“Okay. Is he on the phone, or did he come up here?”
“He’s on the phone. Do you want to take it now?”
“I’ll take it now. Please come in and show Maria around Daphne’s office and onto her computer.”
“Yes, sir.”
I kiss his cheek and then walk away. Turning back as I hold the door open, I wink and say, “Don’t forget your call.”
Closing it so he can have some privacy, I turn to Nancy, who’s smiling at me nervously. It’s not the kind of sketchy nervousness I’ve seen from people trying to hide something as a cop. It’s probably because the pressure is on.
“So, how long have you been working for Turner?”
“I’ve been working for the company for five years, but I got bumped up here about a year ago, when the woman who had this position quit and moved out of the state. She didn’t like the cold.”
“Well, I’m relying on you to get me through my first day to help Turner. I’m sure you know some of the stuff Daphne does, but not all of it.”
“Only a little. She’s so dang efficient there’s even an information folder for her temporary assistant. I’ve already taken care of the first two things on her list since they had to be done quickly and she was freaking out while going into labor.”
“Well, that’s crazy. Thank you for stepping up. Please, let’s take a seat and go over this list. I’m not an assistant, I’m actually a Deputy for the Wolfe Creek police department. Well, I guess I was, so I know paperwork and I’m not afraid to talk to people, so that’s all of my experience.”
“That’s pretty cool. It’s amazing that you and the boss met and just hit things off and you left for him. I haven’t met a man worthy enough to make me go out of my way for anything.” She blushes because she’s given me too much. People tend to do that, but that’s why I made a great cop. A sadness washes over me as I think about not doing it anymore.
“Maria, can you come into my office, please?”
“In ten minutes. I need to learn some stuff.”
Now. It’s important.
“I need you to come in now.”
“Coming.” I stand up and say, “Excuse me.” As soon as I’m in, his arms and his mouth crush down on me. “I’m sorry you’re sad about having to leave your job for me.”
“Damn, that mindreading shit sucks.”
“Well, I think it’s fantastic because I need to do all I can to make you happy.”
“Is that what the rush in here was for?”
“No. I have to deal with some issues. I’ll be back in about an hour or so, hopefully less.”
“What’s wrong?” Before he can say anything, I can hear his thoughts. Two females quit because they know we’re together.
“Sorry. Damn it. I suppose this shit has a bad side.”
“You know I can’t do anything about them being upset and I sure as fuck didn’t give them any attention, but now my restaurant manager’s upset because they’re short-staffed. I have to go put out those fires before things get worse.”
“Where are those women?”
“They split. I’m guessing they expected to hook up with me, but you know how it works. I didn’t notice them and only treated them like I do all my employees.”
“Okay. I trust you, but just be careful. After what happened yesterday, I’m a bit afraid.”
“I’ll be fine. I promise. Now, I’ll have some breakfast brought up in a bit.”
“Egg and sausage wrap?”
“Yes. No cheese?”
“No, but would hash browns be too much?”
“Nothing is too much for you. Do you want them in the wrap or on the side?”
“Whatever works is fine with me. I’m hungrier than I thought I was.”
“Maybe it’s our little pup in there.” He presses his hand to my stomach, and I sigh. It’s way too soon to know, but the thought makes me happy. He spins me around and pats my ass. “Be good.”
I go back into my office, and Nancy’s on the phone at the desk. “Yes, actually. She’s right here.”
“Daphne would like to talk to you if you have a moment.”
“Isn’t she still in the hospital?”
She shrugs.
“Sure. Of course.” She hands me the phone and then I cover it, letting Nancy know I’d like some privacy. I don’t know what Daphne has to say, but it might not just be about the office.
Getting the hint, she walks to the door. “Okay. I’m going to my desk to see if I have any missed calls and voicemails.”
“Thank you, Nancy.”
I release my hand from the receiver and say, “Hello, Daphne. This is Maria.”
“Hello, Maria. It’s a pleasure to find out that Turner found you.”
“Thank you. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about you from him. Congratulations on the new baby, although shouldn’t you be resting in the hospital?”
“Thank you. I’m still in the hospital. I’m only calling to make sure you don’t stress. Everything is under control, and most of his schedule is pretty straightforward.”