Page 18 of Pretty Broken Dolls

Turning to him, in a serious tone, “You sure you’re up for it? For this? No matter what it brings?”

“You bet. I always have your back. I want to catch this killer even more now.”

“Me too.” She smiled, thinking about some of the close calls they had experienced together. Their partnership was solid.

“What do you want to do?” He put the oxygen mask down.

“I think we need some solid, straightforward answers.”

“From?”

“From the beginning.”

“Agent Campbell.” They both said.

Chapter Seven

Monday 1945 hours

“This is nice,” said Katie as she took another sip of wine and relaxed.

“I know we haven’t spent that much time together recently,” said Chad as he returned to the couch with a glass. He snuggled in close.

“We both have jobs that require more than the nine to five routine. And that’s okay. We can make it work.”

Chad squeezed her hand.

“Okay, I’ve known you most of your life. And I know something is bothering you.” Katie studied Chad with a sinking feeling.

“Just things going on at work,” he said, trying to avoid her gaze. “You know what I mean.”

Katie turned her body to face him. “You can tell me anything. There isn’t anything that we can’t overcome and work out.”

Cisco sensed Katie’s change of mood and came over to her, lying down at her feet.

“What is bothering you?” she said gently. “I’ve sensed it ever since you arrived tonight.”

“Nothing that can’t be discussed later.”

“Oh no,” she said playfully. “You don’t get away that easily.”

“What are you going to do—interrogate me?”

“I can…and I’ll win.” She took another sip of the wine, savoring the flavor and the quiet alone moments with the person that she loved more than anyone.

Chad looked down at his hands, hesitating. “I didn’t want to ruin tonight.”

“Ruin?” Katie was now concerned.

“Maybe that’s not the right word. I have something I want to talk to you about.”

“Okay,” she said and set her glass on the coffee table.

“I went to that conference and met a lot of people.”

“Yeah, the Firefighters’ Association conference.” Katie knew about it, but she was on edge now, seeing how much he was struggling with something.

“Well, I met with the Commander for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. His name is Ron Fairfield. We actually talked quite a bit.”