Page 33

THIRTY-TWO

ONE WEEK LATER

Kenzie dressed in sweats and a T-shirt, then pulled a hoodie over that. The weather had turned decidedly colder, but today was a special day and Cole was coming to get her in less than five minutes. His church contacts had come through, and while she’d seen pictures of the new court, today was the day they’d get to hang out and shoot hoops with anyone who stopped by.

She pulled her hair into a ponytail, slipped into her tennis shoes, and met Cole at the door two seconds after he rang the bell. He leaned in for a kiss and she gladly returned it. Then he grinned down at her. “Ready to get stomped?”

“At basketball? I have three very competitive brothers, remember?”

“Oh yeah.” He frowned. “Okay, you’re on my team.”

She laughed and swept out the door while he locked it behind them. The drive to the trailer park on the other side of town didn’t take long. They passed Micah’s home and pulled around to the new basketball court.

“Stands out like a shiny new penny,” Kenzie said.

“Yeah. I just hope they’ll take pride in it and help care for it.”

She nodded to Micah. The young teen was pushing a broom across the concrete court. “I think there’s hope.”

“Yeah.”

When Micah saw them, he leaned the broom against the fence and trotted over to them. His sister Randa followed, coming right up to Cole and grabbing his hand. “We ate all the M&M’s. You got any more?”

“Randa!” Micah was clearly scandalized by his sibling.

Cole laughed. “Not today, kid, sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She skipped away to grab one of the fully inflated basketballs and toss it at the kid-height hoop that had been installed on the side.

Micah shook Cole’s hand and shot Kenzie a shy glance. “I can’t believe y’all did this for us.”

“You deserve it.”

He ducked his head and shuffled his feet. “You two going to play?”

“As soon as the others get here.” Cole nodded to the teens heading their way. “You spread the word?”

“Yeah. Figured if most of them liked playing on it, they’d help keep others from tearing it up.”

“Good strategy.”

“Thanks.”

“We have a few friends coming too,” Kenzie said as Jesslyn climbed out of her Chevy Traverse and waved. James and Lainie arrived, followed by James’ new partner, Nathan Carlisle, and then Buzz, Cowboy, Greene, and Otis. Butler had texted his regrets. He was still recovering from getting shot.

“Is that Oscar?” Kenzie asked.

“Yeah, I invited him. He gave a good bit of money to the project once he heard what we were doing.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

They all walked onto the court, and Micah grinned, made introductions, then aimed the ball at the hoop and let it soar.

When it swished, everyone cheered and he clapped his hands. “That’s what I’m talking about. Everyone divide into teams and let the games begin!”

Cole, being the tallest one there, easily made the tip-off to Kenzie, who dribbled the ball and passed it to Jesslyn. Jesslyn handed it off to Nathan, who took the shot but was blocked by one of Micah’s buddies. He grinned at the ribbing that followed, and Kenzie couldn’t help notice Jesslyn’s gaze followed him—at least until she realized what she was doing.

For the next three hours, they played and got to know the residents of the trailer park. Some were more friendly than others, of course, but all in all, Kenzie was glad the rapport had been established and could only pray it made a difference in the way they viewed law enforcement in general.

When it was their turn for a rest, Cole pulled Kenzie aside. “You ready to have our first real date?”

“Not all gross and hot and sweaty like this. Not on your life.”

He laughed. “I mean after showers and a change of clothes.”

“Where are we going?”

“You up for a swim in the lake?”

“You’re out of your mind.”

“I’m kidding. How about a picnic and a boat ride? Cross said I could use his anytime.”

“Now you’re talking.”

He pulled her close for a kiss. Moments later, he stepped back and looked down at her. “Sorry, was that gross?”

“Hmm ... I think you need to kiss me again for an accurate assessment.”

He did so. Sweat and all. Then lifted his head and laughed. “I think I’m going to like doing life with you, Ms. King.”

“The feeling is mutual, Mr. Garrison. Gross kisses and all.”