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“Okay, so what’s boring specifically about being a kid? It’s a long time since I was your age, so tell me.”

Anna tapped her spoon unenthusiastically against the rim of her Choco-lotta Cheesecake Sundae cup.

“School,” she finally announced with a dramatic sigh.

“Ah. Right. Well, it won’t be forever.”

“But I just want to be a cop!”

She bounced in her chair to punctuate in a very endearing and childlike manner. Wisely, Cody opted not to point that out to her.

“I know,” she simply said. “Just gotta be a bit patient.”

“Did you like school when you were my age?”

“Well… Yeah, it was alright.”

“No, tell me for real, Cody.” Anna insisted with a warning glance worthy of Quinn Wesley at her most formidable. “I may be younger than you, but I’m not stupid. So don’t put sugar all over it.”

“The term is sugarcoat,” Cody corrected gently. “And yeah, of course, I know you’re not stupid. Like you know I never lie to you; right?”

“Right,” the girl admitted. “That’s why I like you. And my aunt too. You and Jackie always tell me the truth, even when it’s hard stuff.”

“There you go. So, I can’t say I was tremendously in love with school, but I got it done with no drama. Also, you’re doing well, aren’t you? I mean, straight As all the way…”

“Just because I get good grades doesn’t mean I like school.” Anna licked her spoon and managed a knowing smirk. “But I’ll be patient and finish it.”

“Good to hear. Continue to work hard, and keep your head down. You’ll be grateful for your results by the time you apply to the Academy.”

“Can I see your shield?” Her eyes lit up when Cody slid it across the table for her to hold. Emboldened, she held out her other hand. “And your gun.”

“Nope,” Cody chuckled. “Don’t push your luck, girl.”

“One day, I’ll be a detective just like you.”

“I think you’ll make a great one.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely.”

“Tell me why.”

Though the girl covered it with an edge of sass, an almost desperate need for approval and reassurance pierced through her young voice. She sounded a bit lost, definitely vulnerable… Cody kept a neutral face. She did not let her see how it affected her, but it sure twisted her heart.

“Because you’re really smart,” she replied. “Motivated. And strong.”

“Sometimes, I want to cry.” Anna’s vibrant blue eyes filled up with the admission. Her bottom lip wobbled. “But I don’t let myself do it.”

“Why not, kiddo?” Cody asked softly.

“Because it’s like you said. I have to be strong, even if I miss my dad.”

Just like she had with Kim the other day, Cody slid next to her to pass an arm around her shoulders.

“Anna, you can cry and still be strong,” she assured her.

“Do you cry?” the girl prompted in challenge.