Page 117 of Last Girls Alive

Katie chuckled. “No, you’re probably right. He would be fine riding shotgun.”

“And besides, if you go camping, Chad has all those off-road vehicles.”

“Yeah,” she said, staring out the window, watching the daylight turn to dusk.

The traffic picked up in intensity and the crowds increased the closer they got to the city. People drove their vehicles with aggressive tactics, cutting in and out of lanes. It made Katie a bit uneasy, like she was sitting in the middle of a minefield trying to run the gauntlet of unknowns before someone took her out. That seemed like the story of her life.

“You okay?” asked McGaven, glancing at her. “You look a little sad.”

“Oh, no, I’m not sad, just thinking about how crowded the city is and I used to patrol some of these areas. Never thought about it then, but now, I can’t imagine living here again.”

“I love Pine Valley. I never want to live anywhere else.”

“So,” Katie began. “What’s the deal with you and Denise? I mean, the real deal?”

McGaven flushed a bit red again.

“C’mon, tell me.”

“We’ve been getting along so well. We’re so in sync it’s a little scary. I don’t want to lose her. She was so worried at first because of her daughter, Lizzie. But I love them both, you know?”

“That says a lot, Gav. I’m really happy for you.”

“Look who I’m talking to. One half of the total power couple.”

“What?” She couldn’t help but laugh.

“You don’t see it? The beautiful detective and the dashing firefighter… I mean c’mon, the perfect couple.”

“For a movie. That’s what you make it sound like.” She leaned back in the comfortable leather seat. “It’s been good.”

“Yeah? Well, Detective Scott, I’d say we’re both lucky.”

She smiled back at him. Looking up ahead, she read the exit signs. “I think we’re close.”

“Yep, the GPS says we’re about a mile from the Four Seasons. You nervous?”

“Nervous about doing my job, no. But, I’m a little nervous being with all those fancy rich people.”

Less than five minutes later, McGaven drove through the main entrance and followed the signs for parking and stopped at the appropriate area. Two valets opened their doors and escorted them out.

Handing the keys to one of the men, “Thank you,” he said.

“Well,” Katie said to him. “Let’s check it out, Mr. McGaven.”

“My pleasure, Ms. Scott.” He took her arm and they ascended the wide staircase and passed through the grand entrance.

Katie was mesmerized at how oversized and elegant everything was: the lights, large indoor plants the size of a car, a breathtaking waterfall, and the furniture swathed with red and gold fabric. It was fit for a king and his entire entourage—she was positive that royalty had most likely stayed at this hotel.

“This is incredible,” said McGaven.

“Feeling a bit like a fish out of water—that’s for sure,” she whispered.

“You would never know—you are one of the most beautiful women here. Many people have noticed.”

Katie glanced at McGaven, not knowing quite what to say.

There were many couples, each dressed exquisitely and mingling with small groups of people.