Page 100 of Her Last Whisper

“It’s okay, I’ve been settling into those twelve-hour shifts at the fire house. They are brutal and take some time to get used to.”

“Do you just love it?” she asked.

“You know, I absolutely do love it. It’s been my dream job since I was a kid.”

“Are they hazing you yet?” She forced a laugh, trying to keep her full attention on Chad and not her own problems.

“No. And don’t give them any ideas.”

“It’s coming… watch your back. I know how cops are and firefighters can be just as bad.”

“I’m watching my back now. You’ve got me scared!”

Cisco ran around the room after drinking water and decided he wanted to stand on the couch looking from Katie to Chad, and back to Katie again.

“Off, Cisco,” she said. “He was sound asleep before you got here.”

“You hungry?”

“I’ve missed a few meals because of this case—actually, cases. And yeah, I am hungry.”

“Let’s see what you got.” He headed into the kitchen, opening the refrigerator and checking out what was in the cupboards.

Katie watched him with interest as she sat on the counter stool. “Verdict?”

“Not as bad as I initially thought. What sounds good? Let’s see… leftover pasta, some kind of veggie dish, eggs, or comfort food like….”

“Pancakes?”

He turned around and his expression reminded Katie of when they were kids—eager and wanting to get into some trouble. “I think we have a winner. And that is one thing I definitely know how to make.”

“My kitchen is all yours.”

Cisco padded around the kitchen as if he wanted to make sure he wasn’t forgotten.

“What you think, Cisco?” he asked and received a combination grumble whine. “I agree.”

For the next fifteen minutes, Chad managed to dirty more dishes than necessary to create a bowl of pancake batter.

Katie laughed quite a few times and actually didn’t think about the case, allowing her body and mind to begin to re-energize. She realized, watching Chad fumble once or twice in the kitchen, giggling in the process, that she had missed him much more than she realized. She thought that some things in life are experiences that are a part of life’s history, but when those people in the past are back in your life and you cannot imagine ever being without them again—cherish every moment.

Before she knew it, they were both enjoying pancakes with heated syrup.

“Oh my…” Katie managed to say, “this is the best ever,” and she stuffed another forkful into her mouth. “You need to make these for the guys at the firehouse.”

“It’s a thought. We have an awesome cook right now. It’s one of those great perks. I’ve never seen so many excited guys looking at the menu for the week before.”

“I’m glad that you’re enjoying the job. It sounds like it was worth waiting for.”

He nodded. “The best things are.” He stared at her.

Katie didn’t know what to say and it was an awkward moment. They didn’t speak about Nick or the other night. Her heart felt a tugging, but she wasn’t sure how to respond. She wondered if it was because of her experiences and being a cop had jaded her somehow. But she didn’t want to lose a great thing—maybe even the best thing to ever happen to her. She wanted to spend as much time with Chad as possible.

“You know what would make this perfect?” Chad finally blurted out.

“What?” she said.

“Bacon. And more pancakes.”