached out for her hand and held it, tracing small circles with his thumb in her palm. They sat quietly watching the snowfall until she fell asleep.

Chapter Twenty

Liz felt a soft kiss on her forehead.

Alex peered at her from the top of the recliner. “Good morning. Merry Christmas.”

She sat up, orienting herself to where she was. It took her a minute. Alex was waking her up, and she was at her parents’ house, sleeping in the family room, in her mom’s chair.

Alex handed Liz a warm cup of coffee and sat next to her as she peeled off the blankets he’d layered on her. She took in the pungent smell of java, waking her to her senses.

“Your sister just pulled up in the driveway, and your dad said your brother’s on his way over. You’d better get up and around.” He took a sip of his coffee and half smiled. “I can’t believe you slept here all night.”

“Didn’t you?”

“I went up and played a little ball.” He held up his palm and flicked his wrist as if throwing a basketball, then pulled her out of the chair.

As she walked past the couch, she saw her dad reading the paper. They said their good mornings as she heard her mom rattling plates around in the kitchen. She felt like a kid again and was glad to be home.

When the whole family finally arrived, Liz went through the introductions. Liz introduced her much shorter but equally brunette sister, Marie.

“And look at you, Marie,” Liz gushed. “You’ve lost weight, and you’re gorgeous.”

Her brother Joel shook Alex’s hand. “I can see the resemblance in you and Liz.” Alex smiled. “Except for height difference.”

Alex ribbed him about his room, and Joel laughed at the thought of Alex sleeping in his childhood bedroom. “Hey, Joel. I understand if you want your room back so you can play a little hoop before bed.”

Joel chuckled. “I wouldn’t deprive you of the experience.”

They sat around and talked while the kids ran through the house chasing one another and checking out the presents under the tree. They eventually tired and settled in to watch The Grinch.

Liz grabbed them one at a time and asked questions to find out how they were. Since she only made the trip home a couple times a year, they changed quite a bit between visits. Alex on the other hand would physically torture the kids by tickling them until they begged for mercy. But they kept coming back for more. Liz watched him remembering an uncle she had that did the same thing to her. She loved it and hated it at the same time.

They began to pester Liz’s father, knowing he was the one to decide when to open gifts. The boys grabbed his newspaper, and the girls planted kisses on him until he gave in.

“I think we’re ready to open presents.” Lee laughed and pushed the little people off him.

A shrill scream came up throughout the house from five little kids. They raced to the tree grabbing at presents until they found one of their own.

The adults watched the children and laughed at the sight. By the time they were finished, the entire room was littered from wall to wall with wrapping paper and toys. The kids scurried off to play with their new treasures.

Alex came up next to Liz sitting on the floor amidst all the paper and pulled out a small red velvet box and handed it to her. He went and sat on the couch without saying a word. She moved to the couch next to him with a look of surprise. “You didn’t need to get me anything.”

“Open it.” He stared at her intently as she lifted the lid and it clicked open.

She gasped. Inside the box, hung a gold chain with a locket. It was an oval shape, and fluted around the edges with an engraved cross in the center.

“It’s gorgeous.” She looked at him with a smile. “Did you pick this out all by yourself?”

He stuck out his chin and sat up straight. “I saw this and instantly knew it was for you.”

“I love it.” She put her arms around him for a moment. He held her tighter and ran his hand down her hair.

“Can you put pictures inside?” She pulled away from him and held out the locket. He reached over to open it for her.

She took in a breath and laughed. “Where did you get this?” A picture of Liz at age five was perfectly set in the right side of the locket. She had pig tails, and her wide grin showed off her missing two front teeth.

He leaned closer and admired it with her. “Your mother helped me this morning while you were sleeping. She did a great job. I just gave my nod of approval as to which picture to put in. She did the rest. You look cute with freckles.”

“I still have a few.”

Their eyes locked for a few seconds.

He smiled. “I know.”

She grinned back at him. “What goes in the other side?”

He snapped it shut. “That’s for you to decide.”

She thought of the picture in his office of him about the same age as she was in this picture. They would look cute together in that locket.

Liz handed him a small white box wrapped in green and red ribbons.

“I wasn’t expecting this.” His lips curved down, and his brows lifted slightly, showing her he really was surprised.

“Well, it’s Christmas, and even those on the naughty list get something.” She smirked and sat back on the couch hoping he would like the gift and not think she was being too bold.

He stopped pulling on the ribbons and grinned. “A lump of coal?” He lifted the lid of the box and tilted his head. “Impressive.”

Her eyes widened. “You like it?”

He nodded and looked in the box inquisitively. “Are those Roman numbers?” He pulled the bracelet out to study it. The flat, half-inch wide, silver band had Roman numerals along its length. He slipped his wrist through the slot and admired it.

“Look on the inside.”

He turned the bracelet to the side and looked at the inside of the bracelet. “What does it say?”

“The ten commandments.”

“Are you trying to keep me in line?”

“Do I need to?”

“Probably.” He read through them, held the bracelet out and admired it.

“It’s not too much for you?” Liz knew some guys didn’t like to wear jewelry and thought he might be one of them.

He shook his head. “No, I really like it.” He held his arm down to his side, watching the bracelet slide down to his hand. He pulled her to him. “Thanks. This means a lot to me.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Liz looked down at the necklace hanging around her neck and wondered what exactly this meant to him. And what it should mean to her.

“I’m impressed that you and my mom could pull this off without me knowing about it.” She liked the thought of her mom and Alex going through all those pictures together. Liz was sure her mother drove him crazy with all the stories, and was also sure he saw quite a few she would rather he had not seen. “It was very thoughtful of you.”

With the festivities over, they all went into the family room to relax. Her dad put on the tie she gave him and looked over at her for approval. She gave him the thumbs up and he turned his attention to Alex. “So how do you like being a police officer, Alex?”

Alex put down the little local paper he was reading. “I like my job, Lee. There’s never a dull moment, especially when I work with your daughter.”

Liz gave him a scowl and motioned with her finger across her neck. “No,” she said in a low voice. Her dad’s bad ear was in her favor, so only Alex heard her. Alex nodded in understanding.

She moved to her father’s good ear. “Alex’s father and three brothers are cops too.”

“Is that right? It’s dangerous work. Have any of you ever been hurt?” Joel asked.

Alex shook his head. “Yeah, it can be. But compared to Chicago where my dad patrolled, Denver isn’t so bad. He’s had a couple of close calls, but so far, none of us have been badly injured.”

Marie and Dotty came in and continued to interrogate him. Liz eventually wandered off to the basement for a game of pool with her dad. Alex came down a bit later to see Lee hit in the last ball, beating Liz fair and square.

She walked over to him. “You finally got away. How was it?”

“Thanks for leaving me up there alone,” he teased, taking her pool stick.

“Sorry, Dad loves to play pool. Was it that bad?”

“I’ve been through worse interrogations. But your mom isn’t looking too good. You might want to check on her.” He played a game with her dad and Joel while Liz went into the family room to check in on her mom.

Dotty was lying on the couch with her hand to her forehead. Marie was sitting next to her.

“Mom, you don’t look so good.” It was then Liz noticed there was no smell of a turkey cooking in the oven, potatoes boiling or pies baking.

“I’m so upset. I have all the food ready for a wonderful Christmas dinner, and I don’t feel well enough to cook.” She closed her eyes.

“It’s okay, Mom. We’ll figure something out.” Liz started to feel a little panicked and looked at her sister. “Should we make it?”

“We could, but it would be pretty late by the time it was all ready,” Marie evaluated, looking at the clock and then back to Dotty.

Liz went downstairs to inform the rest of the family. “Dad, Mom can’t cook. She’s not feeling very well. But maybe Marie and I can do it.”

Alex turned to them, setting his stick down across the pool table. “I’ll help out.”

Dad looked at his watch. “No, I’ll take care of it.” He went upstairs and left with Joel. When they returned, they had a carload of bags filled with food. Alex and Marie’s husband helped carry in the bags, and Liz unloaded, while Marie and Joel’s wife looked after Dotty.

It actually brought them all together to chip in and get everything done. They gathered in the kitchen to examine the food.

“Did you see the name of the restaurant this food is from?” Alex pointed to the bag, Antonio’s Greek Cuisine.

“How are Greeks at making Christmas dinners?” Liz quipped, looking at Alex.

“This should be interesting.” He raised a skeptical eyebrow as they opened the containers to see what was inside. Greek lettuce salad, chick pea soup, lamb potatoes, lima beans with artichoke, bread, zucchini pie and a turkey.

Liz turned to her dad. “Dad, you bought Greek food for Christmas dinner?” She gathered the plastic lids and threw them away. She hoped putting them in Mom’s nice bowls and platters might help.

“It was the only place open. How does it look?” He peered over her shoulder to see what they had. Liz didn’t want to make him feel bad, but it didn’t look good.

Dad shrugged. “Alex, you’re Greek, it’s good food right?” He grinned with satisfaction and went to get the grandkids ready to eat.

Liz groaned.

“No comment. But I don’t think your mother is going to want any of this.”

Marie inspected the food. “I’ll fix her some soup.”

Joel shrugged. “I’m starved. Let’s eat.” He leaned in to see what they were eating and turned up his nose. He looked at Marie. “We’re going to have fun getting the kids to eat this.”

That got the attention of their spouses who both came over to take a look. One sighed, and the other cringed. Liz couldn’t help but giggle at the situation which started a domino affect that grew into laughter from the entire group.

Dad walked back in and clapped his hands together. “Let’s eat!”

Lee said grace and they muddled through the unusual variety of foods. It was actually fun trying to figure out what was what, except for Dotty. She sat as politely at the table as she could and turned a light shade of green as the food was passed around. She drank the tea Liz made her and stirred her soup around to avoid the smell and sight of it.

They finished and turned on It’s a Wonderful Life , watching Jimmy Stewart make the Christmas spirit sparkle. Later, when it was time for leftovers, Liz opened the fridge and stared at the Christmas dinner they had eaten earlier. They decided on turkey sandwiches and passed on the rest.

Liz’s parents turned in early, and the rest of them stayed up talking. She wasn’t surprised at how quickly Alex fit in with her family. He was an easy person to talk to and fun to be with. Her brother and sister seemed to like him, and the kids kept coming back for more tickles.

The nieces and nephews started bickering and getting tired. Liz’s siblings packed up their families and left, leaving Alex and Liz to some peace and quiet.

Liz grinned. “What will your mother think of your Christmas dinner?”

“I don’t want to give her any ideas. We may be Greek, but I’m fond of a traditional Christmas dinner.”

“I’m sorry.” She chuckled. “But it’s a Christmas you’ll never forget.”

He took her hand to his lips. “No, I won’t.” He held her hand, and she followed behind him up the stairs.

They stood in front of the big grandfather clock, his hands cradling her face, their eyes locked together. He moved his hands to her waist, pulling her close. They held each other for a moment listening to the tick of the old clock and the beating of their hearts.

He led her down the hall, and they said their good nights. Alex went in his basketball room, and she went in with the horses.

They woke up fairly early the next morning. Liz got up and ready but let Alex sleep while she went down to get a cup of coffee. Her mom was sitting at the table waiting for her.

“You look better. How are you feeling?” She took a coffee mug from one of the hooks above the stove and poured herself a cup.

“Much better. I feel so bad that I couldn’t make Alex Christmas dinner.” She looked down into her steaming coffee regretfully.

“He understood, Mom. It was fine.” Liz sat next to her and patted her hand.

Dotty chuckled. “No it wasn’t. I keep remembering all of your faces when you ate that horrible food.”

Liz laughed with her. “It wouldn’t have been so bad if we were going out to try Greek food, but since it was Christmas, it just didn’t feel right.”

They giggled for a moment, then she gave Liz the look, the one that only moms can give to their children. It could be good or bad and usually out of the blue, but Liz knew to prepare herself. “Is there something wrong, Mom?”

“I think Alex is a delightful young man. How serious are you two?” One brow lifted in question.

“I don’t know. We actually just started spending time together.” What her mother asked made her realize for the first time that maybe they really were a couple, and she liked the thought of them being together.

“I’m so glad you both came to see us. It meant a lot to your father and me.” Her smile was gentle and sincere. Dotty had no idea that her persistent pestering had actually turned out forcing Alex and Liz into a good thing.

They talked until the guys came down for breakfast, and they made some waffles. Then Alex gave Liz the nod that he was ready to go. They packed up and were on their way. The visit had been short and sweet, but Liz figured it was plenty long for Alex.

“Do you see what I mean about my parents’ house? It’s so quiet. That’s why I didn’t mind the craziness with your family.”

He tilted his head thoughtfully. “I actually appreciated the solitude. I guess we always want what we don’t have.”

She smiled at the truth in that. They had good talks and some laughs on the way home and got back early enough to enjoy an evening alone. Liz unpacked while Alex checked in with the station. He disconnected and shook his head. “I’m going to be swamped tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry, but my mom really appreciated you coming with me. So did I.”

He took a step closer to her and held her hand, leading her to the couch. “When are we going to see each other again?”

When they sat down, she sank into him, feeling the warmth of his body. He slowly wrapped his arms around her and kissed her softly on the lips. She kissed him back, feeling his hands move to her hair, his fingers running through it. They had waited for this moment, and she could feel he didn’t want it to end any more than she did.

A short time later, he stood and led her to the door. He gave her one last kiss good night and turned to leave. Neither of them needed to say a word. The kiss said it all.

Chapter Twenty-One

“You might want to take this call, Liz. It’s dispatch.”

She had almost made it. She stared longingly at the door for a moment and then gave Margie a sideways stare. “Can the emergency worker take it?” She really wanted to see Alex, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Margie shook her head, her dangly rhinestone earrings swaying as she moved. “Already on another call.”

It wasn’t like Margie to put her on the spot unless it was important, and her conscience was telling her to go, but she thought she’d try one last time. “What’s the call?”

Margie’s eyes were wide and unwavering. “PD found an abandoned newborn.”

“Put the call through to my cell phone. I’m on my way.” Liz’s night didn’t seem so important anymore. Liz quickly took the elevator to the underground parking and hurried to her car. She popped the trunk of the Honda and pulled out her plastic filing bin to check for files. There were plenty of copies for placements, abuse reports, and consent forms which she might need. She found the resource notebook to make community referrals and stuck it in front of the filing bin. Getting in the car, Liz plugged the cell phone and laptop in the cigarette lighter to charge.

As she drove downtown to Denver General Liz called to see if Brenda was still on duty. Brenda was on her way out, but said she’d go back in and meet Liz in the maternity ward.

She reached the hospital in record time, parked the car and entered the building. A sterile smell permeated the hall as Liz passed by the nurse’s station. The squeak of her shoes on the white tile floor drew the attention of a nurse who asked if she needed any help. Liz explained the situation of finding the baby, and she directed Liz to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They walked across the hall to a huge glass window, and the nurse showed Liz the baby.

Small and frail, the infant was suffering from exposure after being left by the mother. Liz felt an urge to pick her up and hold her. The baby girl was lying on her back, sleeping. It didn’t feel right for that little person to be in there without any human touch. The incubator, warm and dimly lit, created a comforting atmosphere for the newborns. There were two others smaller than she and three others that were each with their mothers being fed or rocked.

Brenda came over and gazed at Liz, then turned to look at the baby. “Gets to you, doesn’t it?”

Liz admired Brenda’s intuition. “I suppose you feel that way a lot of the time, delivering babies everyday.”

Denver General took the low-income families who needed financial help and got state-paid medical assistance, and Brenda was used to these types of situations.

“Yeah. They are so helpless, and you want to do so much for them.”

Liz looked at Brenda with a new awareness. “Maybe it’s our motherly instincts that keep us going back to dating again.”

“Well it sure isn’t because of the guys we’ve dated.” Brenda found the paramedic who brought the baby in to find out more information.

“How much does she weigh?” Liz stared at the tiny chest expanding and contracting.

“Almost four pounds,” the paramedic answered as she wrote some notes on a folder. She set the clipboard on her large chest as she wrote.

“Do you think she’ll be all right?” Liz asked hopefully, still looking at the baby.

The medic let out a breath through her big red painted lips. “She has a chance, but with little body fat, no clothes and the moisture from the last snow, she’s lucky someone found her so quickly, or she wouldn’t be here.”

She started writing again, and Liz watched the little bundle as she waited for Brenda to find out where the mother’s room was. “She’s in 204, and her parents are in the waiting area. I knew you’d want to speak to her alone.”

“Thanks, Brenda. How’s she doing?”

“Not well. She gave birth alone in a field. She walked to the nearest road to get a ride to the hospital. She’s weak and scared.”

“Okay, I’ll try not to take too much time with her. I know she needs her rest.”

“Yes, but you need some answers.” Brenda pointed in the direction of the room and went to the nurse’s station.

When Liz walked into her room, the girl opened her eyes. She was hooked up to a monitoring system and an intravenous bag.

The dark-haired girl was a little heavy, maybe from the pregnancy, but it looked like that was her natural body structure. Her eyes had large dark bags under them, and her face was drawn.

Liz introduced herself and started in with questions. “How are you feeling, Megan?”

“Better. Thanks. How’s Christina?” A slight smile appeared hesitantly, as if she didn’t know if she should have said the name.

Liz was surprised and glad to hear she’d given the baby a name. That was a good sign this girl had been scared, not heartless.

“You’ve named the baby?” Liz took a few steps closer to the bed.

“Even if I don’t get to keep her, she still needs a name.” Megan waited for Liz’s response with unwavering eyes.

“I agree.” Liz gave her a warm smile, feeling Megan’s sense of uncertain motherly instinct.

Megan’s shoulders sagged as she let out a breath of relief. Liz sat down on a burgundy cushioned stool with wheels and asked her more questions, going through the whole incident to get all the details.

“I just panicked when the baby actually started to come. It was like it was finally real, I’d been ignoring it, wishing it away until I felt the pain.” Megan rubbed her face. The exhaustion showing in her dark eyes.

“Why did you leave her?”

Megan hesitated, and Liz waited quietly. “I didn’t know what to do.” She looked away, but Liz remained silent. “And I didn’t want to embarrass my parents. They’re both lawyers, and they’re never home.”

“Where’s the baby’s father?”

“He goes to my school.” Her eyes misted, and she looked down. “But he doesn’t want her, or me. I don’t know what to do.” She looked up at the ceiling as tears rolled down her face.

“I don’t know either, Megan. But there is one who does.”

Megan blinked the tears away and looked at Liz.

“Do you ever pray, Megan?”

“I don’t know. No. We don’t go to church much, only holidays like Christmas. I don’t know how I could pray now. Especially now.”

“This is the perfect time.” Liz smiled and patted her hand. Megan returned the smile and leaned her head back against the pillow. Liz knew it was time for her to go.

“The police will be here at some point and we’ll all work together to help you figure out what’s best for you and Christina.”

Liz was just finishing her conversation with the teen mother when Dixon walked in, all six-feet-two-inches of him with full gear and a toothpick firmly between his teeth. Liz groaned. She took a deep breath and turned to him.

“I’ll take it from here, Adams.” Dixon moved his hand up to her arm and moved Liz out of the way to walk past. It was a small thing, but it was enough to make her take a stand. She didn’t want Megan to become any more upset than she already was.

Liz took a step toward him. “I’m in the middle of something here, Dixon.”

“We’re supposed to do the questioning together,” he answered in a condescending tone as a feral grin seeped across his face, and his eyes narrowed.

Liz was in no mood for any grief from Dixon. She felt Megan needed someone with a softer touch to talk with her about her situation. “I’m almost finished. Then you can question her, but she’s tired so make it fast.”

The look of shock on his face gave her great satisfaction. His eyebrows lifted and he actually moved back a bit. She’d never spoken bluntly to him. Maybe she’d learned how to earn some respect from the crotchety old cop.

Liz turned back to Megan, trying to regain composure. “I need to talk with your parents so I’ll let Officer Dixon ask you a few questions, if you’re up to it.” Megan nodded wearily, and Liz left to find her parents.

Megan had told her they knew nothing of the pregnancy. She had carried the baby for over seven months without their knowledge. The mother, an attractive brown-eyed blond, held a certain prominence that demanded respect even as she grieved over the situation. Her father, much the same in his demeanor, had dark hair and eyes.

“Mr. and Mrs. Page, I’m Liz Adams from DSS. The police called me because the baby was left unattended. I’m glad your daughter came in to receive treatment for herself and the baby.”

“We would have gotten treatment sooner had we known.” Mrs. Page commented without making eye contact.

“If you need anything further, please let me know, I’d be glad to help.”

“I wish she would have told us.” Mrs. Page wiped her red blotchy eyes.

Mr. Page patted his wife on the back, his face taunt and eyes strained. “I think it would be best if they both just came home for now, although I don’t know how we’ll manage with a baby in the house.”

“The baby will be here for a while. Maybe that will give you all some time to prepare before they come home. I suggest your family gets some counseling to get you all through this.”

Mrs. Page cried and her husband tried to console her, whispering in her ear and rubbing her back.

“Thanks,” he said to Liz. His voice caught as he turned away.

Liz gave him her card and encouraged them to call, then left them alone.

Brenda and Liz walked to the nurse’s station. Liz told the head nurse to notify the Department of Social Services if anything happened before the social worker assigned to the case came the next morning. Liz decided it would be best to just exchange write-ups with Dixon. It was time the PD knew her feelings about working with him.

Liz made some calls. She found a space in a home for unwed mothers and contacted an adoption agency just in case either was needed.

Her cell phone rang and she recognized Alex’s number.

“Did we have plans tonight?” she asked in a hopeful tone.

“Not officially, but I was hoping, until I heard you got the call at Denver General. How’s the baby?”

She sat by the nurse’s station and slid down into the seat, half listening to Brenda and the nurse talk about Dixon. “Not so good. At least they found her as quickly as they did. She’s got a chance if she’s a fighter.” Liz paused. “You’re doing well keeping tabs on me.”

“Until you can stay out of trouble, I’ll have to.”

“It might be a little tough tonight.”

“Why?” His voice was controlled but anxious.

“I’m working with Dixon on this case.”

“When will you be done?”

She could hear something sizzling on the stove and the game playing in the background. She wanted to be there with him. “I shouldn’t be too long. I’ll call you when I’m through.”

“Just hang in there and stick to business. And stop by on your way home.” He wasn’t asking, he was telling—especially the part about Dixon.

She’d never been to Alex’s apartment before. Everything they were doing made it appear as though they were exclusive. Liz didn’t know if she was ready for that.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Alex lived in an older neighborhood past the Capital Hill area, south of downtown. Driving through the Cheeseman Park area and further east, she saw manicured landscaping, small homes and apartments. Some were stucco, others large stone or painted brick. They were all unique and well cared for.

Liz found his building and walked up to the enclosed foyer then punched his apartment number on the keypad. She was starting to feel comfortable getting together with him. She was beginning to know what to expect of him and herself when she was with him.

He buzzed her in, and she took the elevator to the top floor.

There were only two apartments on the top level. The door was slightly open, but she still knocked before walking in.

Alex greeted her and shut the door. “Can’t be too safe. You never know who might walk through your door,” he teased. “How’d things go?”

Liz took off her jacket and looked around the room. “Good, everyone’s taken care of—for now anyway. Dixon was on his best behavior.”

Liz was impressed with Alex’s decorating taste. A bit surprised, in fact. A huge L-shaped leather couch sat in the middle of the family room, in front of a big screen where the Nuggets game was blaring.

He turned down the volume, then went into the kitchen where he was cooking up something that smelled of garlic and a hint of lemon.

Liz was already in the next room before she comprehended that her curiosity had gotten the best of her. “Mind if I take a look around?”

The modern kitchen had overhead lighting and white cabinets with glass doors. He’d made the spare bedroom into an office decorated with fine wood furniture. She ran her hand along the side of the big oak desk, scanning the Denver sports team pictures on the walls and a case full of books. He had everything from Edgar Allan Poe to the Avalanche hockey team winning the Stanley cup. At least he was diversified.

It was too dark to get a good look, but his ceiling to floor windows faced the mountains and she bet the view was spectacular.

“You’ve got a talent for decorating. I bet you have a great view.” She looked out toward the mountains as if she could see them. It was pitch black except for an occasional light tower from the top of Lookout Mountain.

“I have to admit it is stunning in the daylight. But it has a different view at night that’s equally amazing.” He walked over to the wall and turned off the lights in the kitchen and family room. Then he came over and stood next to Liz, touching her arm as he pointed.

Her senses awakened drawing more of her attention to his closeness rather than what he was describing. They looked down to the parking lot, twelve floors below. The cars looked like toys from that height. No snow was falling, but small drifts stood at the edges of the spaces where cars had parked.

Alex pointed upward. Liz looked up to see a million stars twinkling down in the night sky clear and black as velvet.

“That’s beautiful,” she whispered, admiring the still blackness of the night sky.

“Come sit down. It’s ready,” he announced proudly.

“What’s for dinner?” Liz situated herself onto a barstool. She had the comfortable feeling of being a wife just getting home from a hard day’s work.

“Taste for yourself.” He handed her a plate with sautéed shrimp and mixed vegetables. Liz was famished and didn’t hold back, enjoying every bite.

“I had the impression you were a good cook.” Liz stirred her broccoli. The small infant in the hospital popped into her mind. “That baby looked so small in that dark, lonely room.”

“We do what we can, Liz. That baby and mother couldn’t have been in better hands with you on the case.” His smile was genuine and his words were exactly what she needed to hear.

They finished the dishes and went to the couch. She took off her shoes and curled her legs under her. Liz wondered for the hundredth time why such a great guy would still be single. The unknown made her imagination go wild. For whatever reason, Liz felt she had to know.

“Alex, why did you move back to Denver?” She had averted her eyes but now looked up. His large, baby blues held on hers. “I don’t mean to pry. I just want to know about you.”

He studied her face, then looked to the floor. “I want to keep my life in Chicago there, where it belongs.”

“I’m sorry, Alex. It’s none of my business.”

He shook his head, looking at her with sad eyes. “No, it’s okay. Your reason for wanting to know is for the right reasons. I’m so used to all the gossip. I’ve tried to keep my private life quiet.” He looked deeper into her eyes. “And I trust you.”

She gave him a small, tender smile and remained quiet.

He moved his elbows to rest on his thighs and leaned forward. “Her name was Sharon. We met through mutual friends and hit it off right away. I had never felt so good about a relationship before and was considering marriage. I thought she felt the same way. Her job as a buyer for an upscale department store kept us comfortable while I finished college, and after I got a job with the police department, things seemed perfect.”

Alex held his fingers to his chin as if to focus, and continued. “She made a lot of money and had connections, one of which was a corporate guy with all the cash and charisma a woman could want.”

He dropped his hands between his knees and took in a breath. “And I was a cop, making much less than his six figures, and hers. She started enjoying the high life, fancy parties, charity functions, black tie affairs. When I told her I wasn’t comfortable with that kind of lifestyle, she told me she wasn’t ready for a serious relationship. She stopped all communication with me. I never heard from her again. One day not long after she broke things off, a friend told me she’d married the guy.”

“You were almost married once?” Liz was surprised he had ever had such a serious relationship and been so close to a lifetime commitment.

“Yeah.” He let out a mocking chuckle. “That was the first time, and I decided it would be the last, because it was the only one I really wanted.”

Feeling his pain, she reached around him with both arms to console him. “I’m sorry.” She laid her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat and the rhythm of his breathing, wishing she knew what to say.

He returned the embrace. “Looking back now I can see we weren’t right for each other, but it took me a long time to get there. As they say, it wasn’t meant to be.” He pulled away slightly and looked at her out of the corner of his eye. “So what’s your story?”

She sighed, thinking about the man who she had considered Mr. Right. Liz shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s complicated.”

“It’s not complicated. You’re complicated, remember?” His eyebrows straightened, and his lips curved.

She smiled as her own words boomeranging back to her. No one really knew what her relationship was like, and what she had been through. But he had trusted her with his pain.

She stood and walked over to study a picture on the wall of a mountain stream in the fall. The golden aspens shimmered as a ray of light from the sky cascaded over them.

“You’ve been very patient with me, Alex,” she said, still looking at the picture.

“I’d like to know what you’ve been through.” His rich voice warmed her.

“I fell in love with Nick the first time I met him. Everybody loved him—the women because he was handsome, and the guys because he was fun to be with.” She turned and walked back to the couch but didn’t sit down.

“He liked to have power, like a lot of people do, but Nick took everything to the extreme.” She crossed her arms and continued. “He controlled everything in his life and mine.”

“I finally told him I needed some space. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, he was suffocating me.” She took in a deep, calming breath. “That’s when the verbal abuse started. He had always been jealous and dominating, but it got out of control.”

“Why didn’t you break things off with him?” Alex’s voice was husky and clear.

“I tried, more than once. He would tell me he’d change, but he never did. It got worse. I knew better. I’d just finished my degree in social work.” She gave a soft, cynical chuckle. “He could have been the case study.” She paced and kept her eyes averted.

“So, you stayed with him?” Alex tried to keep the irritation from his voice, but she heard it all the same.

“He could be as charming as he was mean. He even came to me with a ring after one breakup.”

“He proposed to you?”

“Yes, but I said no.”

Alex moved to the end of the couch, listening intently. “So then you left him?”

She shook her head. “I was a newbie social worker, fresh out of college, ready to save the world…and Nick. I thought I could fix him. You rationalize a lot when you’re caught up in that kind of situation. He managed to do well with his job and moved up the corporate ladder quickly. He was still the golden boy who everybody loved.”

“Even you,” he said, his voice heavy with sadness.

She looked out the huge windows into the dark night, holding herself as she took a deep breath. “I was in so deep I didn’t know what to think anymore. Until one night, when he came over to my apartment in a jealous rage. He got so angry. He threw things, yelled and screamed. His words tore me to pieces. They still haunt me. I told him I was done with him and wanted out.”

Alex closed his eyes and worked his jaw. “I can’t imagine you with a jerk like that.”

She finally got up her nerve and looked at him. “Me either now, but I believed the promises he made, and I thought he would change.”

His eyes blazed bright blue, searching hers. “Then what happened?”

She shook her head, wiping a single tear from her cheek. “He snapped and pushed me down, told me I’d regret ever leaving him. He was so mad it scared me. I knew if I didn’t get out of there it would only get worse. I pushed away, but he grabbed me by the arm, yanking so hard I cried out. When I tried to fight back, he hit me.”

The memory came back in a rush, soaring through her mind like a gust of hot wind. Liz could still feel the stinging slap to her face that cranked her neck to the side. She’d stumbled and caught herself against a wall.

Alex stood and put his arms around her. The etched lines on his forehead and drawn eyebrows showed his concern. “What did you do?”

“I hit him back.” She lifted her hands to her face and let out a soft sob.

He put a finger to her chin and lifted her eyes to meet his. “Then what happened?”

“I ran and never looked back.”

“Good for you.”

“I still feel horrible about it.” She looked away and put a hand to her head as if to push the awful memories away.

“Why, for defending yourself? No.” He shook his head. “I’ve always said you have grit. Sanders could attest to that.” He gave her a warm, affectionate smile.

Liz lifted her head. “It’s good I took a couple of self-defense classes.”

His eyebrows lifted in surprise, then nodded his understanding. “He’s lucky I wasn’t around.”

She rested her head against him, relieved her story was out. “I’ve never told anyone everything about that night, not even Brenda. I’ve prayed for forgiveness and want to leave it in the past.”

“Then that’s where it will stay.” He gave a slight nod.

“Do you think less of me for staying with someone like that? And for taking so long to tell you?”

The blue blaze dimmed to a glow. “I think more of you than I already did.”

She believed him. There was no question in her mind that Alex Demas forgave her before she even asked him. Who better for them to tell their stories to but one another?

Alex sat down on the couch and patted the seat next to him. He reached out to hold her, his warm, broad chest cushioned her as his arms enveloped her.

After a long while, his chest shook with laughter. She looked up at him in question. He had a sad smile.

“That was a tough situation you got yourself out of.”

She leaned back on the couch and tried to smile. “I took self-defense classes shortly after I left Nick, and I started depending on the Lord more than I ever had. I put my energy into my clients, people who were going through the same types of problems I had. It made me a better social worker.”

Alex turned his head to face her as she talked. “That explains why you’re so devoted to your job, and have empathy for people like the Harris family. All of them, not just the victims.”

She smiled at his understanding, hoping it would fan the flames of his faith even more as it had done for hers, over a year ago. “It’s amazing how God can turn something like that into good. We just don’t know until we get there.”

“Yeah, I never would have thought I could care about someone the way I did with Sharon. But here I am with you.”

Liz beamed and brushed away the tears on her face as she brought her lips to his. His strong embrace made her feel safe for the first time in a very long while. Relief washed through her as she was finally able to let go of what she held so tightly.

When he released her, she remembered some news she wanted to share with him. “I filled out the paperwork for that promotion today.”

He sat up, lifting his arms up, his hands balled into fists. “Yes!”

“You act more excited about it than I am.”

“I can’t always be on cases with you or keep watching your back all the time, and I haven’t done that great of a job of it up to now.”

She leaned into him and put her hand on his arm. “You’ve always been there when I’ve needed you.”

Alex narrowed his eyes. “The supervisor position would be better pay and keep you off the streets.”

“But I’d miss the client contact and don’t know if I want to manage people.”

“I think you’d be great at it. You’re a good communicator.”

Liz smiled. “Thanks, but the other job would be outside the city, so it would be safer too.”

“But you’d be out of my district.”

When he emphasized “my” Liz understood his biasness.

They were both quiet, thinking until Alex finally broke the silence. “It doesn’t seem like we can come to a definite conclusion. Maybe we should pray about it.”

A warm sense of calm covered Liz. His suggestion and devotion to turn it over to God and not their own understanding, thrilled her. She decided to take a step out and asked, “You’ve really come a long way with your faith. Can I pray for you too, Alex?”

He nodded. “I think we both need some Godly wisdom in our lives.” He slowly smiled and then opened them up in prayer.

“Amen,” Liz responded after they finished praying.

Suddenly the day caught up with Liz and exhaustion washed over her. “I’m so tired. I’ve got to go.”

“It is almost midnight.” He touched his fingers to her chin and moved her face toward him. “And you do look tired.” His eyes circled her face as if memorizing it. Then he released his fingers. “I’ll walk you to your car.”

They walked down the hall and stepped into the elevator. As the doors slowly eased shut, Liz leaned her head back against the shiny metal elevator wall. He moved closer. “You have the most beautiful eyes.”

She echoed the words in her mind. It had been a long time since someone had given her such a compliment. She closed her eyes and waited, anticipating. His mouth took hers as he stroked his hand over her hair, a habit of his she had grown to like. Alex cradled her face in his hands and held his lips to hers until the elevator came to a stop. He pulled back, taking her hand as they walked out into the bitter winter air.

Chapter Twenty-Three

As Liz left the office the next day Margie waved a hand to stop her. She stood at her desk punching numbers on her phone with irritation. “Alex’s been trying to get a hold of you. Is your cell phone working?”

She looked down at the phone and unclipped it from her purse. “Nope. It needs to be charged. What does he want?”

“You have a date with him tonight at the Astarel restaurant in LoDo. He left directions so you could meet him there. He’s going straight from work.”

Liz dropped her briefcase to take the directions from Margie and stared at them, thinking he must be mistaken. No definite plans had been made, at least as far as she knew.

“I don’t know what he’s talking about, Margie,” she responded, irritated he’d made the plans without checking with her first.

Her arm was fully extended, handing Liz the phone with a huge grin on her face. “Then you should call him.”

Liz took the phone and tried to call, but only reached his voicemail and left a message. “I guess I’ll have to go to the restaurant.”

Margie sat down and cleared her throat. “Liz, I know you and Alex are spending a lot of time together, but you’re still going to come over this weekend, right?”

“Margie, a lot has happened since I made that commitment. I never wanted to. I only agreed because you kept asking me. I can’t do that to Alex, not now.”

Margie shook her head. “Alex is a grown man, he’ll understand.”

“He probably would, but I’d rather not have to deal with it at this point.”

“I’ll see what I can do, but he’s very interested in meeting you.”

Liz started for the door, feeling an urgency to end the conversation. “I’m sure you’ll figure something out. We’ll talk later.” Liz groaned as she walked out.

She had hoped that whole thing would go away, but it obviously hadn’t for Margie. Unless she could think of something, she was going to have to keep her promise and go through with it.

She drove to the lower downtown Denver area referred to as LoDo. The trendiest part of the city was dotted with restaurants, dance clubs and expensive lofts, and the new baseball stadium had recently been built in the area. It was the yuppies haven, unfitting for her and Alex.

She found a parking spot and took a couple of minutes to freshen her makeup and run a comb through her hair before going to the restaurant. She pulled her long wool coat around her to ward off the cold and walked quickly through the dimly lit streets.

Alex met her at the door, looking great in a suit jacket and khaki pants. His affable but hesitant smile showed his apprehension, as he offered her his arm.

“I’m sorry, Liz. There was some confusion with our reservation. We won’t have a table for about an hour.”

She felt the knot in her stomach tighten as she looked around the place. She was underdressed, under manicured and didn’t have a single piece of jewelry on, let alone the diamonds that were flashing around that room. Alex politely took her coat, being chivalrous as always.

“What’s this all about?”

He grinned. “I’m taking you out on a date, a real date.”

She didn’t want to wait an hour, and this place was more than she was comfortable with. It took awhile for her eyes to adjust to the dark, due to the soft overhead lighting throughout the place. The restaurant held a cozy shade of oak woodworking. Puddles of light here and there glistened off the spotless tables. The mirror behind the bar reflected light off bottles and showed silhouettes of customers.

The host looked her up and down and handed her back her coat, explaining there was a dress code. Alex started to step in, but she stopped him, relieved to have an excuse to get out of there.

“I’m sorry, Liz. I wanted to surprise you, but I hadn’t thought about all the rules.”

“Don’t worry about it. It was very thoughtful of you.”

A couple behind them was staring at her. She looked around the room and felt as though everyone’s eyes were on her, and she walked out the door. She had her share of fancy places similar to these with Nick and wasn’t impressed. This definitely was not her type of restaurant.

“You know, I have the perfect place we can go, just on the other side of the tracks, so to speak,” Liz said and headed down the sidewalk.

Alex followed after her. There were quite a few people milling around considering it wasn’t a weekend. They walked past them, then he began to apologize again.

“I don’t know why I picked that place. It’s one of the newest places in LoDo. It’s had good reviews, and I just wanted to take you some place special.”

She didn’t care about going to the most popular restaurants in town. She preferred places that were familiar and frequented enough to know some of the regulars. “Don’t worry. There are plenty of other restaurants, ones that don’t have dress codes.”

He took a deep breath and blew out a white cloud. “I tried to call and give you a heads-up but couldn’t get you. Did you forget to charge your cell phone again?”

“Yes, I’m sorry. I know how frustrating that is. But I appreciate the thought, Alex. I’m actually glad we didn’t get in.”

He turned to her with a furrowed brow. “Why?”

“Because we wouldn’t have seen this.” She pointed to the little town square.

He took her mittened hand in his as they walked down the snowy sidewalks. The Christmas lights flashed red from the twinkling strands still wrapped around the trees lining the street.

They passed by the square that encompassed a small ice skating rink. Couples skated hand in hand, and children whizzed by racing one another. Benches surrounded the perimeter where spectators sipped hot chocolate. A large Christmas tree, decorated with silver and gold bulbs and tinsel, stood at the far end of the rink.

She remembered Alex’s pleasant surprise as he opened the gift she gave him. The memory brought up an unexpected reminder of his thoughtfulness.

Liz cleared her throat. “We had a good Christmas together didn’t we?”

He turned to her. “Yes, we did. What made you say that?”

“All the lights, ice skating, and the snow.”

She reached down to a snowdrift and made a snowball. She turned toward him and threw it. Alex raised his arm to block it, ducking his head. He lowered his arm and caught it. Liz yelped, knowing he was now armed, and she wasn’t. She turned and ran down the street.

“Oh, you’re asking for it now.” He reached for more snow and pounded it together, making a huge snowball. Raising his knee like a pitcher, he threw it at Liz as she rounded the corner, behind a coffee shop.

She stopped to wait for him and caught her breath. He slowly peeked his head around the corner and Liz threw her arms around him and planted a kiss on his surprised lips.

He slid his arms around her waist and held her tight. “I guess we couldn’t have done that at the Astarel.”

“No, this is much more fun,” she said as she pulled off her mittens and stuck her cold hands up the back of his sweater to warm them.

He arched his back and pulled her hands off his skin and brought them around to rest against his chest. “I don’t think I can take you anywhere tonight.”

“At the place I have in mind, you could probably have a snowball fight inside the restaurant. We’re almost there.”

They walked to a hole-in-the-wall hamburger joint she frequented with Brenda. The place was a dive, but the burgers were good. The sign was dull and lifeless and just said “Moe’s.” The closed sign had not been turned over, but customers were sprinkled throughout the restaurant. They were not too inviting a crowd but they were enjoying the food.

He looked the place up and down and shrugged. “It looks good to me.”

They sat down in a dingy red booth with a dirty table. Alex’s hand stuck to it as he slid himself in to sit down. “That wouldn’t have happened at the Astarel either.”

Liz laughed as the waitress sauntered over. She wore low-rise jeans, a purple tube top and hoop earrings so long they hung down to her shoulders.

“Are you ready to order?” She blew a bubble and sucked it into her mouth to pop it.

Liz ordered for them and studied Alex as he took in the atmosphere.

“I’ve never noticed this place before. Have you eaten here?”

“Yeah, a few times with Brenda.” She screwed her lips to one side. “I’m sorry I ruined your plans for tonight.”

“Actually this is more fun. I just got the impulse to take you someplace nice.”

“I appreciate it, Alex, but you don’t have to. I’ve been to the fancy places, and I actually feel more comfortable somewhere like this.”

He didn’t have a chance to answer because the waitress brought their food. He mumbled his approval of the burger through a full mouth.

Liz squirted ketchup liberally over their large order of fries. He watched with a dropped jaw and smiling eyes in disbelief. Then she became aware that she wasn’t eating with Brenda.

“Sorry, I guess it’s a habit.”

“Just how I like ‘em,” he said, digging into his burger. “Too bad this place isn’t on my beat.”

As much as he was enjoying it, she knew it would become their own Astarel.

When they finished, Alex walked her to her car. She was grateful because she sometimes still felt as though someone was watching her. She had avoided making any home visits to the Bowies just for that reason. But then again, she could just be paranoid.

He stepped closer and took her hand, leading Liz to her car. “Do you realize we’ve seen each other almost every day?”

Liz had been thinking the same thing and thought it sweet he had noticed too.

“These last couple of weeks have gone by fast.”

He moved in closer to her, placing one hand against the car as he leaned into her, stopping just short of their lips touching.

She put her arms around his neck and drew him into her. His kiss was more passionate than before, pressing harder as his lips searched hers. She reached up and ran her fingers through his dark, thick locks. His curly hair felt as sleek and thick as she’d always imagined.

What she never imagined was to be spending every day with Alex Demas.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Liz stood in her closet looking blankly at the clothes that hung there. She really didn’t want to spend the evening on a blind date, even more so now that things had changed with Alex. Alex was comfortable, like an old pair of jeans. She didn’t have to wear him in or wonder if he was the right fit.

But she’d gotten herself into this mess, and she’d have to stick it out. She had to believe Margie when she told Liz she’d tried to cancel, but this guy had gone to great lengths to meet her so the date was still on. It was only one evening, she told herself. She would be cordial and hospitable but no more. She owed Margie that much. Then she would call it an early night.

Liz decided it would be better to dress down rather than up. She didn’t want to look as if she were trying to impress him, which she wasn’t. She put on some jeans and a sweater and short-heeled black boots.

As she put on her makeup, she put on a little extra eyeliner, to help bring out the deep brown color of her eyes. She curled the ends and layers of her hair and let it fall down her back. She checked herself in the mirror. Not too much or too little, just right.

As she drove to Margie’s, the snow started to fall, big flakes that accumulated quickly and started to impair her vision. She crept down the hill to Margie’s home, slowing to park behind another car. She pushed on the brakes to stop and started to slide.

She pumped the brakes and tried not to panic. Her Honda slid closer to a BMW. She pushed so hard on the brake she sat up in her seat and gritted her teeth but the car continued to slide. The BMW jolted forward. Her car inched up and rested on its bumper.

Liz squeezed the steering wheel as she tried to settle her nerves. This was not starting out well. She pulled herself together, walked up to Margie’s and rang the bell. She heard someone shout and a dog bark. A tall young man, much resembling Margie with a round face and dark hair, opened the door and said hello.

“You must be one of Margie’s boys.”

“Yeah, I’m Jeff.” His long, uncombed hair fell down over his eyes. He pulled back on the dog’s collar and opened the door wider to let her in.

She stepped through the entry. “Do you know whose car that is out front?”

“Yeah, that’s Ken’s.”

“Who’s Ken?”

“Uh, if you’re Liz, he’s your date.” The dog pulled Jeff into the hallway as Margie walked into the room.

It would have been so much better if it had been a neighbor’s car. Ken came walking in the doorway. At over six feet tall with blue eyes, Ken was every bit of the picture Margie had showed her, and more. His stare mesmerized her as she stood in the doorway taking him all in.

Margie walked over to Liz and gave her a hug. “Come over and meet him.”

As he crossed over to them, a confident smile appeared across his tan face. “You must be Liz. I’m Ken. It’s nice to meet you.”

She sighed. “I don’t know if you’ll still feel that way after I tell you this.” Did she have to tell him? Maybe they could just go out and find the cars at the end of the night and ponder as to how they got that way.

“I hit your car.” Liz waited to hear a scream or see him running for the door. Instead he looked at her with concern.

“Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, but I feel awful about hitting your car.”

“Please don’t. Cars can easily be fixed, people can’t. Are you sure you’re all right?”

Liz nodded in disbelief. His response wasn’t natural.

Margie beamed as she rocked back on her heels with her arms behind her back. She stood there like a proud mother. “You are so sweet, Ken. Most men would be a nervous wreck if someone hit their car, especially a nice one like yours.”

Liz knew Margie was just trying to make a point, but she wasn’t making Liz feel any better, and gave Margie a look to tell her so.

“You two come in and sit down. Three of the four boys are out tonight, and Brian called to say he’s caught up in traffic due to the snow. So make yourselves comfortable, it might take him a little while. I’ll bring in some refreshments.” She scurried off into the kitchen.

Liz sat down in a rocking chair to make sure she could keep her space, and he sat on the couch next to her.

Margie’s home was just as she’d imagined. Old furniture filled each room. The house was heavily used, as one would expect with four boys. The rooms were small but very comfortable and accessible.

“I am so sorry about your car. I’ll pay for any damages.” She started to rock, enjoying the swaying comfort it brought.

Ken shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, really. Margie tells me you’re a social worker.”

“Yes, and you’re in med school?”

He leaned forward on the edge of the couch with his elbows on his knees, very attentive. “One more year as an intern. Do you enjoy your work, Liz?”

A guy that doesn’t like to talk about himself, that was a plus. “Yes, it’s very rewarding. Although I do find myself getting attached to some of the clients, which can be difficult at times if they don’t turn things around.”

Ken’s brows drew together with concentration. “I’ve wondered about that, especially for a person like you with such compassion for the job. Margie has said some great things about you.”

“Really?” Liz wondered what stories Margie had passed on but didn’t want to linger on the subject of her. “What do you plan on specializing in?”

“Cardiology, surgeon.” He answered without even batting an eye, sounding almost programmed.

“What inspired you to go into medicine?”

“My father is a board certified surgeon and Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Dartmouth Medical School. I guess you could say it was inevitable,” he said politely.

He continued to ask more questions. By the time Margie called everyone into dinner, he had grilled her about everything she could possibly think of. And still she didn’t feel the connection she felt with Alex.

“I might be out of line giving you my opinion about this, but I think it’s wise of you to consider that promotion. It sounds as if you have been put into some hazardous situations that are above the expectations of your job.”

The look of concern he gave was all too real and made her feel that the flukes she had gone through were even worse than she had made them out to be. “I’ll pursue it more Monday morning.”

Brian walked in covered with snow. “Sorry I’m late. There’s a storm brewing out there.” He was a large man with a gruff face to match his voice. He sported a mustache and long sideburns that matched his thinning dark hair.

“You’re just in time, honey.” Margie helped him with his coat and boots and then went back into the kitchen.

Liz followed her. “What an incredible listener.”

Margie eyed Liz. “Was I right, or was I right?” She beamed and handed her the bread to take to the table.

Ken walked in shortly after Liz. “Do you need any assistance in the kitchen, Margie?”

She patted him on the cheek. “No, thank you. Just come in and sit down.”

Liz followed him into the dining room. Ken and Liz sat next to each other, and Margie sat across from Ken. It was a large table that sat six and was a bit lonely with just the four of them.

Brian sat down across from Liz rubbing his hands together from the cold. Margie said grace and started passing the food around the table. Then she yelled at her son to come and eat.

Jeff walked in wearing gym shorts and a T-shirt with tube socks.

Liz was intrigued by his choice of clothes. “Aren’t you a little cold?”

“Nah, I just got done lifting.” He grabbed the basket of rolls and threw three on his plate.

“Company first.” Margie slapped his hand and put one of them back in the basket. “This is my own recipe of chicken and dumplings. I hope you all like them.” She beamed as she passed the dish to Ken.

“Everything looks delicious, Margie. You know what they say, presentation is everything.” He smiled politely at her and helped himself to the dumplings.

Brian gave him a look of wonder and dug into the mashed potatoes. “Pass the dumplings will you, Liz?” Brian was obviously hungry and not one for small talk.

As Liz reached for the dumplings she hit Ken’s glass. It came falling down onto his plate, soaking the dumplings and seeping into the chicken. The mix of water, dumplings and chicken dripped into his lap.

Ken stood up, wiping himself off. Margie gasped, and Brian kept eating. Liz flew up and started to help wipe him off then realized where she was wiping and stopped in embarrassment.

“I’m so sorry.” She expected to see a politely frustrated face. He wasn’t frustrated at all. He was laughing.

“It’s okay, really,” he chuckled.

Liz looked up in dismay. “You have a very good sense of humor.”

Margie sat staring in anticipation. She hurried into the kitchen for a new plate and a towel.

Ken took both Liz’s arms in his hands. “There’s never a dull moment with you, is there, Liz?”

“I have to admit that’s not the first time I’ve heard that.” She felt a bit of remorse, remembering how many times Alex had said that to her over the years. What was she doing here? This guy was nice and polite, but he wasn’t Alex.

They all got situated again and began to eat. Jeff enjoyed the whole scene and had finally quit laughing enough to speak. “That was hilarious.” He belted another belly laugh showing a wad of bread stuck in his cheek. Liz chuckled with him.

“Brian, how was work today?” Ken moved the new plate in front of him.

“I didn’t plan on working so late, but there was just one thing after another.”

“I know how that goes.” Ken began to fill his plate again.

“So did you two have some time to get to know each other before dinner?” Margie stuck a big chunk of chicken in her mouth.

“Yes, I’ve gotten to know quite a lot about Liz.” He looked over at her and patted her hand, making Liz cringe.

They finished their meal with courteous conversation. Ken was everything a girl could want. But Liz wasn’t every girl. She missed Alex.

They turned on the Weather Channel. The storm was getting worse, so she decided it was a good reason to call it an early night. She hoped she’d make it home safely. But Denver weather changed by the minute so there was no need to worry just yet.

“May I drive you home?” Ken helped her put on her coat.

“Oh no, that’s nice of you, but I’ve grown up driving in snow, I’ll be fine.”

He looked at her in surprise.

“Oh, I guess you wouldn’t think so after hitting your car, but I can drive myself home.” She really didn’t want him to drive her home.

“All right, I’ll warm your car for you then.” He got his coat, and they thanked Margie and Brian for the evening. Margie beamed at Liz and mouthed the words “call me” and winked.

He took her forearm and helped her to his car.

“Don’t you want to look at your bumper to see if there’s any damage?”

He shook his head and opened her door. But she couldn’t stand it. “I’m sorry I have to look. It’s driving me crazy.”

He watched her walk to the back of his car and inspect the bumper. She gave him an apologetic stare. “There’s a scratch. I’m so sorry.”

He shook his head again, smiling he helped her into his car. “It’ll still get me where I need to go.”

She felt a tinge of irritation. Was this guy for real? “What does get you upset?”

He put the keys in the ignition and turned to her, smiling. “Hmm, I can’t think of anything right off the top of my head.”

“Oh, come on. Finals, war, poverty, bad drivers?”

He chuckled. “I guess I’m in too good of a mood to think of anything. Sorry to disappoint you.”

As they sat letting the car heat up, he asked her about the interviewing process and when she would find out about the new job. “I’d like to know how things work out. Will you let me know?”

Incredible, he seemed to care more than she did about getting the job. “Yeah, sure.”

“Liz?”

She snapped out of her gaze and became aware of how bad she was staring. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a guy quite like you.”

He opened the door and she slid over to the driver’s side. “I enjoyed getting to know you this evening, Liz. Would it be all right if I called you?”

She looked at him in surprise. “Are you sure you want to do that?”

“Yes.”

She gave him a confused eyebrow lift.

He didn’t question her response but looked up at the sky as if he were waiting for an answer or asking for strength. “Would you like to go out some time?”

She looked at him in surprise, wondering what his motivation was. Couldn’t he see how incompatible they were? “Ken, I’m going to be honest.”

He frowned and jerked his head back.

“You’re one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. But we’re very different. I hope you understand.”

Ken scraped his shoes on the hard frozen snow that lay at his feet. “I appreciate your honesty, Liz.”

“You’re going to be a great doctor some day and find a great lady to share that with.”

He nodded with a tentative smile. “Good night, Liz.”

****

Monte greeted Liz, rushing past her to explore the outdoors. She shut the door behind him and checked the messages on the machine.

The first message was from her mother. “Hi, honey, just wanted to talk with you about Alex and your interviews.”

The next was from Brenda. “Hey, can’t wait to hear about your date. Call me, no matter how late you get in.”

The third message was Alex. “Thought I’d stop by if you were home, but guess I’ll catch the game with Jake instead. Call me.”

Michael called too. “I caught an early flight. I still need you to take over for me while I’m gone, just bump up the dates by a day. Margie has my new itinerary, call if you need me. Oh, and by the way, that was a very interesting exit you made from the coffee shop, but I’m staying out of it. Promise, not a word.”

It was too late to call anyone, and she wasn’t ready to explain her strange evening to anyone yet anyway, so she went to bed. She tossed and turned for a while, thinking about what she needed to do and say to fix everything. The only problem was she didn’t know any of the answers.

Chapter Twenty-Five

The alarm went off too early. She hit the snooze, but the noise persisted. Finally recognizing the ring of her cell phone, she felt for the phone and answered. “Hello.”

“Liz, are you awake?”

“No.”

“It’s Alex.”

Guilt suddenly poured over her. She sprang up remembering the messages on the answering machine last night. She didn’t want to return the phone calls then, and still didn’t.

She heard a beep on her phone and checked the id. “Hold on, Brenda’s calling in.” She shouldn’t have done that, but maybe it would work as a diversion to the fact that she hadn’t recognized his voice right away.

“Liz, why didn’t you call me?”

“I’ve got to talk to you today, Brenda. When and where?”

“Noon at the Wynkoop.”

“Okay, bye.” She clicked the flash button. “Alex?”

He hesitated. “What’s going on?”

“Can you meet me after work?”

“Well...yeah. Are you okay?”

“No...yeah. Just come over tonight.”

“Liz. Slow down and take a deep breath.”

She inhaled, exhaled and opened her eyes wide. The tenseness in her shoulders slowly slid down her back. She lay down in bed and wished she didn’t have to ever get out of it again.

****

The morning didn’t get any better. She received a call to interview for the supervisory job and for a position in another district. There were pros and cons to both, and when she was in a better frame of mind, she’d figure out which one she wanted to go for.

She sat staring into space wishing they weren’t both on the same day and that her life was simple like it used to be. She remembered why she had given up on guys. The games, the hurt feelings, the expectations. If it weren’t for the loneliness, someone to laugh at your stupid jokes, someone to cry to, take you out for a candlelit dinner, and someone to hold you and share your faith, they wouldn’t be worth a dime.

****

Liz got to the restaurant early and had too much time to think. Thinking is good when you have good things to reflect on . She used the time to think about her faith, work, Brenda and her family.

She took the liberty of ordering for Brenda. Being regulars, Liz knew what she liked—a patty melt with everything on it and a diet Coke. She ordered the same for herself.

Liz noticed a couple at the table next to her. Their hands were intertwined and they were looking into each other’s eyes. He was saying something to the woman, and she was smiling. They made love look so easy.

Brenda came in and sat down puffing. “Sorry, I got caught up at work. The baby business is booming. We’ve had three deliveries already this morning.” She sat down hard on her seat and took a drink of Liz’s water.

Brenda looked at Liz sideways, narrowing her eyes. She laid her purse down slowly on the chair next to her. “Can I join your pity party, or are you having too much fun by yourself?”

Liz stuck a straw in her tea and started stabbing ice cubes. She had her hair in full twirl with the other hand.

Brenda sat back watching the sinking ice. “What happened?”

Liz filled her in on the latest and waited for Brenda to give her all the answers. Brenda was brutally honest, and she knew Liz so well that she was usually right. The food came, and they ate a little and talked a lot.

“Do you really want me to tell you what I think?” Brenda scooted closer and then laced her fingers together, setting her hands on the table in front of her.

“I’m afraid so.” Liz leaned her chin in the palm of her hand, elbow on the table, still twirling her hair, and waited.

“First of all, you don’t need to feel so bad about Ken.”

Liz sat up straighter in her chair, puzzled.

“He sounds like a great guy, and even though I’ve never met him, he doesn’t sound like your type at all. No offense, but it seems like he’s out looking for a wife that will complete his perfect world.”

“Then why would he pursue me? I’m not the trophy wife type.”

Brenda grinned. “No, you’re not.”

Liz snapped her head up. “I think that was a compliment.”

Brenda nodded and kept smiling. “Most definitely.”

Liz stared at the table digesting what Brenda said. It was a totally different angle than she had taken, but it made sense. “Are you sure you’re not just trying to make me feel better?”

Brenda shook her head. “Don’t blame yourself for everything. I don’t think he was as flawless as you thought he was.” She took a breath and picked at her fingernail. “Now, do you want to switch districts or positions?”

“Switching districts won’t get me off the streets, and the promotion is a bigger salary, but I’d miss the client contact.”

“The fact that you will still get to see Alex on the job wouldn’t have anything to do with you wanting to stay in the district, would it?”

Liz held out a finger to stop her from moving ahead. Brenda was on fire today. “That might have something to do with it.” Sometimes she knew Liz too well. “But I’m not positive which position I really want.”

The corners of her lips curled. “That’s not to say that you still won’t find trouble even if you’re off the streets.”

Liz snorted. “Thanks for the encouragement.” She leaned in closer to Brenda and switched gears. “Now Alex.”

Brenda sat back and grinned, folding her arms on the table. “Can’t help you with him.”

“You can’t stop now. Brenda, he’s the most important part of all this.”

She smiled genuinely. “No, God is, and I’m worried that you’ve lost that with everything you’ve had going on. And as far as Alex goes, you’ve got to figure him out on your own. You’re too worried about getting hurt, and I think he’s too confused to know what to do with you.”

Liz felt like a boulder hit her. She may have been waiting, but she was alone without asking Christ what was supposed to happen in her life. That was so like her to take over, mess everything up and then ask for God to bail her out. She should be listening for that still small voice from Him.

“He’s a very forgiving God, and you’re a very good friend.” Liz scrunched up her nose at her.

Brenda laughed. “Yes, we are.”

Liz looked at her with narrowed eyes. “You know, after this all gets sorted out, you’re next.”

Brenda shook her head.

“It always happens that way. My life is a mess, and then yours is. So just be prepared.”

Brenda sat forward, defending herself. “My mess is never as bad as your mess.”

They continued their banter until Brenda got a page.

“Baby calls. Let me know what happens.” She grabbed her purse and waved.

Liz touched her hand. “Brenda, thanks.”

Brenda smiled thoughtfully. “You’re welcome, friend.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

As she drove home from work, Liz thought of a dozen different ways she could tell Alex about Ken. It was just a matter of how honest she wanted to be. And with her overacting conscience, she would have to tell him everything. She hoped he would understand. He knew how Margie was, and their relationship hadn’t really started to blossom until recently.

Alex showed up an hour later looking handsome as usual, which didn’t make things any easier. Faded jeans and a sweatshirt was all he needed. He was a bit standoffish, which made it hard to bring up the subject. It was as if he already knew.

Liz had cooked spaghetti, with a lettuce salad and French bread. They ate most of their meal in silence. When he didn’t eat seconds, she knew she was in trouble. Panic began to creep in so she opted for more conversation.

They talked about the Harris case and other work-related issues. That in and of itself made it obvious things were touch and go. They finished their meal and Alex went into the family room to make a fire.

Liz stood in the doorway studying him. He poked the fire, moving the logs and adding more kindling, then moved to sit on the hearth, watching the flames. Alex averted his eyes as she walked in. He stood and took a log from the basket and placed it on top of the others.

She frowned as the embers of irritation began to stir. Things were boiling below the surface, and she was tired of the tension. He was obviously upset but hadn’t said a word as to why.

She moved closer. “The fire is nice and big.”

“It needs another log.” He leaned forward and opened the iron curtains to the fireplace.

Liz grabbed the other end of the log. “I don’t think it does.”

“I want a bigger fire.” He pulled back.

“You’ll smother it.” Liz pulled, but he held strong.

She fell forward, placing her face in front of his. “What’s wrong with you?” she barked.

He held fast to his end of the log. She held even harder on her end.

“Where were you last night? I was worried about you.” His brow furrowed, and his lips were tight.

Great, he was worried, and she was out with another guy. “I went out to eat.”

He slowly turned his head, his eyes steady and hard. “Alone?”

She shook her head and lowered her eyes. Thinking back to his loss of Sharon to another guy, Liz suddenly comprehended how big this could be for him, even though it was totally innocent. “I was over at Margie’s. There was a guy there she wanted me to meet.”

He nodded without looking at her.

“I’m sorry.” Liz let go of the log.

Alex held it in his hand for a second, looked at her and put it back in the basket.

She frowned at him and watched the log shifting into place with the others. “I thought you wanted it on the fire.”

He snorted and smiled sarcastically. “This isn’t about the log. And it isn’t about your date last night. It’s about your inability to commit to a relationship. Our relationship.” Alex pursed his lips and stared back at the fire. “I need to go.”

Her mind pinged at the truth in his words. “Just like that, you’re going to leave?”

He looked down into her eyes, piercing her with his. He let out a deep breath. “I don’t know if I have the right to be upset, but I am. And I’ve got a nasty temper, so I should go.”

He walked over and picked up his jacket. She took a step closer to him and placed her hand on his chest. His muscles tightened beneath her palm.

“Alex, I went out of obligation. I didn’t want to. You know how Margie is. I tried to get out of it but...”

He took a step back. “I asked you the other night about us, and you answered with a kiss. Maybe I should have taken your silence as a no.” He raked his hand through his hair as a muscle twitched in his jaw.

“I know this might bring up old wounds for you, but I’m not going anywhere. I’m sorry, Alex.” She shook her head in disgust.

His brows drew together in question.

“I did it again. I’m always saying I’m sorry. Last night I said I’m sorry about a dozen times.” She leaned over to look at him and kept rambling.

“And I’m not exaggerating. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so uncomfortable. Have you ever been around someone that doesn’t get your jokes, or you don’t wear the right clothes, or make enough money?”

“Liz.”

She stopped. “Yes?”

He sat down and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs. He took a deep breath and exhaled. She sat next to him, folding her hands on her lap and waited.

“I’ve wanted to be with you from the first time we met.” He took another deep breath, sat up, and continued. “And I’ve never tried so hard to do everything right in a relationship before. I was always worried I would screw things up. I told myself I wouldn’t make any of the mistakes I’d made in the past. I’d be thoughtful and considerate and put the relationship first. Those were all the things my past girlfriends had complained about, anyway. But this time I wanted it to be different.”

He hadn’t looked at her during his confession until now. The depth of his blue eyes was stunning, and the sparkle that she had only seen in times of danger was blazing.

“I know you’re still healing from that guy you went out with. But how long will it take before you’re ready to try again? And you had questions about me, but haven’t I proven myself to you?”

Blood pumped through her veins as heat rose to her cheeks. He’d had so many emotions about her and never let on. Little did he know she had always felt the same about him, but because she never told him, it had come to this.

She felt a mix of elation hearing how he felt about her, and anger thinking of the wasted time not letting on to how they really felt about each other. She understood it was God’s timing, not hers. Still feeling as if she didn’t have the words needed to explain herself, she sought out a sense of peace. She knew at that very minute she could trust in Him if she would just have the faith.

Alex stood and walked to the door.

Her throat swelled, and her eyes teared up. She swallowed them and looked up at him.

He turned, capturing her with his eyes, his stance firm. “ I didn’t screw things up.”

Without another word he walked out the door.

Her mind screamed at her to get up and run after him. To chase him down and make him stop, to listen.

But her body wouldn’t move.

So she sat quietly, straining to hear anything she could of him.

She heard the crunch of his boots on the frozen snow, the slam of his door, the engine of his truck, until it faded and then...only silence.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The thought of calling in sick to work was tempting. Liz hadn’t gotten more than a couple of hours’ sleep and couldn’t think about anything other than the words Alex said to her. She lay in the warm sheets, buried under the goose-down comforter. She knew she couldn’t stay home, but liked to entertain the thought. At the very least it kept her in bed another five minutes. She had her interviews and also wanted to check in on Scotty.

She moved like a snail but didn’t expect anything more of herself. Liz did her morning ritual and hugged her kitty on the way out.

“It might be just you and me, Monte.”

He pulled away from her and ran over to his food. She seemed to have that effect on the males in her life lately.

At the office, Liz sat at the edge of her chair, holding up her face in the palm her hand, and in a full hair-twirl. She had to talk to Margie. She started down the hall, noticing a flashing and buzzing florescent light. It made her eye start to twitch as she passed underneath.

Liz rubbed her eyes as she entered Margie’s office and sat down on the same blue cushioned chair that she had sat in a hundred times. But today it was even more uncomfortable than usual. Margie looked at her and fought off a smile.

Liz touched her twitching eye. It stopped and then the pulsation began again.

Margie snickered. “You look terrible. Did you have a bad night?”

“Yes, I tossed and turned.” Liz shut her eyes for a moment. “Margie, I’m sorry about Ken, but it just wasn’t a good fit.”

Margie nodded. “I know. I’m disappointed, but I understand. I’m just glad you showed up. I know you didn’t want to come over, and I was on pins and needles until I saw you walk through the door.”

“No, I didn’t want to come, and I really think I may have blown it with Alex.”

She didn’t want to make Margie feel responsible, but she didn’t want to ever be put in that position again. Liz also knew it was because of unresolved issues Alex had from his past that their words were so heated.

Margie sighed. “Does it have anything to do with being at my house with Ken?”

“Sort of. It’s complicated. I only got a couple hours of sleep last night thinking about everything.”

“Oh, Liz, I’m so sorry.” Margie tilted her head and furrowed her brow, scrutinizing Liz from head to toe. “You really want things to work out with Alex, don’t you?”

Liz nodded and gave her a sheepish grin.

Margie leaned forward and looked at the pencil she held in her hand, twirling it as she spoke. “I know how you feel. I almost lost Brian once.”

“Really, what happened?”

“I couldn’t make myself believe that I could make that kind of commitment. Afraid I’d get hurt or hurt him.” Margie looked up from her pencil and gave Liz a comforting smile. “But you can.”

“I know that now. But it may be too late.”

Liz sat back in her chair, and they caught up on work stuff and life in general. Margie coached her a little for her interview until it was time for her to go. She called Brenda for moral support, and left Alex a message to call, even though she didn’t expect to hear from him.

She checked her suit jacket and pants for wrinkles, applied more makeup to cover up the dark bags under her eyes, then drove to the first interview. It went well considering her condition. She drove back to the office and went upstairs for the second interview.

She was sitting in the lobby waiting when her phone rang. She answered, expecting it to be Brenda. “You were right.”

There was a pause. “I usually am.”

Her heart quivered as she took in a breath. “Alex?”

“How did your first interview go?”

“Good, I think, considering I’m doing it in my sleep.”

He ignored the comment. “I wanted to tell you good luck.”

“Thanks. Can I ask for a prayer too?”

“Yeah, sure,” he responded and then went silent.

“Will I talk to you later?” she asked hopefully.

“Let me know what you find out after your interviews.”

They disconnected. Liz couldn’t tell where he was emotionally over the phone and wished she could see him. She wondered what she could say to fix their relationship. Not that it was there to have anymore. He seemed so distant.

She called home to touch base with her parents.

“How’s Alex?” Her mother didn’t waste any time.

“Things are sort of up in the air at the moment.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Liz heard the disappointment in her voice. “Is there something more that’s bothering you?”

Liz never went into great detail with her mother to save her the anxiety, but this time she wanted her mother’s advice and let it all out. She went through the entire list of angry perpetrators, blind dates and interviews. Liz felt completely sorry for herself after regurgitating her pathetic life to her mother, yet waited for more sympathy.

Dotty quietly listened through the whole saga. “You know, honey, you’ve had tribulation in your life.”

“That makes me feel worse, Mother.”

“Not because of you, because of others. You have a big heart, even as a child. And you’ve always needed to be in a place where you could help others. So you have to be with someone who understands that.”

“That definitely strikes a cord.”

In a big way, it helped explain her going back for more even after she was put in harm’s way with her job. It also made her realize why Alex had become so important to her.

Dotty’s voice lowered an octave. “Does Alex understand that about you?”

Liz didn’t even need to think about what the answer was to her question. “Yes, he does.”

“Then talk to him and work things out. You don’t have time to wait for another one like him,” her mother said in a telling voice.

Liz stifled a rebuttal to that comment, knowing her mother meant well even if she had a tactless way of saying it. “I’ll take the good with the bad in that statement.”

“You know what I mean. I haven’t heard you so happy in ages, or so sad. So, do what you need to. The Bible says don’t let the sun go down holding anger with another.”

Hearing her mother’s voice of reason helped her put the pieces together. She had to listen to what was in her heart and follow through with it, no matter what the cost.

Liz couldn’t forget the amazing words Alex shared with her the last time she was with him. She played them over and over in her mind. Talk about being honest. He lived out his own advice. They had both been guarded for so long, making it hard to share their feelings. Once Alex finally did, she lost his trust not much sooner than she’d gained it. And now she agonizingly missed him.

She called him the day after her interviews and left a message, but another day had gone by with no return call. He was hurt, and she didn’t know how to mend it.

The red light on the answering machine blinked, giving some hope that Alex had called. Sure enough, he hadn’t. Instead, the message was from Brenda. She had just turned away from the phone when it rang.

She muttered a hello but only heard a sob on the other end. Only your best friend could possibly know you by your sniffs and sobs. “Brenda? What’s wrong?”

“Can you come over?”

“Yeah, do you need anything?”

“Another Alex.”

“I’m on my way.” That gave Liz a clue as to what she needed to pick up at the store.

Brenda had been involved with what seemed like a good relationship, but Liz had seen signs that this guy might have some of the controlling tendencies that Nick had. Brenda thought she was being overly sensitive, and Liz gave her the benefit of the doubt. But maybe Liz had been right after all.

She drove to the grocery store and grabbed two pints of Haagen Dazs ice cream. When she got to her car, she noticed a piece of paper stuck inside the windshield wiper. Thinking it was just one of those annoying flyers, she grabbed it but noticed it was folded with no writing on the outside. She opened it and took in a breath, unable to release it as she read the note’s contents .

I have a name. Now I can find the place.

Liz opened the car door, threw the bags onto the passenger’s seat, quickly got in, and locked the doors. Her heart fluttered against her chest as she scanned the parking lot for any sign of someone conspicuous. She didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary and tried to think rationally.

Once again, she didn’t have a founded reason to think it was Pirelli. But even if this was a joke, it wasn’t funny anymore. Alex would want her to call him, and since it was work related she would have good reason to. She hesitated, wondering if he would take her call. But what was one more phone call after all the other unreturned ones she had made to him over the last few days?

It was too late for him to be at the station so she tried him on his cell phone. When it rang a fourth time, she knew it would transfer into his voice mail, so she hung up. This would be a good night to stay over at Brenda’s, which meant she would have to tell her everything. It was time to get it all out in the open anyway.

She made it to Brenda’s in good time and rang the doorbell two times so Brenda knew it was her. Liz walked into Brenda’s perfectly decorated art deco apartment. She was a good decorator, and it showed. Chrome and metal furnishings with vibrant colors were perfectly coordinated throughout every room.

Brenda was quite a sight. Her bloodshot eyes matched the color of her nose. She had already gotten into her comfort clothes, an old tattered sweatshirt with their sorority letters across the front and her weekend blue jeans.

Liz held up ice cream as she walked in, and Brenda instantly started to tear up.

“I’m so glad I’m making you feel better,” Liz teased.

“You already have.” She took Liz’s hand, and they sat on the couch.

She smiled playfully at Brenda. “I got your favorites.”

Brenda’s shoulders drooped, and she started sniffling again. “Chocolate chip cookie dough.” She grabbed the other pint. “And Chocolate Chocolate.”

Before Brenda had the lid off the container, Liz had returned from the kitchen with two spoons. Brenda grabbed one from her and dove into it like an addict needing her fix.

“This is just what I needed.” She flopped back onto the couch and took another huge bite.

“Okay, what happened?” Liz sat back into the love seat with the other pint and waited.

“I should have listened to you.”

Liz nodded. “About Blake?”

“I broke things off with him.” She shoveled in another spoonful of Chocolate Chocolate into her mouth.

“What happened?” Liz figured it would be an argument, not a breakup.

Brenda sat back with a sigh. “He didn’t want to be with someone who put their job before the relationship, exact words. Can you believe it?”

Liz knew she was the same way Brenda was with her job, until Alex came into the picture. And then Liz realized how much time she spent with her clients instead of others in her personal life. “I can see his point, Bren.”

Brenda jerked her head up. “What do you mean?”

“I think we both throw ourselves into our jobs to avoid relationships. I haven’t dated at all, and you date sparingly. We’d rather be involved in relationships we can control and keep at a distance. But that doesn’t mean I totally agree with Blake. You know how I felt about him.”

She shrugged. “You may have been right. I really don’t know why I’m so upset. It’s more than just Blake.” She stuck her spoon in her carton and looked at Liz. “Have you heard from Alex?”

“No.” Liz suddenly lost her appetite.

Brenda put a hand to her cheek, elbow on her thigh. “If he only knew how much you cared about him, and how little you cared about Ken.”

Liz let out a breath and stared at her ice cream. She was actually one of those who ate when she was happy, and couldn’t touch even her most favorite of foods when she was depressed. “He knows I didn’t have feelings about Ken. It just took me too long to figure out that it was the real thing between me and him.”

She hadn’t completely turned it over to God. Keeping that little piece of it had kept her from letting things work out as they should have.

Brenda put her ice cream on the coffee table and sat up. “God knows who we are supposed to be with. It’s just our pride that’s hurting.”

Feeling Brenda’s newfound strength, Liz give up her carton as well. “You’re right. So what are we going to do with ourselves?”

Brenda shrugged. “Same as we always do, I guess. Share ice cream, old movies and Saturday nights together until we’re old and gray.”

Liz sighed. “Could be worse, I guess.”

They sat in silence. Brenda stared at her carton of ice cream, and Liz sat twirling her hair.

It could be worse, but it could definitely be better.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Shoulders slumped with his head down, Alex leaned forward across the table for a bowl of pretzels. Jake sat on a yellow vinyl chair next to him and set his drink on the table. The place was a dive, but they served a good burger and catered to the cops due to the fact that the station was a block away.

Alex looked his way and almost smiled. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were following me.”

“Yeah, well lately I think you need a shadow.” Jake raised his glass. “Here’s to women. Can’t live with ‘em. And you, my friend, can’t live without ‘em, or should I say, her.”

Alex neither raised his glass nor showed any enjoyment at Jake’s repartee. Finding no amusement in his present situation, he preferred to sulk privately. After work was a good time. He could let go of the pretenses and let himself feel the pain.

Alex felt Jake quietly studying him but kept his attention on the nearest TV. He didn’t want to hear any more advice from his friend. It had been days since Alex and Liz had spoken to one another. Although Liz tried to call, Alex wouldn’t reciprocate, and try as he may, Jake couldn’t get him to budge. Alex even turned his cell phone off after hours now. Jake shrugged and turned to the TV as well.

“I wish something would happen,” Alex said, more to himself than to Jake.

Jake turned his head quickly to Alex with a perplexed look on his face. “With the game?”

Alex kept his eyes forward but answered Jake. “No, with Liz.”

Jake turned to him with enthusiasm. “Well, call her back.”

Alex shook his head. “No, I mean on the job. It’s the only time she needed me.”

“That’s not true, Alex. You were both scared, or just stubborn, so you used the situations at work to bring you together.”

Raising his brows, Alex gave a small nod. Actually, he knew it was God that had brought them together, not their jobs or even the need to have a relationship. He needed someone like Liz to remind him how great God is and that He works everything for good. That He hurts when we do, and He wants us to come to Him, not fall away and take the burden alone.

“You’re thinking of it all wrong. You’re the first guy she trusted again in how long, a year maybe?”

Alex nodded again. “I tell you too much.” Alex forced a smile and slapped his friend on the back. “Thanks, Jake.”

Jake looked at him in question. “For what?”

He paused. “Just…thanks.”

Alex got up and threw a few dollars down on the table to pay for his meal. He gave Jake a pat on the shoulder as his way of saying goodbye.

Stepping out into the cool night air, Alex slipped his jacket on and put his hands in the pockets for warmth. He blew out a white cloud into the air and looked up at the distant mountains. The night was clear, defining the peaked silhouette against the moonlit sky.

Alex felt their strength and was amazed in his Creator. His senses buzzed with his rekindling faith. He breathed in as the wind rushed past, cold but invigorating.

“When I am weak, You are strong,” he whispered to God.

He didn’t have Liz, but he had come back to his Heavenly Father.

If that was her only purpose in his life, that was enough.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

As Liz walked into work, she decided she would call Alex and ask him to come over to talk, and she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Liz was figuring out a game plan, garnering her courage when the phone rang.

“Liz, it’s John.”

“How are the boys?”

“They’re fine. But I just got a phone call, someone wanting to confirm who we are. They asked a lot of questions about us being foster parents. At first I thought it was about the license, but within a minute or two I knew better. But I’d already given them some information by then.”

“What made you think it sounded suspicious?”

“They didn’t ask about the kids, just confirmed that the boys were here and our location. They usually ask all those psychological questions about their adjustment and whatnot.”

“It might not be anything, like you said. Maybe this time it was just different than past calls, but it’s good you told me. We should treat it as though it’s something, until we know it’s nothing. Have you called the police?” Her heart hammered but she didn’t want him to sense her anxiety. She tried to mentally calm her nerves.

“No, I wanted to talk with you first.”

“They wouldn’t do anything anyway unless something actually happened. I’ll call Alex and be over as soon as I can. Have the boys packed and ready to go in case we need to move them.”

She asked John a few more questions about what information he gave. It didn’t sound like a routine call from Foster Care so Liz put in a call to check. They could still hope, but they would take all precautions. A caseworker was assigned to find another placement which would take a little time so Liz called Alex’s cell phone.

He picked up after the first ring. The sound of Alex’s voice brought immediate comfort. She had hoped the next time they talked would be under different circumstances. Hopefully that would come later.

“I just got a phone call from John.”

“What’s wrong?”

“It might be Pirelli.”

“I bet he’s still catching some heat for that money.”

“He can’t possibly think Scotty still has it.”

“Scotty would still have the cash if the Bowies hadn’t found it. And if Pirelli’s getting enough pressure, he’ll come looking for it. It’s good John was savvy enough to call.”

“I’m going over to pick up the boys and find another placement for them.”

“Okay, but don’t go in without me. I won’t get there before you do, but stay put until I do.”

She ran out to her car and drove to the Bowies’. She parked in front of their house and waited for Alex. Five minutes later, she got a call from Margie.

“Where are you?”

“Sitting in front of the Bowies’ house waiting for Alex.”

“That’s probably a good idea with your track record. Who is this Pirelli character?”

“A bad guy, Margie. And the last time I saw him, he wasn’t too happy with me.”

“Then be extra careful. I’ll talk to you when this is over.”

The house looked quiet, and she was tempted to get out and go to the door. But this guy really scared her, and if anything happened, Alex would never let her live it down.

She decided to call Brenda while she was waiting. Liz had just picked up her phone to dial when the car jolted. Liz turned to see Pirelli peering in her window, his face flushed and his eyes were narrow slits. Liz quickly turned to push down the lock but didn’t reach it in time.

He opened the door with a satisfied grin. Liz jerked away. “Stay away from me Pirelli. The cops will be here soon and you’re already in enough trouble.”

He ignored her protests and grabbed her by the arm. “Come with me.” he ordered as he pulled Liz out of the car. “You’ll make another nice bargaining chip.”

Liz regretted the inability to act on her first instinct to hit the guy where the self-defense instructors suggested but Pirelli had a vice grip on her that didn’t give her any choice but to be another one of his victims. Another part of her wanted to be there with those kids and keep them from harm anyway she could.

He pushed her toward the house and banged on the door. His squared face was scarred with bad acne and sweat dripped off his forehead even though the temperature was barely above freezing. He was tall and gangly, reminding her of the hooded figure she had seen in the parking lot. He had a firm grip on her arm, and his anger made him even stronger.

Liz heard but couldn’t turn to see the squeal of car tires coming to a stop then a car door slam.

Nancy opened the door and peered around. “Liz!”

Pirelli pushed Liz inside, slamming the door just as Alex reached the first step. Alex hit the front door as Pirelli locked it behind him.

“Pirelli!” Alex yelled, fury and frustration laced his voice.

Liz had never heard Alex out of control on a call before.

Pirelli growled a small chuckle and walked from room to room ransacking them one by one. She wished the money was still there so he could find it and this would be over.

Liz gathered the children together with John and Nancy. “Is everyone okay? How long has Pirelli been here?”

“Yes, just a little scared. He’s only been here a short time.” The boys looked at her with wide eyes as John answered for them. “He just wants his money. I’ve heard him on his cell phone. There’s someone making him very nervous.”

“Alex is here which means there will be more cops coming soon. We just need to wait him out.” Liz paused and noticed the tension in Nancy’s face, but she was being strong and held back her fear. “Nancy, I’m sorry.”

Nancy brushed away Liz’s apology with a wave of her hand. “He doesn’t seem to mean us any harm.” Nancy glanced down at the boys to see that they’d heard her for their reassurance. “He might be as scared as we are.”

John looked at the boys and then to Liz. He moved closer to her so the boys couldn’t hear. “He says he has a gun, and I’m not going to call his bluff.”

Liz didn’t want to put him to the test either. Whether he had a weapon or not, he was in a dangerous frame of mind. “Just try to stay out of sight as much as possible. I’ll try and keep Pirelli occupied.”

Pirelli paced, looking outside and making phone calls. He spoke so quickly and softly Liz couldn’t make out what he was planning.

John moved a step closer to Pirelli. “Believe me, we wouldn’t risk the safely of these boys if we had anything to give you that would get you to leave us here unharmed.” His voice cracked with anxiety.

Pirelli walked up to Scotty. He bent down and stood nose to nose with him. Scotty gave him a blank stare, trying not to act scared, but Pirelli was scaring Liz so she knew Scotty had to feel the same way.

“I’m gonna ask you one last time. Where is it?”

“We told you, Officer Demas took it,” Scotty told him in an unwavering voice.

Scotty’s glazed look was actually convincing, and Liz was impressed with his composure. She might not have done so well. Pirelli got to her in a big way. Harris and Sanders were emotional wrecks with dependencies, but Pirelli was dark and hollow inside. As if nothing he had to do would faze him, as long as he got what he came for.

Pirelli snorted. “Demas.”

He grabbed Scotty by the shirt, looking at him with those ghostly green eyes. “You’re full of it.” He yanked Scotty closer to him. “You think the cops would trade you for some coinage?”

Scotty began to falter, and he looked toward Liz.

Pirelli scoffed. “You’ve never been worth so much.”

He abruptly let go of Scotty’s shirt and walked to the window. His phone rang. He scowled when he read the caller ID but took the call.

Liz hated to think of what he was planning. She had to get Scotty some place safe.

She touched his shoulder. “Are you okay?”

He was a few inches shorter than Liz, but after the way he stood his ground with Pirelli, he looked older than his twelve years.

Scotty looked at her with confidence. “Yeah, I have God with me, remember?”

She smiled and looked over at Pirelli. Scotty watched him too.

“Go stand with John and Nancy on the other side of the room.”

Scotty nodded and went to the others who sat at the far end of the room, huddled together on the couch.

Pirelli kept his eye on them but was too preoccupied on the phone and didn’t seem to care, at least for the moment.

She slowly sat down on a small couch by the front window, opened a curtain and peered out. Another police car had joined Alex’s. The officers stood together talking and looking up at the house. Alex went to his car and stared at the house, then walked back to the other patrol car.

Pirelli noticed her interest with the goings-on outside and pushed Liz aside to see. “Where’s Demas?” His voice was raspy and low, and his eyes narrowed into slits.

She didn’t answer and didn’t look at him.

He moved in closer. “You and Demas thought you had me, didn’t you?” His mouth curled into a snake-like grin.

She got up her nerve and drilled him with a dark gaze, prepared to connect with the cold and hollowness she found in them. “It’s not over yet.” That was bold, maybe too bold.

He didn’t get angry like she feared, but got a kick out of it instead. He grunted and spit on the floor as he walked into the kitchen. The tinkling of glasses being knocked together and food thrown on a counter let her know he was distracted. She opened the curtain again and saw two cops behind their car doors, holding radios, and Alex with his cell phone.

When the phone rang, Pirelli came strutting in. His presence brought out a fear in her that she couldn’t contain, and he knew it. She could tell by the sneer and crinkle in his eyes when he looked at her.

Pirelli grabbed the phone. He grunted, then waited and mumbled Alex’s name. “Get it, and they walk. If not, I got all day.”

He paused, listening. “I got nothing to lose here. I get slammed either way.”

He listened again and then shouted angrily into the phone and cursed Alex’s name. He threw the phone over on the couch next to Liz. The negotiations were obviously not going well, which meant the cops would have to take some kind of action. She didn’t want to be consumed by fear, so she closed her eyes and prayed. She heard his footsteps but kept them closed.

“Do you think your prayers are gonna help, sosh?” He shook his head and laughed. “God doesn’t care.”

She opened her eyes and met his gaze. “Why do you feel that way?”

He stared at her for a long time and then at the cops outside. They both knew they would end up hauling him off to jail, where he had been so many times before.

“I figured that out real quick when my mom left. She got tired of getting beat by my dad.”

“I’m sorry,” Liz said with true sympathy.

“Yeah, me too, cuz then he started beating me.”

Liz lowered her head. She couldn’t count how many times she’d heard similar stories. But it never stopped making her hurt, not even for Pirelli, a guy who caused grief for those around him because of his pain. But God teaches about hope and forgiveness. She lifted her head to face Pirelli.

“God does care.” Liz’s voice was steady which surprised her.

He turned to her and threw his hand down to his side and strutted over. He got in her face and stared right through her as he whispered, “Nobody cares.”

Pirelli stood upright and wiped his stubbly mustache and beard with his thumb and forefinger. He turned to leave the room. “Don’t waste your breath, sosh.”

“Oh, I’m not. I’m praying for you.” And she did, with all of her heart. She prayed for a man who was a drug dealer, thief, and holding her and four other innocent people hostage. She did it because Liz knew God cared just as much about Richard Pirelli as He did about her.

He stopped, looked over his shoulder and stared at her. But it was different. His eyes didn’t feel as cold, and his face drained of hate, just for a moment.

More time went by. It had been hours since she had been dragged into this nightmare. Liz looked over at the Bowies and the boys. Scotty and Jimmy sat close together, fear glimmering in both their eyes. Liz wanted to reassure them everything would be okay, but felt so helpless.

Pirelli was waiting for something. His cronies, or a deal that the cops weren’t agreeing to, or maybe he just liked having control. But the worst of it was, he was desperate.

He kept busy talking on the phone with his partners in crime and keeping his eye on the cops outside while he continued to pace. He pretty much ignored his hostages, which Liz was grateful for. He looked at her a couple of times, giving her that crusty look to see if it still got a reaction. But since her prayer, it didn’t affect her the same way.

The sound of police radios and a blur of loud voices caught her attention. She could hear Pirelli’s flip phone shut and the pound of footsteps as he came through the kitchen.

“Get the others and go outside.” He motioned with his hand toward the door.

“What’s going on?” Liz didn’t trust him, but his demeanor was different. Something had happened.

“It’s either the drug lords or the cops.” Pirelli looked over her head, outside. “I’ll take my chances with the cops.”

“That bad, huh?”

“You have no idea, sosh.”

Chapter Thirty

Jake drove up to the Bowies’ house, and Alex briefed him and two other patrolmen. Under Alex’s direction, they formed a perimeter around the house. Alex opened the door of his squad car for protection and took position when suddenly he saw the Bowie’s and Harris boys walk out of the house. Alarm prickled down his spine as Alex called out to the others.

“They’re at the front door. Let’s move.” Where is Liz? God, let her be all right.

“Go.” Jake replied. “I’m right behind you.”

The pounding in his chest warned him to keep it together, to separate his emotions from the job he had before him. He maneuvered across the front of the house, moving slowly, listening and waiting. He rounded the corner of the porch, then walked up the steps to the house.

Liz stood in the doorway. Her face was drawn with apprehension but softened when she saw him. He reached for her, and pulled her from the danger he felt sure was just inside the door behind her. When she was past the threshold, he coaxed her down the steps and directed her toward his car.

He followed her, running to his patrol car for safety just as Jake and another backup officer passed by them and ran up to the house. They came back out minutes later with Pirelli in cuffs. Pirelli kept his head down, he almost looked remorseful.

“What happened in there?” Alex asked looking from Pirelli to Liz and back again.

Liz was watching Pirelli too. But the calm in her voice told Alex something good had happened. “He made a choice. The right ones.”

“I see one, what’s the other choice?”

“He just may have listened, at least a little, about Christ.” She turned to look at Alex. “At least I hope he did.”

The Bowies and Harris boys were directed into police cars. The concern of having just been through an unbelievably harrowing experience showed in their gaunt faces. But they were safe. Everyone was safe and the criminal was captured. Alex’s eyes darted from Pirelli to the Bowies and the boys to Liz. His eyes stopped there.

****

Alex grabbed her hands pulling her to him. All the outside noises turned to gray except his voice. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah, are you?” she answered in a breathy voice.

He stepped away to look at her, studying her as he always did. It felt like an eternity since she’d seen his face. She knew every line, every dimple and expression.

He let out a breath. “Now I am.”

She tilted her head and asked playfully, “What are you going to do when you don’t have a reason to rescue me anymore?”

He smiled tenderly. “I’ll find another way to save you, and that will be sooner than you think.”

She stared at him puzzled, trying to read his thoughts as her hands slipped into his.

“You got the supervisor position.” His eyes danced as he shared the good news.

Liz held her hand to her mouth and gasped. “How do you know?”

“Margie called to make sure I knew you were here. She wanted me to tell you.”

Liz nestled into his chest, giving him a warm hug. She pulled away and looked him in the eyes, wanting to see if the sparkle was there. “I’ve been miserable and lonely without you. I want to know what you are going to do with me.”

She saw the change in his keen eyes as his fingers tightened around hers. “Love you, just like I always have, Liz Adams.”

She sucked in air as her heart soared with the realization of how much she wanted this and had hungered to open her heart to him. “That sounds like a commitment.”

“Not exactly the most romantic spot for it, but appropriate for us I suppose.” His caressing gaze brought her arms around him again. He responded by pressing in closer to her.

“I love you too, Alex Demas,” she whispered, lifting her eyes to his.

He held a hand up behind his ear and turned his head away from the sound of police radios and conversation. “I didn’t quite get that, what did you say?” He raised his voice as he grinned.

She leaned in closer, smiling at him, knowing he was teasing her. She ran her finger along his strong jaw. “Just like I always have.”

He smiled against the side of her lips as he gathered her into his arms and gently kissed her. Liz shuddered and closed her eyes, savoring the tender moment. She opened them and looked into a blaze of deep blue, knowing she’d be happy looking into those eyes for the rest of her life.

About the author...

Beth Shriver is a writer whose works are published in non-fiction periodicals and books. Her stories include young adult, historical, romance, edgy and women’s fiction.

Beth received a degree in social work from the University of Nebraska. She worked as a case worker for Boulder County Department of Social Services before starting a family. She freelanced for the local papers in her area and wrote columns for Educational Ministries Magazine and devotionals for Heartbeat the Magazine.

Beth has been married for over twenty years and has two children. She currently lives in Texas after a career move from Colorado.

Since Beth started writing, she has sold books and articles with a Christian theme. She enjoys challenging readers to dig deeper into their Christian walk through the experiences her characters go through.

Visit Beth at www.bethshriverwriter.com

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