The Hangman (The Forgotten Files 3)

When Julia had reopened the Hangman case, she’d never realized she was racing an unseen clock or that the Hangman was coming after her. Lana and Elizabeth had been chosen because both were loose ends. Unger saw Julia’s death as insurance—a show of loyalty—to guard against anything Elizabeth might have said to the Popov family about him.

The front door opened, and Cindy glanced up, her frown fading. “So look who just walked into my bar.”

Julia turned to see Novak and a young girl with curly red hair and a petite frame enter the bar. She recognized Bella from her pictures, and her nerves jumped. She could chase a bad guy down a blind alley at night, but meeting Novak’s kid made her stomach knot.

She smiled at them, and though tempted to use the bar as a buffer, came around it to greet them.

She wiped her hand on her apron and extended it to Bella. “You must be Bella.”

“Julia,” the girl said, grinning. She shook Julia’s hand. “Great to meet you! Dad’s told me a lot about you.”

“What brings you two here?” she asked, looking to Novak, who stood behind his daughter with his hands on her shoulders.

Bella laughed. “Dad’s been champing at the bit to come see you.”

She glanced at Novak, who didn’t look the least bit put off by his daughter’s openness. “I thought you guys had a special tradition at Christmas. Did you make it to tea?”

“Yeah, and it was fun, sort of,” Bella said. “At least for me. Dad always looks like someone is shoving bamboo shoots under his fingernails.”

“We were hoping you’d join us for a late dinner,” Novak said. “Part of the tradition is that we get a real meal after our plate of girl sandwiches.”

“I don’t want to intrude,” Julia said. “Better you two have your special time.”

Novak moved around Bella and kissed Julia lightly on the lips. “Come with us. I know you haven’t eaten.”

“I had nuts and crackers.”

“Oh, please,” he said.

“We can get pizza,” Bella said. “There’s a great Italian place near the university.”

“She’s determined to feed me, just like you,” Julia said, smiling.

“She’s never been good at taking no for an answer,” he said.

“Maybe you can tell me what it’s like to be a cop,” Bella said.

Julia shook her head, holding up her hands. “I think your father might have a nervous breakdown if I do. He has visions of you in a plush, safe office. He mentioned something about encasing you in Bubble Wrap.”

“Not happening,” Bella said. “I’m going to be a cop.”

Novak let out a long, not-too-pained breath. “Maybe you can scare her away from the job.”

“I love what I do,” Julia said.

“Then, that’s a yes?” Bella asked.

Julia glanced back at Cindy. “Mind if I take off?”

Cindy nodded toward the door. “Get out of here.”

Being part of a couple, a family, felt awkward. But she wanted it to work. She wanted to spend more time with Novak, and she liked Bella already.

“Let me get my coat.” She moved to the back office and grabbed her belongings. She glanced up at the picture of Jim and Amy. “Wish me luck.”

As she turned, she found Novak leaning on the doorjamb. Crossing the small room, he reached for her coat and helped her put it on, a gesture she allowed only when other cops weren’t looking. He kissed her cheek. “I love you.”

She heard Cindy and Bella in the hallway, but she didn’t pull away. His words wrapped around her heart and warmed her in a way she’d never felt before.

“I love you, too,” she whispered.

He turned her to face him and kissed her on the lips. This time his touch wasn’t quick but lingered an extra beat. “Did I hear you correctly?”

She moistened her lips and grinned. “Maybe.” Julia walked out into the bar and found everyone staring at her.

Novak came up behind her, unmindful that they were the center of attention. He squeezed her shoulders. “You said you loved me.”

Julia faced him. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Say it again, out here for everyone to hear.”

Her gut clenched. “Novak, we’re in public. And your daughter is watching.”

Novak’s gaze didn’t waver. “And your point?”

She flexed her fingers against his forearms. She moistened her lips, wondering why this had to be so hard for her.

He traced circles on her shoulders with his thumbs. He would stand here all night until she said the words.

“I love you,” she said, loud enough for Cindy and Bella to hear. Several of the regulars in the room started to holler encouragement. “And I’m not saying it any louder.”

Novak laughed and kissed her on the lips, tugging the folds of her jacket closed. “Baby steps, right?”

Julia nudged him close. “Exactly.”