Slinging bullets, p.18
Slinging Bullets, page 18
“Emilio and I had a great time. We got an early start on Saturday so we could make the most of the day. We left on Sunday in time to get back to watch your 4:00 game. Sorry about that one, by the way.”
“We have had better days.”
“Anyway, it was so much fun playing with Maria. She is about ten months old now and so expressive. She was adorable when she was smaller too but now she does so much more stuff. I brought her a book and a stuffed kitten that she hardly let go of on Saturday. Emilio said I was bribing her for love. I told him that is exactly right and that Maria clearly loves me more than him. I caught him searching for baby stuff on Amazon later that day. He really is a big softie. I can’t wait to see him as a father someday.”
“I think you will make a great mother too.” Hopefully bringing up kids isn’t awkward at this point in our relationship but I am curious about what she wants in life. Having babies and being a homicide detective may not be an ideal combination but I will ensure that we make that work if she keeps me around.
“I have been enjoying single life but I certainly look forward to that a few years down the road. I adore kids. Do you want children?”
I guess we are putting it all out there. That is fine by me. “I definitely want two or maybe three little Bradfords running around someday. That is why I built a house big enough to handle a family if I am lucky enough to get to stay in the area. I envision at least one of the kids being a girl with your exquisite eyes.”
Ava’s face clearly indicates that she is surprised that I revealed my hope to have children with her. Then she softens and says, “That would be perfect and I hope to have at least one boy with your strong jawline and gorgeous smile. I wish for those piercing, blue eyes of yours too.” She reaches across the table to hold my hand. I squeeze her hand and we share dopey smiles.
“Now that we have covered that I suppose it is time to take another step. Ava, I love you. You are perfect in every way. When all of this other stuff is over I am not letting you go. Well, if you don’t want me then I would let you go. I won’t be a creepy stalker as we have had enough of that. I do want to keep seeing you and see where this road takes us.”
“Oh, Luke. Of course I feel the same. I love you too. I light up inside every time you walk in the room. It is like some damn romance novel. I always thought those books exaggerate everything.”
“Are the romance novels hot?”
Ava laughs. “They are heartfelt stories that are easy to connect with and allow the reader to escape reality for a while. It is true that some of the books are a little more detailed than others but that is not why I read them.”
“Of course not.”
“It really isn’t. I like the books without the sex just as much. However, now I have you to imagine as the leading man which makes me appreciate the action in the stories on a whole new level.”
“I’m intrigued. Maybe I will need to borrow a few while our physical relationship is on hold. Why can’t this case come to an end?”
“You are preaching to the choir, Luke. My motivation to find this perp is at exceedingly high levels. I guess I should be thankful in a weird way that he or she brought us together.”
The waiter interrupts our sappy declarations of love. I am both thrilled and relieved by learning that Ava loves me. I don’t even care about the waiter butting in at that moment. I hand over my credit card so we can move along. We are greeted outside by the first snow flurries of the season. That could seem romantic but the wind is whipping at about thirty miles per hour so we run to Ava’s car and then give thanks for the shelter and the heated seats. I don’t have that luxury in the old Bronco but my new one has everything so I will enjoy driving it this winter. Maybe I can keep the old one out of the road salt and get her back on the road in the spring. My three car garage has plenty of room for both vehicles.
“I greatly appreciate you picking me up at the airport, mainly because I wanted to see you. Otherwise, I feel guilty about you going so far out of your way to do so. Driving all the way to Northville isn’t on your way.”
“You do live east of the town so it is not quite so bad. I’m happy to do it because I am not sure when we can meet up next. A new case came in this morning that will have me hopping. We definitely need to find some time together before you head out to San Francisco for the next game.”
“Would you be open to traveling to the game with Emily again? She asked about it on Sunday.”
“I would love that but I can’t commit until later in the week. We will see how this case goes. Bennett is fairly confident that this is another home violence situation. I am inclined to agree because the wife acted suspiciously when we brought her in today. She didn’t appear to be mourning her husband and she was very evasive when answering our questions. We found what we believe to be the gun used in a ditch not far from the backyard. If we can get some prints off it this might be an easy one.”
“I will let Emily know that you are interested. The advantage of having a private jet and the use of a guest box at the stadium makes it easier to make adjustments later in the week. Emily will be thrilled to have you join her if it works out.”
“I will definitely try to make it work. All of the sudden, I am pretty excited about next weekend. I had been sad about you leaving again. I understand that I won’t see you a lot because you will travel with the team but I love seeing you play in person.”
We discuss the upcoming week and San Francisco a little more. Ava says that she visited there once with her parents but only for one day as they had a busy itinerary for their California tour. We also do a little more Thanksgiving planning. Ava’s parents intend to stay with Emilio. Carmen and her family will be at Ava’s house. Miguel isn’t positive he can make it but will take the couch either at Ava’s house or at Emilio’s place if he can get away for the holiday.
“Miguel is welcome to stay at my house. He can have the man cave bedroom.”
“That is sweet of you but I am sure he would feel more comfortable staying with family. He dreads flying at Thanksgiving when the masses are all on the move to see their families but he really wants to join us. I will mention your offer but don’t plan on him staying with you.”
“I understand. Maybe next time after he gets to know me. Tess and Ryan are both coming. Ryan even mentioned possibly bringing a girlfriend. They are still new though so he doesn’t want to bring it up to her yet.”
“Good for him. I am happy for Ryan.”
“Me too. Well, we have arrived. Do you want to come in? I do have to work for a while though to make up for my day of Michigan adventures.”
“I have some paperwork from today that is waiting for me also. I think I will just kiss you senseless and then send you in without me. It will help me behave myself.”
“Go ahead. I’m all yours.”
Ava’s kissing description was fairly accurate. As we make out like teenagers on a date, my mind goes a little fuzzy. Finally I decide that any nosy neighbors have had enough of a show. I break away and we both have to catch our breath.
“That was very nice. I love you, Ava.”
“Love you too, Luke.”
With that I grab my bag from the back seat and head inside. I watch Ava drive away as I wave from the window. I feel like texting her a string of heart emojis but I don’t want to distract her while she is driving. It would also cause my man-card to be revoked. Instead I settle in and open my computer. Watching game film from our loss in Philly will kill any hearts and butterflies mood that I had going.
Chapter 39
Ava
The week is flying by in a hurry. Bennett and I are finishing our reports on the recent murder case. The prints on the gun were a match for the wife although that could be argued away by the fact that the gun had been in the home for a few years. The clincher was that two different neighbors heard the shots and looked outside. They both clearly saw the wife run out and throw the gun in the ditch. The wife also had residue from firing the gun on her arms and clothes. Once all of that was confirmed, our suspect admitted everything. I wish all cases came together as easily as this one but we are still diligent in the investigation to ensure that all evidence and statements will hold up.
Bennett returns to his desk with fresh coffee for both of us. He places mine on my desk and then takes his seat at the desk on the opposite side.
“Thank you. I could use another cup. I have been dragging today for some reason.”
“Are you spending too many late nights with Luke?”
I glance around to see if anyone else is in the area. Bennett and I actually have a fairly private office space which is a luxury in the department. “I wish that were the case. In actuality, I have only talked to him on the phone since dropping him off on Monday night. He had to shoot the rest of his commercial last night and has a public service event set up by Alexis tonight. We plan to share dinner tomorrow if nothing comes up here at work. Luke said he will cook so I am happy to take him up on that. Then I am flying out for the game with Emily and Matteo. The coach’s wife and a few others are coming along too. I am very excited about that.”
“That does sound great. Tracy and I will be sure to tune in. She has already asked me two or three times about what time the game starts. When Tracy latches onto something she goes all in.”
“I am amazed by her every time I see her. How can one girl have so many interests and hobbies and do them all well? Is there anything that she started and didn’t stick with?”
Bennett laughs at that. “There haven’t been many but she did decide that sushi rolling was not her thing. She loved making the sushi but was not a fan of eating it. The only other one that comes to mind is ballet. She told me it was too slow so she switched to a hip hop dance class instead.”
“That sounds more like Tracy. I have been starting to think about this year’s Christmas present for her. Do you have any ideas? She is still playing the guitar I bought for her last year so that was a success.”
“Tracy spent some time on YouTube recently and became obsessed with Michigan Rocks, a channel about rock hunting, tumbling and stuff. Now she wants a rock tumbler and some starter rocks. That is one potential hobby that actually sounds fun for me too. I would love to get out on the beach and find some agates and Petoskey stones. I did that when I was a kid.”
“Perfect. I claim that as my gift for Tracy. Do you know what kind I should get?”
“No, but check out Michigan Rocks because I saw some video titles about rock tumbler reviews on there.”
I add that channel name into my notes app on my phone. Tracy is always the most fun to buy for because she has so many interests and is always so appreciative.
Bennett and I get back to work but he seems a little distracted. He is antsy and keeps rearranging the stuff on his desk. After a while I stop what I am doing and ask, “What’s up Bennie? I can tell you are bothered by something.”
He pauses his fidgety behavior. “You really like Luke a lot.”
“I do.”
“Do you love him?”
“Yes, Bennie, I do. We are waiting until the case closes to take the next step but I hope this is a forever thing.”
“That is what I thought. I guess I just needed to know for sure. I have to admit that Luke is a good guy. Tracy likes him too. I didn’t like that you were assigned to him but I am glad you are happy, Ava. That is what I have always wanted for you.”
My heart breaks a bit. I know this is tough for Bennie. “Thank you. That means so much to me. You and Tracy will always be family. You know that, right?”
“Of course.”
I pack up for the day and say goodbye to a few other people in the office. Chief Anderson asked me to stop by before leaving. Her 4:00 meeting is just breaking up so I wait until her office clears and then step inside.
“Chief, you asked to see me?”
“I have been reading your updates on the Bradford case. The threats haven’t ended but I can see you haven’t had much to be able to follow up on. Is there anything else you need from the department that would help?”
“Unfortunately, no. If something comes up I will certainly ask but right now we are just playing a waiting game. I didn’t intend to still be working this case in November. It is really not a problem though as I have had plenty of time to devote to my other caseload also.”
“As long as you are fine with keeping up the pretend relationship then I would like you to stick with it. Matteo Cannas told me that he is very happy to keep you involved. He even mentioned that Emily loves your company.”
“Emily is wonderful. She is flying me to California to watch the game on Sunday so it is certainly no hardship. I wish my detective skills were paying off better but the case is much more pleasant to work than any other one I have had.”
Chief stands and walks me to the door. “Enjoy it while you can. I am glad that you were able to help out and Matteo has been very supportive in working with the department. He is picking up the tab for some of your time. We all hope something breaks soon so this isn’t hanging over our heads as the playoffs approach. Have fun at the game, Ava. I will root for the Wheels from my couch.”
“Thanks, Chief.”
On the way home I popped through a fast food place to grab dinner. It is not ideal but I don’t want to grocery shop when I will be leaving town soon anyway. Tonight is dedicated to laundry and other housework. I can’t live the glamorous, jet-set life every day. I get the first load of clothes in the washer, turn on some music and sit at the bar to eat my chicken sandwich and fries. Just as I finish up, my friend Katie calls.
“Katie, oh my gosh. I have been neglecting you. I am so sorry.”
“Right back at you,” she says. “The phone works both ways. I am glad that we have at least texted occasionally but it seems you have been holding out on me big time. Why did I have to learn from Emilio that you are dating Lucas Bradford? Girl, that is huge news! You have full permission to neglect me as much as you want if you are spending time with that hunk.”
After first wondering why Katie saw Emilio I make the decision to trust Katie with a little background. “It actually started due to a case I am working on. I can’t share the details but if you see anything in the media about us my name will be Morales instead of Castillo. Luke and I should only be fake dating but we have screwed that up and fallen for each other. We have limited the physical relationship for now out of respect for my job. That is killing me, by the way. He is such a great guy, Katie. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”
“You know I don’t spend my time watching ESPN, but when living in Detroit it is hard to not know who Luke Bradford is this year. I can’t tell if he is nice but I do know that he is hot.”
I laugh and tell Katie about some of the dates Luke and I have had. The one in Utah really impresses her. Then I mention how I will go to California with the Cannas family this weekend.
“Oh my gosh, that is unbelievable. Detroit cop becomes jet-setter with the rich and famous. I am jealous even though I wouldn’t want to sit through a football match.”
“Games, Katie. They call them football games.”
“I expect a call when you return. I need to hear all about this trip. I also promise that I will do a better job of checking in more often. Now that I have adapted to my new position I feel a little more relaxed again. We need to have drinks soon.”
“That sounds good. Do you have any new men in your life to report on?”
“I have my eye on a mortgage broker who works for the bank across the street. Grant and I met in line at the coffee shop. We didn’t have time to sit and talk but we exchanged numbers and he is meeting me for dinner on Saturday. He is no sexy athlete but he is pretty good looking.”
“Awesome. Good luck with that. I guess we both will have events to report on.”
“I have to go, Ava. I am glad we caught up a little but let’s get together next week for those drinks. I am free on Tuesday if that works for you.”
“That should be good unless something at work interferes. I will text you that afternoon to let you know how things look.” Katie is accustomed to my sometimes erratic work schedule.
“Okay, I just added it to my calendar. See you soon. Bye!”
“Goodbye, Katie.”
It was great to talk to Katie. We really did let things slide for too long. I clean up my dinner garbage. At least doing dishes is not one of the needed chores for tonight. I am half way through dusting when my mother calls. We chat for about forty-five minutes, about thirty of which is her asking questions about Luke. I then move my first laundry load to the dryer and put a second in the washer. I am just pulling out the vacuum when my phone dings. Apparently, the housekeeping gods do not want me to get stuff done today. The text is a note from Luke that simply says, “I miss you.” I reply with a heart and then proceed to vacuum with a silly grin on my face.
Chapter 40
Luke
We finish practice and I am approached by several players at once. Richie and Davis are part of the pack. I try to recall if I did something wrong. De’Von Miller pokes his finger in my chest and says, “Man cave. Tonight.” He is capable of using complete sentences but apparently feels those words are sufficient for now.
“No can do,” I tell the guys. “I am cooking dinner for Ava tonight.”
Ben Watkins says, “You see, we knew you were going to say something like that but we need our man cave time. Ava is welcome to join us.”
“Lucy and Alexis are coming over too,” Richie says like that makes everything okay. “We are going to order pizza. I will order some salads to go with that of course. Lucy is bringing cookies and cupcakes from the bakery. De’Von agreed to make a stop for beer and a bottle of wine. We are all set.”
I scratch my head in confusion. “So you have this all planned already? Without asking me first?”
Davis answers, “I suppose we are kind of asking you now but you can’t really say no.”
“Hmm. I guess not. Thank you for inviting me.” I am actually looking forward to this now as we haven’t had a man cave night in a long time. It will be fun but the night alone with Ava also sounded like fun.
