Page 4 of Beneath the Blue Moon

***Ethan***

I glance over at her as she stares ardently out the window,

searching for her father. Shit, that’s what I should be doing, too, not ogling

a distressed woman. I can’t help it, though. Every fiber of her being is

calling out to me. In the close confines of the patrol car, her scent is almost

overpowering. I had to put the windows down to ease the effects, but it hasn’t really

helped. I want to touch her. I need to touch her. My fingers are

itching—no, burning—to connect with her skin.

“Come in, Ethan.”

I jump at the sound of the radio, like a kid who got caught

with his hand in the cookie jar.

“Go ahead, Charlie,” I tell my deputy.

“I think I’ve got eyes on your guy on a park bench by the

gardens.”

Casey snaps around toward me, biting nervously on her

thumbnail.

“Roger that. Keep your eyes on him but do not

approach. I’m on my way.”

“Sure thing, boss.”

She lets out a sigh of relief and sinks into the seat.

“See? I told you everything would be okay.”

“Thank you, Sheriff.”

I pull up next to Charlie’s patrol car, and she hops out,

racing toward the man sitting on the bench. I follow closely… just in case. She

stops a few feet away, then continues calmly.

“Daddy?” When he doesn’t answer, she kneels before him. “Daddy,

come on. Let’s go home.”

Her voice is soft and soothing, and it sends a chill down my

spine.

“Home? Where am I?” her father asks, looking around as if

just realizing where he is.

“In the park. We came out for a walk, remember?”

He smiles down at her lovingly. “Of course. What would I do

without you, my darling Katy?”

Katy? I move forward to give her a hand.

“Daddy, this is the sheriff. He’s going to help us get home,

okay?”

He smiles at me. “Hello, young man. Fine night for a stroll,

isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir. It is.”

Together, we help him to the car and into the backseat. He’s

out like a light by the time we slide into the front.