Page 30 of Sam to the Rescue
“Did you get any sleep last night?” She hugs me to her body and the urge to take her to the bedroom is so strong, I almost succumb.
“Don’t worry, babe. I’m a SEAL. We’ve trained for this. Easy as pie.”
Moaning, she slaps her hand to her forehead. “Did you ever try to make one?”
“No.” I grin because one of her cooking nightmares is about to be revealed.
“Well, I have. The crust was black on the outside and gooey inside.”
“Point taken. I will never ever use that phrase again.”
“Too late. Call the Feds.”
“And tell them what? My wife can’t bake worth shit?”
“No, that you jinxed the mission. Please. For me. Let someone else do this.”
“Who’re you suggestin’ I call?”
“Batman. He’d be good. Or maybe The Green Hornet.” The corner of her mouth lifts.
“I got this, babe.”
“Something about this case feels different.”
“Damn straight. Not enough sex.”
“Not funny.”
“Yeah, it is.” I kiss her thoroughly, hold her body close, then step away.
“I love you. Be home before you know it.” Before I change my mind, I jog down the already open staircase, cross the middle apartment, and descend to the bottom floor.
Joey looks up from his reality TV show and narrows his gaze. “You look like shit.”
“You would too, if you spent the night in jail… Hey. Do me a favor. Stay out of Manhattan and keep everyone close to home for a couple days, okay? And make sure Sam doesn’t leave the apartment again, unless someone is with her.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
“I can’t say.” Shaking my head, I lower my ball cap to block the sun, and whistle tunelessly.
My first order of business is a strong cup of cappuccino and a pastry from Mrs. Murphy’s bakery. As if in no hurry, I saunter toSuds and Sam’s,and stand under the elevated train.
Edge, leaning against my building, tosses his cigarette into the gutter and waddles my way. “Sorry about last night.”
I grunt and as I cross the street, he grabs my shoulder. “You look like a guy who could use a friend.”
“Got plenty, pal.”
A dog on my heels, he follows me to my door. “Don’t be like that. C’mon back to the club and I’ll introduce you around.”
“Nope. No thanks. Fool me once, bad on me. Twice? No fucking way. You hear what I’m saying,friend?” Pushing his huge frame out of my personal space, I slip my right hand in my jacket.
Eyes wide he shoves his hands in the air. “Fine. Have it your way.”
Later, in front of my picture window, I pace, wondering if I blew the mission.
Way out of my comfort zone, I phone Detective O’Brien. “I was so sure Circus Clown would ask again. Fuck. I didn’t want to appear too eager.”