Hard to Kill

by C. M. Sutter

  It was the first time I’d felt joy since Hanna and I were rescued. That day had been too overwhelming. I hugged my pup and openly cried.

  Chapter 61

  Two weeks had passed, and Hanna’s house repairs were complete. With several new windows, a set of French doors, and new drywall and carpet in the master bedroom and hallway, the house was ready for her to move back in, and I planned to join her. My house was totally gutted and would take much longer to repair—far beyond the Fourth of July. Our holiday plans would go forward but at Hanna’s house instead.

  I’d rented a plain midsize car to hold me over until I made time to look at vehicles, since there was the chance of a truck being in my future. My days had been filled with contractors redesigning my house in a style that I liked, with Hanna’s input too.

  It was my first day back at the precinct, and even though for the next month I’d be riding my desk instead of a cruiser, I was fine with that. I had been aching to resume some sense of normality, and being with my family in law enforcement was exactly what I needed.

  I entered the bullpen to Welcome Back balloons, cards, and an array of cupcakes at my desk. A round of clapping from my detective and officer buddies echoed into the hallway. I cursed them for embarrassing me.

  After scanning the room, I didn’t see Frank or Lutz, but I was getting back slaps and well wishes from everyone else, so I enjoyed the friendship from my colleagues. I had taken a seat and picked up the first card when the door opened and my partner and commander walked in. Something was up. A hush came over the room as Frank and Lutz walked up to me while carrying a large, wrapped package.

  I grinned. “Now what the hell did you guys do?”

  Frank smirked. “You’ll never know if you don’t open it.” He jerked his head. “Come on. Let’s lay it on the table in the back. It’ll be easier to open there.”

  I looked at every smiling face as I got up and knew they were all in on it.

  Lutz carried the package to the table, and as the group surrounded me, I peeled away the wrapping paper. Once again, my emotions got the best of me.

  My voice cracked as I spoke. “How was this possible?”

  “With time and a really good art restoration company,” Frank said. “The entire unit pitched in on it.”

  I was speechless as I stared at the family portrait that I was certain Josh Stevens had destroyed beyond repair.

  With the back of my hand, I wiped away the tears, then I went around the group and hugged everyone. “You have no idea what this means to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It’ll hang above my new mantel when the house is done.”

  Frank chuckled. “Speaking of that, we’re expecting to be invited to a welcome home party when you move back in.”

  “Absolutely, and I can’t wait.”

  The day sped by quickly, even though I wasn’t doing what I liked best—being in the field. I was happy to be alive and looked forward to the future.

  Lutz stopped in before the day’s end and took a seat on my guest chair. “We got word from Decatur. Leon Stanley was sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole for Lila’s death.”

  I nodded. “People like him are a menace to society, and the only good place for him is a six-by-eight-foot cell.”

  “There’s still the attempted murder charges facing him from when he tried to strangle you.”

  I sighed. “Honestly, I don’t care. If he has no chance of parole, then what’s the difference?”

  “I’ll talk to the attorney in charge,” Lutz said.

  “And how about Josh? What’s the latest?”

  “His sentencing hearing is next week. You’re expected to weigh in and give your statement in court.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll be there. That son of a bitch had his chance at freedom and threw it away. His hatred for me was more important than using one ounce of common sense. Now he’ll be right back where he was—except for life. His uncle didn’t deserve to die, and luckily, Hanna and I made it out alive.”

  Lutz knuckled my desk. “Damn straight, and thank God for that. Go home to Hanna, Jesse, and have a good evening.”

  “Thanks, Boss.”

  I checked the time as I neared Hanna’s house. A drop-off at my home was scheduled for five thirty, and I was excited to see it. I entered Hanna’s home and found her in the kitchen, preparing dinner. “Hey, babe. What are you making?”

  “Meat loaf. I just put it in the oven, so it’ll be another hour before it’s ready.”

  “That’s perfect.”

  She gave me a curious smile. “What are you up to, Jesse McCord?”

  “Come on. We’ll be back before the meat loaf is done, I promise.”

  She washed and dried her hands. “Okay, I’m game.”

  I whistled for Bandit. “Let’s go for a car ride, boy.”

  They climbed into the car with me, and I headed for my house.

  “Are you going to show me the latest progress?”

  I squeezed Hanna’s hand. “Sort of.”

  After turning down my street, I slowed at the curb and killed the engine. Parked in my driveway was a brand-new camping trailer. I laughed at Hanna’s expression.

  “Jesse, what on earth? You aren’t planning to live in that until the house is done, are you?”

  “Of course not. I realize now that tent camping isn’t the way to go.”

  She smiled. “Uh, no duh.”

  “Let’s take a look inside.” We got out of the car and walked over to the camper. I opened the door, and we stepped in. It was beautiful, roomy, and safe.

  Hanna walked from room to room. “Wow, this is great.”

  “I thought it would be good to have a do-over since we didn’t make it through the first night at Giant City.”

  Hanna looked nervous. “You bought this, Jesse? We’re going out camping again so soon?”

  I laughed. “No, I only leased it for the weekend. We can practice camping right in my driveway and see what we think. I’d need a vehicle strong enough to tow it with, anyway, so there could be a kickass truck in our future.”

  She sighed as if relieved. “That is the best idea you’ve had in a long time.” She pulled me closer and kissed me. “Maybe next year, we can buy a trailer like this and take another week-long vacation. It does have a lock on the door, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes, it does. So you’re saying you’re going to stick it out with me? I have at least another year to appreciate how lucky I am to have you in my life?”

  She punched me in the shoulder. “Damn straight. Now let’s get this trailer set up. We’ll go to the store, buy hot dogs, marshmallows, and beer and then have a campfire out in the backyard. We’ll bring the outdoor chairs out here later and sit under the stars and—”

  “What about the meat loaf?”

  She swatted the air. “I’ll turn off the oven, bring it here, and put it in the trailer’s fridge. We’ll have it tomorrow.”

  I couldn’t hold back my happiness. “And we’ll invite Dean and Jackson over. I owe him a bottle of Macallan, anyway, for watching Bandit.”

  Hanna wrapped her arms around me. “I love you, Jesse McCord.”

  “Aw shucks.” I kissed her. “I love you, too, Hanna Bradley, and you’re the bravest woman I’ve ever met.”

  Bandit wagged his tail, spun in a circle, and happily found his spot to lie on in the driveway.

  THE END

  Thank you!

  Thanks for reading Hard to Kill, the eighth book in the Detective Jesse McCord Police Thriller Series. I hope you enjoyed it!

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