Explosive Situation

by Terri Reed

  The cab bounced along the road with the three of them squished in the back seat and Cody on his lap. Riley sat in the center and snuggled up against him.

  “Did you get enough material for you to complete your assignment?” Olivia asked Riley.

  “I did,” she answered with a shudder. “I’m really glad you both were with me.” She nudged him with her elbow. “We should have a barbecue,” she said. “Invite Olivia and maybe the McGregors and the Jamesons.”

  He was glad Riley liked his colleagues. “Soon. But not today. I think adding anyone else into the mix right now would be unwise. I’m being targeted and those around me apparently are, as well.” His stomach clenched with dread.

  It was no coincidence that Riley had been at Coney Island when the bomber reached out to Henry. And now Olivia had been attacked. He didn’t want to draw anyone else into the line of fire.

  Olivia turned to look at him, her gaze intense, and then she said to Riley, “It’s very sweet of you to want to include me. But I really need to get home. My kitty has probably clawed her way through the door of the pantry trying to get to her food.”

  Riley’s eyes grew big and she clapped her hands. “You have a kitty? I love kittens. Henry won’t have one with Cody around.”

  Olivia’s gaze jumped to Henry, then Cody. “Cody doesn’t get along with cats?”

  Henry shrugged. “I don’t know. We’ve never encountered one up close.”

  “Henry doesn’t like cats,” Riley said.

  He met Olivia’s gaze. “It’s not that I dislike them so much as never been around them.”

  “Can we come to your house and see your kitten?” Riley asked.

  “She’s not a kitten,” Olivia said. “But I’m sure Kitty would appreciate a little love and attention.”

  “You named your cat Kitty?” Henry asked.

  Olivia’s nose twitched. “She’s two years old, I think. She adopted me a few months ago. Just showed up at the apartment complex one day and wouldn’t let anyone else near her but me. I tried to find her owners, because she’s a unique type of cat, but no one claimed her. And yes, I named her Kitty because I could never decide on anything better.”

  “She adopted you?” Riley clapped her hands together. “That’s so sweet.”

  When they reached Olivia’s building and she led them inside, Henry was surprised by the small one-bedroom apartment. He’d wasn’t sure what he’d expected, maybe more of a minimalist sort of vibe, but instead the place was very artsy with lots of personality.

  Her walls were covered with paintings of beautiful landscapes and there were sculpted pieces on every available space. The blue suede couch and red and white accent chair invited one to sit down for a cozy chat.

  One corner of her living room was devoted to crafting, with a table and bins filled with all sorts of materials he recognized because Riley was also into crafting. Though Riley didn’t keep her supplies as neat and organized as Olivia. This was a different side to the lieutenant and reminded him that she was an attractive woman with depth. In other circumstances, he’d want to explore the many layers she possessed. But he couldn’t. And wouldn’t.

  “Here Kitty, Kitty,” Olivia called.

  From the bedroom they heard a soft meow. Cody’s ears perked up and he cocked his head, listening. How would the dog react when confronted with a cat in close quarters?

  “Can I go get her?” Riley asked.

  “Hold on a sec.” Olivia dug into a box of treats and handed several pieces to Riley. “She may be hiding under the bed. She’s really sweet. But just be cautious because she doesn’t know you.”

  Concern arced through Henry. “Maybe she shouldn’t be handling a cat that doesn’t know her.”

  “I’ll be fine,” Riley said. “I know how to handle animals.”

  Olivia stayed Riley with a hand. “Your brother’s right. It might be better for me to bring her out.” She hurried down the hall, disappearing into her bedroom.

  Riley whirled on him. “Really? Now the cat’s unsafe?”

  “You heard Olivia, she doesn’t know if how the cat will respond to you.”

  Riley rolled her eyes and walked over to the crafting corner. He blew out a breath. There didn’t seem to be any winning with his sister. Her phone chimed. She looked at the text, her mouth pulling at the corners.

  “Everything okay?” Henry asked.

  With another roll of her eyes, she put her phone away. “Yes.”

  Henry had the urge to stick out his tongue at her. That would be acting just as childishly as her, but sometimes she brought out his inner twelve-year-old.

  A few moments later, Olivia arrived back into the living room carrying the strangest creature Henry had ever seen. “What is that?”

  Cody lifted his nose toward the animal in question, sniffed, then lost interest. He settled down at Henry’s feet.

  “A sphynx, or Egyptian hairless cat,” Olivia said. “Though they aren’t really hairless. Their skin is covered with a fine layer of down. Like a peach.” She held the cat out. “Pet her.”

  He’d never seen a cat of this breed in real life. Its pink skin was wrinkled, its ears too big for its head and the cat’s piercing blue eyes stared at him, unblinking.

  “She looks like E.T.’s cousin.” But he had to admit, as he ran his hand over her back, that her suede-like coat was velvety soft.

  Riley stepped up and held out the treat Olivia had given her earlier. Very daintily, Kitty took the treat from Riley’s fingers. Then she clawed the air as if trying to gain traction so she could get into Riley’s arms. Olivia handed the cat over. Riley hugged Kitty to her chest, petting and cooing. Soon a loud rumble of purring filled the air.

  “She likes you, Riley,” Olivia said. “Can I get either of you something to drink?”

  “No, thank you,” Henry said. “We should get going.”

  Riley spun away and walked back to the crafting table with Kitty in her arms. “You’re a crafter. What are you working on over here?”

  Olivia joined Riley in the craft corner. Henry stood back, his heart aching as he realized that Riley was becoming attached to Olivia. No doubt Riley was starved for maternal attention.

  The two women talked about mosaic glass and art. He had to admit he respected and admired the Internal Affairs investigator. And he was attracted to her. None of that was good.

  Olivia would be a good influence on his little sister, but it wasn’t a good idea for him and Olivia to be spending time together. Riley shouldn’t form a bond with the woman.

  He had to distance himself. Not only for Olivia’s safety but also because his life, his career, was on the line.

  He would walk a tightrope from the Chrysler Building to the Empire State Building if it meant he could continue doing the job he loved.

  * * *

  Long after Henry, Cody and Riley left, Olivia sat on the couch staring out the window and watching the sun set. Kitty sat curled on her lap. Every time her child moved, she was reminded of the life growing inside of her and it filled her with tender love. All in all, it had been a good day. Up to the point where she’d been assaulted outside the ladies’ restroom.

  But even before the assault, Henry had been attentive and caring. A true gentleman.

  How was she going to find it within herself not to become emotionally involved in this case?

  They drilled it into her at the academy that an Internal Affairs investigator was to stay neutral, unbiased and unemotional and she was struggling. Did it mean she wasn’t cut out for this job? Or that her heart really wasn’t in it? She suspected the latter. And not just because of Henry and her growing feelings for him.

  She could still vividly remember her hesitation when she took the position with IA. But her family had cheered her on. Even Roger had been supportive, a rare moment for him. She’d accepted the post and had
spent the first six months shadowing another investigator. If her family hadn’t pushed her toward the career she wasn’t sure she’d have applied. But she did find the fact finding, interviewing and presentation of cases for the review board came easily. Her father had been so proud of her when she’d made the transfer to internal affairs.

  She couldn’t let him or the department down.

  “I can handle this,” she said aloud. “I’m a professional. I can do my job and keep my emotions in check.”

  But was that what she wanted? And what would be best for her baby? The questions ricocheted through her mind as the night went on.

  In the morning, instead of heading to her family’s congregation, she took the subway to the church near Henry and Riley’s house.

  Yesterday Riley had mentioned where they attended services and had asked Olivia to accompany them. Telling herself she was only trying to get a better understanding of Henry and his life, she had told Riley she would think about it. She’d thought of nothing else all night.

  Now here she was, walking up the concrete steps to the big arched doorway. What if Henry and Riley didn’t show up today?

  The thought should have brought her some relief, but it didn’t. She grew more agitated as she stepped inside the doors. A sea of unfamiliar faces lay before her in the pews. What was she doing here? She should be with her family not...not what? Chasing after Henry?

  No. She certainly wasn’t chasing anyone. On the verge of turning around and leaving, she heard Riley call her name.

  Riley waved from a pew near the front. Olivia’s gaze jumped from Riley to Henry, who remained seated but had twisted toward her. For a moment, their gazes locked, his showing surprise. Then his mouth curved upward and he gave her a nod as if also inviting her to join them. Her heart did a funny little skip that left her breathless.

  Drawn forward by some invisible tether, she could hear people whispering and sense the gaze of everyone in the church. Did these people know she was crossing a line?

  Feeling conspicuous, she slid into the pew. Riley hugged her, then scooted around her so that now Olivia was wedged between the siblings. Cody, wearing his K-9 vest, lay at Henry’s feet. The dog nudged her foot with his nose.

  Henry leaned close. “This is unexpected.”

  Her defensiveness rose. “Riley invited me.”

  Riley’s smile was wide. “I did invite her.” She glanced away and then waved to someone. “There’s my friend Nicole. I’ll be right back.” She shimmied out of the pew and down the middle aisle, leaving Olivia and Henry alone on the bench.

  “Are you on duty?”

  “Not officially,” Henry said, his voice low. “But my sergeant suggested I keep Cody close until we catch the bomber. We walked the perimeter before we sat down.”

  “Makes sense.” Though Olivia hated to think something could happen here in this sacred place, having Cody’s super nose around to interpret any dangerous odors would keep everyone safe.

  The clearing of a throat behind them drew Henry’s attention. Olivia followed his gaze. An older couple with big grins regarded her with obvious curiosity.

  “Larry and Martha Hodgeson, this is Olivia Vance. A friend,” Henry said.

  Surprise jumped inside of Olivia at Henry’s statement. Did he consider her a friend? Were they friends? Could they be friends? She liked the idea way more than she should. She swallowed the trepidation of fraternizing with Henry that threatened to rob her of the moment.

  Extending his hand, Larry said, “Hello, Olivia. Welcome.”

  Olivia shook the offered hand, appreciating the man’s sincerity. “Thank you.”

  Martha sat forward, her brown eyes twinkling in her gently lined face. “How do you two know each other?”

  “Work,” Henry stated and pointed toward the lectern. “Services are about to start.”

  He faced forward. Sharing his apparent discomfort at the pointed question, Olivia pressed her lips together, smiled and faced the front of the church. Henry leaned close and whispered in her ear. “I wish everybody would mind their own business.”

  She glanced at him, not realizing he’d turned back toward her. Their lips nearly touched. Her gaze bounced from the wonderful shape of his mouth to his gaze. What she saw there made her heart pound.

  “I should leave,” she whispered. And regain her senses.

  “Please don’t. I’m glad you’re here.”

  His words uncurled a ribbon of joy inside her. It had been so long since anyone had made her feel wanted and special. She was in so much trouble. Straightening her spine, she reminded herself she had to keep things between them professional. She was here to gather more intel on what Henry was like off duty—or rather, away from the station house—so she could make a more informed judgment on his character and conduct. Both of which were proving to be stellar.

  The sermon started and Riley never returned but had decided to remain farther back in the sanctuary with her friends.

  Olivia struggled to track the pastor’s message. But finally the words penetrated through her distraction with stinging clarity. “Forgive those who have wronged you so that you may be forgiven.” Her thoughts turned to her late husband.

  Emotions clogged her chest, an ugly mix of anger, betrayal and grief. She wanted to forgive him but she didn’t know how. The hurt was still so close to the surface. And every time she tried to let go, she only ended up with a headache.

  “You okay?”

  She didn’t want Henry to see the ugliness inside of her. Shoring up her defenses, she smoothed away her inner turmoil and nodded.

  When the pastor had finished his sermon, Riley returned. Riley leaned over to talk to Henry, practically pushing Olivia into his side. He was solid and warm against her and she was hard-pressed to not melt into him.

  “Can Nicole come over?” Riley asked.

  Henry nodded. “Of course.”

  With a satisfied smile, Riley sat back. “Good. Maybe the four of us could go to brunch at The Pancake House.”

  Oh, Olivia was so tempted to say yes. Brunch sounded lovely and was her favorite meal of the day. She had promised herself she wasn’t going to become emotionally involved with these people and yet, here they were, like a family, on the brink of going out to brunch on Sunday after church. The line between professional and personal was blurring. Somehow she had to make that line more defined.

  Heaviness descended on her shoulders as longing for a complete family of her own wrapped around her like a wet blanket. She pushed it away. Soon she would have her own child to lavish with the love in her heart. And no matter how much she was attracted to Henry or how much she adored Riley, she was afraid to trust, to risk her heart again.

  Riley was an adult, ready to launch herself into the stratosphere of her life. And Henry had already made it clear he wasn’t interested in raising a family after raising his sister. All good reasons for Olivia to be putting the brakes on whatever it was she was feeling. Her job required her to erect an emotional barricade. Plus, after her late husband’s betrayal, how could she trust again? Being suddenly reminded of her disastrous marriage served as a wake-up call. Best to guard her heart to keep from being hurt in the future.

  Abruptly, Olivia stood, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, you two. I need to head home for Kitty. And then I’ve got a full day of—stuff to do. Errands.”

  She shuffled past Riley into the aisle.

  “Olivia?” Henry’s concerned voice followed her.

  She waved and headed out the door at a fast clip, dodging people as she went, smiling apologetically instead of stopping when she realized that many in the congregation wanted her to pause so they could grill her about who she was and why she was with Henry and Riley.

  She hurried out to the crosswalk. The light turned green for her to cross and she stepped into the street, heading toward the subway station.
<
br />   A silver sedan pulled away from the curb, its tires squealing on the pavement drawing her attention. The car was speeding straight at her.

  SEVEN

  Strong hands wrapped around Olivia’s biceps and yanked her backward out of the car’s path, up against a hard chest. The sedan shot past her so closely the air swirled in the late morning heat. The car made a sharp left, taking the corner at the end of the street with a screech of rubber gripping the road and disappeared out of sight. The license plate was conspicuously missing.

  Shock and adrenaline coursed through Olivia’s veins, making her limbs shake.

  Henry slipped his arms around her, holding on to her as her knees buckled. “I’ve got you.”

  His deep voice reverberated through her and she twisted in his arms to look at him. “That car—” Her voice faltered.

  “—Almost ran you down.” The sharp edge of his anger sliced the air between them.

  “You saved me.” Gratitude engulfed her along with a good dose of affection. If he hadn’t followed her out...

  His expression softened, his mouth tipping up at one corner in a crooked smile that snuck into her heart and gave it a squeeze.

  “Are you okay?”

  Suddenly aware that Henry was holding her like a man would a woman he loved and that she wanted nothing more than to lean forward and kiss him, she gasped and wiggled out of his arms. The sting of a blush heated her cheeks. She hoped Henry didn’t notice. “Thank you, Henry.”

  He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “No problem.”

  “I called 911,” a man from the church said.

  “We appreciate your help,” Henry told the man.

  Olivia took a step toward the sidewalk and nearly stumbled over the curb. Henry slid an arm around her waist to steady her. Then he tucked her hand around his arm. “Riley and I will see you home as soon as we’ve given our statements to the first responders.”

  “You don’t—”

  “Olivia, let us do this for you.”

  She was shaky, and at the moment, being alone was really the last thing she wanted. She prayed that this little jolt of adrenaline hadn’t hurt the baby. She’d read that that could happen. She made a mental note to call her ob-gyn on Monday.