“Did you try and steal one of their statues too?”
I snickered. “Nah. I was too busy eating the barbecue. Imagine if you arrested me out there too?”
“Just how many times have you been arrested, Mr. Murdock?”
I shrugged. “The important part is I was never charged, Chief.”
“So, I expect to see you in my squad car again?”
“Depends on what we’re doing in the car.”
“You think you’re charming.”
“Oh, I know I’m charming. I got you talking didn’t I?”
Her finger twitched on that pristine blotter of hers. It slowly inched toward a bright red stapler before returning to her keyboard.
“You have some good impulse control there, Chief.”
“Unlike you.” She tapped a few buttons more forcefully before she stood up. “But you’re officially not my problem anymore.” She tucked her files into her desk drawer, then stood and slid her chair in. “Good luck with the judge.”
She strode out, turning off the light leaving me in the semi dark.
“Hey!”
I tipped my head back with a laugh when I heard the lock click from the outside.
Guess she got me to shut up after all.
Chapter 4
Parker
Annoyedthat I couldn’t settle after my shift, I texted my best friend to meet me at the diner. Nora Baker worked for herself and luckily was up early.
My dad’s impressive baritone floated out into the diner. Joel Olsen was a big personality and I loved him madly. I waved at Luisa, the morning waitress, then slipped through the swinging doors to the kitchen.
“Hey, Pop.”
“Baby girl! How are you?” He shoved his spatula into the slot then backed away from the massive cooktop griddle full of home fries, pancakes, and a staggering pile of onions and peppers. It wasn’t a meal without my dad’s famous peppers and onions at the ready. He hugged me, lifting me off my feet.
“Ooof. You just saw me yesterday.” I patted his shoulders and melted into him. I hadn’t realized how much I needed the hug.
“I’m making up for lost time.” He set me down. “You look tired.”
“These night shifts are killer. I can’t wait until Tanaka is off the bench. I don’t know how he does it.”
“You don’t really need a night shift, do you?” He went back to the cooktop and flipped the pancake just before it burned. I wasdefinitely ordering those. He pulled out strips of bacon and set them to sizzling.
My stomach roared. “Obviously we do, I caught one of the Murdock boys trying to steal Daisy last night.”
My dad’s laugh boomed out. “Been awhile since Daisy took a ride out of the fountain.”
“It’s not funny.”
“Oh, c’mon Parker, it’s funny. I’m glad those boys are back in town. It’s been boring around here.”
“I’d prefer that they didn’t break the law.”
