Page 33 of Nails

Russell pointed a finger at her.“That video is classified.”

Riley wiped tears from her eyes.“Remind me never to let you lead recon if we’re ever in the woods.”

Paul nodded.“Smart woman.”

By the time dinner was over, Riley had to admit that Paul wasn’t lying.The fish sandwich was excellent.Probably the best she has had in a long time.The fillet was seared to perfection, its spice-crusted edges charred just enough to lock in the flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the fish.That, paired with the laid-back atmosphere and the endless stories, felt like the kind of night she didn’t know she needed.

After the plates were cleared and the guys ordered another round of drinks, Riley’s eyes drifted toward the back of the room where a pinball machine beckoned from beneath aBud Lightneon sign.

She stood and stretched.“Alright, gentlemen.If you’ll excuse me, there’s a pinball machine calling my name.”

Russell raised his glass, eyes twinkling.“Try not to cry when it beats you.”

Riley shot him a mock glare.“You mean like you cried when Paul here tackled you in the woods?”

The table erupted with laughter.Tony nearly spewed his beer.

As Riley made her way toward the machine, she smiled to herself.Yeah, she liked this place.She might just have to drive up here when she has some time off.

She dug out some quarters she had in her pocket.She dropped one into the machine and then gave the plunger a pull.The ball launched into the pinball machine, and the lights flashed, and the bumpers bounced.She hadn’t played pinball in years.Probably not since college, maybe, but there was something therapeutic about it now.The noise, the flashing lights, and the fact that she could zone out and forget about her upcoming briefing tomorrow morning.

For a few minutes, it felt good just to let go.No strategy.No threat assessments.Just her, the machine, and her dwindling pile of quarters.

“Whoa,” came a small voice beside her.

Riley blinked, eyes still on the flippers as she nudged the machine to keep the ball in play.

“You’re really good at that.”

She glanced down to find a tiny girl standing beside her.Long black curls framed a round, curious face with big brown eyes that sparkled like she’d just discovered a superhero in real life.The kid wore a t-shirt that said in bold letters:“My Daddy Says I Can’t Talk to Boys… So I Talk to Everyone Else Instead.”

Riley smiled, pressing the flipper buttons with a final burst of effort before the ball slipped past and disappeared.“Well, I was doing okay until you jinxed me,” she teased, grinning at the girl.

The little girl giggled.“Sorry!”

“You’re forgiven.You’ve got a pretty cool shirt, by the way.”

“Thanks!”The little girl clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head.“Can I watch you play?”

“Sure,” Riley said.“But only if your parents are okay with it.”

The girl spun on her heel and pointed to a nearby table.“That’s my mommy.The one with the blonde hair, in a ponytail.She’s talking to my Aunt Clover.”

Riley glanced over and caught the woman’s eye.The blonde gave a friendly nod, clearly relaxed.

“I’m Amira, by the way,” the little girl said, proudly sticking out her hand.

Riley bent slightly and shook it.“Nice to meet you, Amira.I’m Riley.”

Amira narrowed her eyes like she was trying to solve a puzzle.“I’ve never seen you here before.Are you new in town?”

“This is my first time here,” Riley said, popping another quarter into the machine.“I’m here for work.”

“What kind of work?”

Riley smirked, trying to think of a kid-friendly way to explain Homeland Security Investigations.“I’m in law enforcement.”

Amira gasped, her eyes going wide.“You’re a policewoman?”