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“Thrilled,” I said through clenched teeth. “But I’m on the clock, so I can’t entertain you. Go exist somewhere else, like Starbucks or something!”

“Can’t.” His face fell. “I’m banned.”

“There’s more than one Starbucks.”

“Oh, I meant I’m banned from all of them.” He just shrugged. “Can we get a cop car and turn on the siren?”

I got in the truck and slammed the door shut. “No.”

“Can we go on a chase?”

“No.”

My head throbbed.

“Embark on an exciting sting operation? Shoot some caps into some asses?” He looked absolutely pumped about the idea.

“We…” I said the word with disdain, “…won’t be doing anything. I’m dropping you off at the house and forcing you into slave labor; then I’m working for at least four more hours. Hopefully by then, your wife will be back.”

“About that…” Max examined his hands. “They’re gone for the weekend so…”

I started the engine and peeled out of my parking spot so fast I nearly took out Blanche who was crossing the street with one of her friends. She looked briefly at my truck and flipped me off then blew me a kiss.

Max frowned. “Silver fox. I dig it. Where you been hiding her?”

“Not. Another. Word.” I hissed out, already exhausted from how much he talked.

Silence was not in Max’s vocabulary. Once, he went to the library and found every dictionary in order to cross out the very word. He literally didn’t acknowledge it as part of the English language.

Hello, pounding headache.

Goodbye, peaceful life.

It wasn’t until I was back at my parents’ house, dropping Max off, that my chest started to tighten even more.

Because there she was.

In the backyard.

Our backyard.

Playing with a water gun and giggling.

With a familiar looking little girl.

My gut clenched.

She had the same reddish-blond curls.

Same smile.

I closed my eyes.

“You okay?” Max followed my line of site and was actually quiet for a good three seconds before saying, “You didn’t tell me you had a daughter.”

“OUT!” I roared.

For once in his miserable life, Max listened. He hopped out of the truck and made his way into the empty house, while I gripped the steering wheel behind two sweaty hands and watched the girl play.