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LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS

Poppy McGee lets out a scream.

It’s of the roller-coaster variety as she holds on for dear life in the sidecar of Dash’s stupid motorcycle. She knows he took that curve too fast on purpose.

He skids to a stop in front of her apartment building. She yanks off the helmet, glowers at her brother’s broad grin.

“Damn,” he says, laughing. “I’m glad your squad wasn’t around to hear that embarrassing scream.”

Poppy shakes her head but doesn’t disagree. The Leavenworth law enforcement community is still getting used to the idea of a sheriff in her twenties. After she helped break the Alison Lane case—which led to the arrest of a corrupt former FBI agent—the mayor appointed her sheriff. She misses the real sheriff, Ken Walton. She knew him only a short time, but long enough to know he was a good man.

“I knew I shouldn’t have let you talk me into riding in that contraption.”

Dash holds the smile. A smile that has sold many a Ford automobile.

“See ya tonight. Don’t be late. Dad’s making steaks,” she tells him.

Dash salutes.

Before he takes off, Poppy says, “Hey, Dash.”

His usual goofy expression turns serious, perhaps at the tone in her voice.

“I’m sorry I ever doubted you and—”

“Don’t get all stupid, Serpico.”

She smiles. “One more thing…” She pauses. “Do you think Dad will mind if I bring someone tonight?”

“What, like a date?”

Poppy hesitates.

Dash’s smile returns. “Nah. I think he’ll say, ‘It’s about damned time.’”

Poppy smiles. “All right, get outta here, you goon.”

“Hey,” he says, his tone softer than usual.

She looks at him.

“You know this isn’t the military anymore, right?”

Poppy cocks her head, not understanding.

“You bring your friend from KBI, or whoever you want. All we care about is that she’s good to you.”

Dash fires up the bike and takes off with a clatter.

Poppy waves goodbye. And damned if she doesn’t have tears in her eyes.