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Saturday 10:00 a.m.

After three full days at Miss Emily’s, having his every want and need taken care of, including frequent visits with Jennie and Zoey, David stepped from Brandon’s sedan and retrieved his overnight bag. He stared at his home. The place he’d boughtwhen he moved to Pinewood Shores, forcing himself to put down roots—connect with the community. Becoming the man that he should have been all along. A man who put his friends and loved ones above his job.

“You sure you’re good by yourself?” Brandon leaned across the console and peered at David.

“I’ll be fine. I’m ready to be in my own bed. Besides, the injuries are dull aches now and my head has quit spinning.”

“I’ll let you get settled. Captain is having one of the patrol officers drop off your department vehicle until you get your truck replaced.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you at the station Monday morning?”

“Yes, sir. Wouldn’t miss watching you on desk duty.” Brandon laughed.

“Hey. You’re my partner. Aren’t you supposed to support me?” David quirked an eyebrow, but couldn’t hide his grin.

“Not this time, man. This should be entertaining.”

“You know I don’t sit still well.”

“That’s why it’ll be fun to witness.”

David shook his head. He patted the hood of the car. “Go home and see your kids.”

“Planning on it. And David.”

“Yeah?”

“Be careful. We haven’t found the guy who tried to blow you up.”

“Will do.”

Brandon pulled from the curb, and David turned and ambled up the sidewalk. He put the key into the lock and opened his front door.

Home, sweet home.

He scanned the quiet living room, a bit on edge. Nothing seemed out of place, but he couldn’t shake the unease. Hereached into the side table drawer and pulled out his off-duty Glock.

He had finished clearing the house when someone knocked. He went to the window next to the entry and split two blinds apart with his fingers. Officer Lauren Coleman stood on his front porch, keys in hand.

He opened the door.

“Detective Whitman, it’s good to see you feeling better. Here are the keys to the black sedan in the drive. Captain said not to wreck it.” Coleman chuckled.

“Cap thinks he’s funny.” David rolled his eyes. “Thanks for bringing it by.”

“No problem, sir.” She retreated down the steps and climbed into a waiting squad car.

He dropped the keys on the side table and made his way to the kitchen.

He filled a glass of water and lowered himself onto a chair. Placing his weapon on the table, he stared at the metal object.

How had his life come to this? A target for some creep and checking his own house for an attacker.

Chapter 12

Sunday 7:30 p.m.

A quiet evening together, the cure for her and Zoey’s stress. Curled up on the couch Jennie snuggled closer to her daughter. Despite all the unknowns that still lingered, a sense of peace descended. David was on the mend and the man responsible for targeting Zoey was dead.