Groomed For Love

Yeah, I took one in the vest but another round has grazed my shoulder, opening an old wound but in a very different way.

I sink into a chair, and someone tells me Moose is gonna make it. He’s been shot and is in shock, but like my own injury, it’s not as bad as it looks.

A paramedic arrives, wanting to take me to the hospital, but I’m not going anywhere.

I know that tonight my dad gets his wish. My mom too.

I’m done.

No more chasing bad guys just to get another scar. No more putting my best friend in the firing line.

And not giving the woman I love a life of worry every time I step out the front door.

Naomi.

I fumble for my phone, calling the only person I can think of who will bend the rules to pick her up and bring her to me.

I told her to stay put, not to open the door to anyone, but a black and white patrol car is on the way to her, to bring her to me.

To us.

I need her here, and so does Moose.

Pressing the dressing to my shoulder while I wait for Naomi to get here and for Moose to be given the all-clear.

I make some decisions.

My best friend Moose is just a regular, everyday pooch from now on.

And once we all get home, I think my mom might get her wish. I know she will.

I’m handing in my badge, hanging up the leash, and spending every minute from today on doing what I love instead of chasing what I don’t.

I call her next, my home line which I’m glad she picks up.

I try to keep it together, try to be strong but when I need her so bad. When I feel how close I just came to losing everything I love, I can’t hide my emotions.

I love her, I love Moose. I love us as a family and I need her here right now.

Chapter Nineteen

Naomi

Everything’s just like Parker said.

After about ten minutes there’s a honk right outside and looking out the front window I can see the patrol car so I open the gates.

Remembering what Parker said before he left, I still hesitate before opening the front door, making sure I have the chain on this time.

The memory of the run-in with my landlord still fresh in my mind.

Through the peephole in the door, I can see it’s a female cop, she rings the bell and waits patiently.

I feel scared still, not wanting to open the door because I know it’s opening up a whole world of problems with it.

Moose hurt, and I just know Parker is too.

It feels like too much to deal with so suddenly. I feel tired, wishing I’d eaten more. Wishing I’d got some more sleep.

Wishing none of this was happening.

“Ma’am? I’m Officer Gates. Officer Parker sent me to collect you. He’s waiting,” her firm voice says through the door.

I know she knows I’m standing here and I slowly open the door, keeping the chain on.

“Naomi?” she asks, her face melting into a kind smile. Making me feel relief straight away.

I only nod, and letting myself out the way Parker told me too, we’re in the patrol car with gates and house locked behind us in no time.

She sure is pretty for a cop. I mean, she’s gorgeous.

I’ve always been self-conscious around other women, but this one… That uniform, her skin. That figure?

“You must be something special for Parker to have me drive off my beat, bending the rules to come get you,” she says, sounding impressed.

“Call me Melissa,” she adds as she smiles. Her teeth are so straight, so white. It’s like she’s a model dressed as a cop or something.

“You didn’t have to,” I tell her, feeling defensive. Suddenly not liking the fact that she seems so familiar with Parker.

“Yeah I did,” she says straight away, wincing a little and then smiling again.

“Parker’s a big deal on the force,” she adds coolly.

“He and his dad were, are the most respected detectives in the district. Now he’s in K9? Parker’s the silent mentor of plenty of cops. Rookie and old school,” she says with finality.

“You included?” I almost spit, hating the idea of her having anything to do with Parker.

“Me included,” she murmurs. “But just so you know, Parker’s an island. And when I get a radio call demanding I come to pick up some girl because he’s gone and got himself shot. I know he’s got something special with someone. In case you can’t see that,” she says, cocking a brow.

“I’ve got a man, sweetie. Don’t be too quick to judge others for admiring what someone else has, know what I mean?” she smiles again.

Shot?

I feel like I’ve just been shot in the stomach. Figuring we must be going to the hospital, or worse. The morgue.