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Brenda’s death weighed on him. It had been his fault. No one could tell him different.

Wrong place, wrong time. You didn’t cause it.The statement his captain had told him had haunted him for the past two years.

Of course, it was his fault. If he’d only left work to help her instead of staying at the office and finishing his report… Since that moment, he’d turned into a control freak. At least according to Brandon.

He increased his speed. The pain in his ankle screamed at him, but he deserved it.

“Detective?” A young voice drifted through the air.

He slowed to a stop and put his hands on his knees, sucking air as he glanced in the direction of the summons.

An energetic ten-year-old jumped up and sprinted toward him. He looked past Zoey and there sat the gorgeous woman he’d dreamt about all night. He smiled and waved.

He peeled his gaze from Jennie seconds before Zoey barreled into him, throwing her arms around his waist.

“Detective Whitman.” She grinned up at him.

“You can call me David if it’s okay with your momma.” He slipped his arms around her and squeezed.

“Hmm. I better go with Mr. David so Momma doesn’t get upset with me.”

“Fine by me.” He released her and mussed the top of her head.

Zoey giggled.

“So, Squirt, what are you doing out here?”

Hands on her hips, she glared at him. But the small upward curve of her lips told him she liked the nickname.

“Momma and I brought a picnic lunch and a Frisbee.” She slid her tiny hand into his.

“Sounds like an awesome plan.” He herded Zoey toward the blanket where Jennie sat.

“We just finished, but there are leftovers if you want some.” Energy bubbled from the young girl.

Oh, to be ten again. “Thanks, Zoey, that’s nice of you to offer.” His stomach would appreciate the food, but he didn’t want to intrude. “Let’s go say hi to your mom.”

Sunrays filtered through the wispy clouds and bounced off Jennie’s blonde hair, giving her a halo. The angelic vision stole his breath. He halted mid-stride.

“Mr. David? You okay?” Zoey tugged his hand.

“I’m good.” A flash of light caught his attention. He held his hand to his forehead and shielded his eyes.

His heart pounded in his chest. He bolted toward the unsuspecting woman on the blanket. “Jennie!”

She stood and stared at him.

Several small boulders tumbled down the hill from the parking lot, causing a landslide of stones. Jennie and Zoey’s picnic spot directly in the path of the rocks.

God, please don’t let me too late.“Zoey, get out of here! Jennie, run!”

Jennie sprinted toward him.

He grabbed her, threw her to the ground, and covered her with his body.

Screams filled his ears.

Pieces of debris showered over David’s back and legs. Sharp pricks and hard hits cut and bruised his skin.