Page 30 of Last Chance Christmas

“That’s like a burner, right?”

She nodded. “It’s possible it belonged to the officer we believe is their accomplice. There’s a theory that Rainy Athers might’ve been having an affair with Mackey.”

“A prison guard and a convict? Are you serious?”

“It happens,” she said. Thankfully not that often, and it was usually squashed before things could get anywhere near this far. “It’s not unheard of. She might’ve gone dark side and helped them escape so she and Mackey could be together. The others just happened to be in the vehicle. The sad part is that her partner was caught in the middle, and he’s in critical condition. A man could die simply because this woman couldn’t keep her feelings professional.”

“That’s horrible.”

“It’s life.” She shrugged and turned to him, holding another evidence bag. “Unfortunately, things aren’t always the way we want them to be.”

“I’m ready for Christmas. That’s all I have to say.”

She stared too long at his jaunty smile. “Christmas?”

“Yeah, we get this all wrapped up and it’s nothing but decorations, eggnog, hanging out singing Christmas songs. All of it.”

She shook her head. “I didn’t peg you for being a Christmas fanatic.”

“The Collins family might not know so much about Hispanic culture, and I didn’t grow up speaking Spanish at home, but they are excellent at Christmas. They all go crazy.” He grinned. “In fact, they’ll be at the church tonight, helping decorate. I might go since I’ll be off shift. Hey, you should come with me.” He nudged her shoulder.

“A tempting offer.”

“But you’re busy?” His expression lost a little of the excitement about Christmas.

“I don’t know what time I’ll be finished with this.” She turned to him. “But if I’m free, maybe I’ll be there.”

He grinned. “That would be great.”

“You’re ready to introduce me to your parents?” Wasn’t that a milestone in a relationship? They seemed to have suddenly jumped to warp speed, going from a first date to meeting his parents. Getting to know each other. That meant he wasn’t messing around.

His eyes flared. “I mean…if you want to meet them.”

“You already met my mother.” She turned back to her task, gathering the rest of the pile of clothing. Underneath, she found fast-food wrappers. They could trace the restaurant and get security footage. Find out who was in the vehicle—whether they’d gone through the drive-through or come inside the restaurant.

“If you want,” Izan began, “maybe we could get something to eat before the decorating. Or after.”

“Maybe we could,” she echoed. “Just not from this place.” She held up the evidence bag.

Izan said, “I’ve never liked that place. Their fries are overrated.”

Olivia smiled. “Then you’ve got yourself a deal. Or a plan.”

“Or a date?”

She nodded. “Okay, a date.”

He leaned in a little, almost like he was thinking about kissing her. To their right, someone yelled, “Collins!”

He stiffened and turned to the side. “Yes, Lieutenant?”

Amelia had her hands on her hips again.

Olivia said, “She does that a lot, doesn’t she?”

Izan turned back to her. “Gotta go. Duty calls and all that. Text me later when you’re done?”

She nodded and watched him jog away, pulling out her phone. Under the hood of her jacket, she called Junior.