by Terri Reed
“How’s it going with the IA investigation?”
Henry blew out a compressed breath that left him a bit disoriented. “Honestly, I can’t tell. When Lieutenant Vance first showed up this morning, she was ready to rumble. She believes that I’m capable of hurting someone without justification.”
Bradley shook his head. “Man, I’d give anything if we could go back and I could’ve just witnessed the altercation.”
“You and me both, brother.” Henry rubbed his chin as he debated his next words. “And I know this is going to sound totally bizarre and like I’m losing it, but I believe somebody’s been following me.”
Bradley stood, radiating tension. “Listen to your gut. It will never steer you wrong. Sometimes God talks to us in a small voice and sometimes in the loud clanging of a bell. You’ve got to honor it.”
“I hear you, man.” Henry had often listened to what he believed in his heart to be God directing him. Was that the case here?
Bradley clapped Henry on the back. “Anything I can do to help?”
Appreciating his friend’s offer, Henry said, “I’ll let you know.”
“I’m here for you.” Bradley leashed King and they left for the night.
Henry made quick work of writing up his report about the exploding garbage can while Cody ate his kibble. After a quick stroll on the grassy area between the unit headquarters and the training center next door, Henry kenneled Cody in the training center and then headed to Sal’s.
From the doorway, he saw his sister and Olivia seated in the back corner. Their heads were bent close as they talked. He took a moment to study this woman who’d inserted herself into his life. What was her story?
He’d heard her sister Ally ask about “the baby” at Coney Island. He’d wanted to ask Olivia about her pregnancy, but then decided not to delve into her life. Better to not become emotionally embroiled with the IA investigator, no matter how attractive he found her. Because whether he liked it or not, she literally held the fate of his career in her hands. And any sort of personal relationship between them was strictly forbidden. Not that he was looking for a relationship. Especially not with a superior officer. They’d probably be hauled over the coals as it was for this innocent jaunt to the pizzeria. It bothered him that he had to second guess his every move.
“Hey, Roarke, what’s IA doing with your sister?”
The question stopped Henry midstride as he made his way through the Friday night crowd at Sal’s. His neck muscles braced as if taking a blow. He noted his sister pick up a carrot and dip it in dressing before taking a bite. Hmm. She wasn’t one to normally eat veggies. Had that been Olivia’s doing? He’d have to thank her.
With effort, he turned his attention to the man who’d asked the question. Henry tipped his chin to his colleague, Emergency Services officer Jackson Davison. “Jackson.”
The imposing man sat at the counter. His green eyes were narrowed on Olivia. For some reason, irritation swept through Henry. He didn’t understand his reaction to Jackson’s query but wasn’t about to analyze the emotion. “Looks like Lieutenant Vance is eating.”
Jackson’s gaze shot to Henry. “Obviously. But why? I thought she was investigating you.”
Acid churned in Henry’s stomach. “She is.” The admission rankled. He couldn’t wait for this debacle to be over. He’d always worked hard to be one of the good guys. His reputation was important to him and now it had been sullied.
“You better be careful,” Jackson warned. “Riley might say something that the Lieutenant could use against you.”
Drawing back, Henry stared at his fellow K-9 handler. “Like what?”
Jackson’s eyebrows rose. “Like you have a temper.”
Flexing his fingers, Henry made a face. “Ha. Just because I called foul on your play at the last basketball pickup game doesn’t mean I have a temper.”
Jackson grinned. “Dude, you threw a basketball through a window.”
Grimacing, Henry said, “Purely accidental.”
It was true he’d had a bad day on the court and had let a spike of anger get the better of him. In his defense, he’d just been put on modified duty and his sense of justice was riled up. It wasn’t fair that Davey Carrell’s unsubstantiated claim could cost Henry his job.
Shrugging, Jackson turned back to his slice of pizza. “I’m just saying. If it were me under IA’s microscope, I wouldn’t be fraternizing with the enemy or let her anywhere near my family.”
He clapped Jackson on the back. “Yeah, thanks.”
As Henry moved through the restaurant, he noticed more people giving Olivia the eye. He wanted to tell everyone to mind their own business. She had just as much right to be in Sal’s as anyone else. She’d paid her dues on the force before moving to Internal Affairs. Though he understood the need for oversight, most officers operated under the assumption that Internal Affairs rejoiced in taking down other officers. Unfortunately, there was no way he could dismiss decades of distrust between officers and IA. The fact that he wanted to defend Olivia didn’t sit well. Her goal was to prove his guilt. Why did he care if she was treated with wariness and resentment?
Because she’d been nice to his sister. And had understood how important it had been for him to find Riley at Coney Island today. Olivia had shown compassion and concern. She was human, after all, not just a robot out to find fault.
Shaking off his disturbing thoughts, he slid onto a stool beside his sister and took a carrot stick. “Ladies.”
“Our pizzas should be ready any moment,” Olivia said.
“Pizzas as in two?” He assessed the two women. Both were healthy and vibrant, but he doubted they’d eat that much. “Hungry, are we?”
Riley pointed the end of her carrot at Olivia. “Her idea.”
Olivia shrugged. “Leftovers for tomorrow.”
“Ah.” Henry smiled. “That’s reasonable.”
“I can be reasonable,” Olivia stated, her gaze direct.
“Glad to hear it,” he countered, holding her gaze and pondering the defensive tone in her voice. He could only imagine the kind of flak she received doing her job. And the fortitude it took to accept that hostility.
“Vance, your pies are ready,” a deep voice called out.
“I’ll get them,” Riley offered, sliding off her stool and hurrying to the counter.
Henry waved his hand at the salad and stack of carrot sticks sitting on the table. “Thanks for this, Olivia.”
She slid the large salad bowl toward him and handed him a plate and fork. “Help yourself.”
“Thank you for getting Riley to eat carrots.”
“I know a thing or two about coaxing kids to eat their veggies. Smother them in dressing.”
A small smile played at the corners of her lush mouth, drawing his attention. It hit him like a subway car that she was not just a lieutenant in Internal Affairs who could end his career, but a tempting, beautiful woman. The last thing he needed in his life right now. Not to mention becoming entangled with Olivia would put them both at risk of losing their jobs and being publicly reprimanded.
Forcing his gaze to the task of putting salad on his plate, he said, “You’re one of six kids, right?”
“I am.”
Sensing her gaze, he said, “I have just the one.”
“One what?” Riley asked as she set the two pizzas on the table.
“We’re talking about siblings,” Olivia said. “I have two older brothers and three younger sisters.”
“Wow.” Riley grabbed a slice of Canadian bacon and pineapple and plopped it on her plate. “That’s a lot. I couldn’t handle more than Henry.”
Henry shot his sister a mock glare. “Excuse me? Who has to handle who?”
Olivia’s soft chuckle settled in his chest. He liked the sound of her laugh. As the evening progressed, Henry settled back, enj
oying the way Riley and Olivia were hitting it off. Riley needed a female influence in her life. Raising a teenage girl alone had been difficult and if not for the advice of his female coworkers, he didn’t know how he and Riley would have survived.
After eating their fill of pizza and chatting about the latest superhero movies, Henry had the remaining slices boxed up. One box for Olivia and one for him and Riley.
Outside of Sal’s, Henry turned to Olivia. “Are you parked close?”
“I didn’t drive,” she said. “I’ll call a car service.”
His sense of honor and duty wouldn’t allow him to accept that. Leaving her waiting on the street corner was unacceptable. “Can we give you a ride home?”
She hesitated a moment. “Actually, that would be great. I live in Carroll Gardens.”
“Let me collect Cody and we’ll be set to go.” He led the way as Jackson’s warning about trusting Olivia rang inside his brain. Was he making a mistake that could cost him his job?
THREE
With her hunger satisfied, Olivia marveled at the turn of events. When she’d arrived at the Brooklyn K-9 Unit earlier today, she’d expected to question Henry and then move on to meet with the unit’s technology specialist, Eden Chang, to find out if there was video footage near Owl’s Head Park that could help her track down as many of the young people who’d been at the skate park the evening of the incident involving Henry and Davey Carrell. Lieutenant Jabboski hadn’t believed tracking down anyone from that night in the park was worth his time.
She still needed to meet with Miss Chang, but that would have to wait until next week. After surviving an exploding garbage can, conducting her interview near the roller coaster on Coney Island and eating nearly a whole pizza, Olivia only wanted to get home to change out of her clothes and put her feet up. Though having dinner with Henry and Riley certainly beat eating leftover pot roast alone.
After swiping his keycard on the security pad, Henry held the door of the training center open for Olivia and Riley to enter. Olivia had never set foot in the building before and was surprised by the cleanliness of the facility. She followed Henry and his sister into a large room that housed multiple hard-sided kennels. A few were occupied but the majority of the thirteen crates were empty.
A woman with shoulder-length auburn hair and brown eyes behind silver-framed glasses greeted them with a smile. “Cody’s been sleeping, but I’m sure he’s ready to go outside.”
She opened the kennel door and the beagle shot out and raced to Riley. She knelt down and accepted slobbery kisses with a laugh. Olivia watched the exchange with a pang of tenderness. Clearly, the dog and young woman were bonded, though in a different way then Henry and Cody. Watching the two in action today had been impressive.
“Gina, this is Lieutenant Olivia Vance,” Henry said. “Dr. Gina Mazelli is our vet in residence.”
Olivia shook the other woman’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Do you always work this late?”
“Likewise. I’m living in the building temporarily. We had a stray German shepherd give birth to five puppies in April. I’m fostering them and figured it would be best to keep them here. The mama, Brooke, is going to be trained for service. We’ll see about the pups.”
“I admire your dedication,” Olivia said.
Gina shrugged. “I love animals.”
“It shows.” Olivia respected the other woman’s devotion.
“Could we show Olivia the puppies?” Riley’s hopeful expression was contagious. “They are so cute.”
Excitement danced in Olivia’s chest. “Would that be allowed?”
With an easy smile, the redheaded veterinarian nodded. “Of course it’s allowed. The puppies need to be socialized.”
Gina led the way to a small room where an extra-large dog exercise pen had been set up and cushioned with colorful blankets. The mama German shepherd reclined in the middle of the five little fur balls.
A couple of the puppies slept, while the other three roamed around the space. Olivia’s heart swelled with tenderness.
Soon she’d have her own little one to cuddle. Her arms ached to hold her infant. There was so much she was looking forward to about being a mother. Reading to her child and teaching her little one to sing, to read and to dance with joy.
The future stretched before her and yet she had no idea how she was going to manage once she gave birth. Her parents had offered to help. But Olivia wanted to be there for every moment of her baby’s life, from crawling to walking across the stage at her or his high school graduation.
She wasn’t going to miss any firsts or special moments. She just hadn’t figured out how to make it all work yet. She would, though. That was a promise she made to her baby the day she learned she was pregnant.
Riley went down on her hands and knees and crawled toward the pen, drawing Olivia’s focus.
“Hello, you little cuties,” Riley cooed.
Gina opened the wire gate so Riley could enter the pen. “Brooke, let’s get you some food.”
Brooke rose and gingerly stepped over the puppies, pausing to lick Riley’s face before following Gina out of the room.
The runt of the litter stumbled on wobbly legs toward Riley. She scooped the pup into her arms and nuzzled him. “Hi, Maverick. It’s good to see you again. You’re going do great things. I just know it.”
Olivia noted the sad wince pulling at Henry’s expression. “What’s wrong?”
“Maverick’s life has been touch and go. Still is, truth be told,” he said in a low voice. “The little pup is frail and has health issues. But he’s getting the best care possible. He has a fighting spirit.”
“Come on, Olivia, hold a puppy,” Riley called.
“Go on. They won’t bite.” He wagged his eyebrows. “Much.”
She wrinkled her nose at him and then moved closer, sitting on the floor. Riley handed her Maverick. The tiny body quivered in her hands. She lifted him to look into his dark eyes. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” She pulled him to her chest. Another puppy, twice the size of Maverick, crawled up her leg. She laughed, reaching out to stroke the soft fur.
Cody nuzzled his way into the pen to sniff the puppies, who pawed playfully at him.
Henry folded his frame to take a seat next to Olivia. He scooped up a puppy trying to escape. “Oh no, you don’t.”
“What will happen to them?” Olivia asked.
“Each will be tested soon to see if they’d be good working dogs or therapy dogs.”
“And if they aren’t?” She stroked her hand over Maverick. The pup had settled against her and seemed to be content in her arms. Would this be what it felt like to hold her child? Tenderness swelled in her chest and an ache of longing to protect this puppy, and the child growing inside of her, burned the back of her eyes.
“I’m sure Gina will find them homes.”
The urge to take Maverick home with her pulsed in her veins. She wasn’t set up to care for a puppy, or a baby, yet. But soon. She needed to put together the crib she’d ordered online, as well as the changing table and wash all the little clothes her family had been buying in neutral colors. She wasn’t sure if she hoped for a girl or boy. Honestly, she didn’t have a preference.
With Maverick’s warm body snuggled against her chest, Olivia relaxed and a yawn escaped. Cody came over and nuzzled the puppy before giving Olivia a quick swipe of his tongue as if in approval. She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her.
“Ready to leave, Lieutenant?” Henry asked, his gaze bouncing between his partner and her as if he were surprised by the dog’s behavior.
Though Olivia didn’t want to admit it, fatigue was setting in. The stress of the day had taken a toll. Her emotions were rubbed raw. She’d let down her guard and become comfortable with him. “Yes. Thank you, Henry.”
They put the puppies back in the pen, latching the gate so
they wouldn’t escape. They said goodbye to Gina on the way out.
When they left the center, Cody was put in his compartment and Riley climbed in back of the SUV while Henry opened the side passenger door for Olivia. She smiled her gratitude and slid on to the seat, putting the pizza box on the floor at her feet. She appreciated he’d offered to drive her home. She doubted many officers who were being investigated would be so solicitous. It spoke volumes about his character.
When Henry settled in the driver’s seat, he handed her his phone, open to the maps app. “Punch in your address, please, Olivia.”
Too tired to argue and say she could just as easily tell him how to get there, she put her address into the device and handed it back. He pressed Start and a British female voice emanated from the phone, giving him directions. Thirty minutes later, he pulled up in front of her building, a four-story brick structure built in the 1920s.
When he moved to get out, she put her hand on his forearm. Warmth radiated up her arm and wrapped around her. She quickly drew her hand back. “You don’t need to walk me in.”
This wasn’t a date, though she suspected his gesture stemmed from the overprotectiveness she’d seen glimpses of rather than some gallant offer of chivalry. Besides, she could take care of herself and her unborn child. She didn’t need his or anyone else’s protection.
Well, except her family...but that was different. Family helped each other out. Stuck together. She wished someone had told Roger that before he betrayed their marriage vows.
A frown showed Henry’s concern and warmed her from the inside out. She had to admit he made her feel cared for, even though both were aware how dangerous forming any emotions for each other could be for their careers.
