He finished his coffee, then walked four blocks to the grocery store.
“Good evening, Ms. Finkle,” he said, seeing the older woman exiting with her groceries as he entered. “Need any help?”
She waved him off. “No, I’m fine. Thank you for asking.”
With a nod, Chase made his way toward the bakery, but stopped in his tracks when he saw Lauren in an aisle, hands on her hips, glaring at a man he didn’t recognize.
“Something funny?” she demanded of the stranger.
The man was grinning as he grabbed a grocery basket off the floor. “Not at all.”
Lauren yanked the basket from the man’s hands.
Chase was about to step in and see if she needed help when the man held out his hand to Lauren.
“Nick Moore.”
Chase stilled.First, this guy takes over Joey’s job, and now he’s harassing Lauren? Not on my watch.
Before he could say a word, Lauren sidestepped the guy and said, “No, thank you.”
Chase backed behind the end cap to stay a bit out of view while also trying not to laugh aloud. Lauren had just shut the dude down hard.
“I was just introducing myself,” Nick said defensively.
She spun around. “Your eyes were doing more than that.” Then she turned and walked toward the end of the aisle where Chase was hiding.
“You’re welcome!” the guy shouted after her.
Without missing a beat or turning around, Lauren held her hand up and slowly extended her middle finger.
She arched a brow at Chase as she left the aisle. Chase stepped in. The man had already turned and was staring at jars of peanut butter.
“Did you say your name is Nick Moore?” Chase asked.
The newcomer turned toward him. “Yes.”
He swallowed, trying to sound calm. “You’re the detective taking over for Joey.”
The man stepped forward. “Who’s Joey?”
Chase quirked a brow.This guy doesn’t know?Surely Dunin had explained the situation. “Chief’s son. He’s on a medical leave of absence, but it’s temporary, so don’t get too comfortable here.”
Nick smirked. “Thanks for the welcome.” His eyes went to his badge. “Officer Harvey.”
This guy was an arrogant asshole;that muchhe could tell between the way he spoke to Lauren and now him.
“Didn’t say you were welcome.” Chase scowled, crossing his arms.
Nick nodded. “Good to know. When’s Joey coming back?”
“Not sure.”
The man stared at him for a moment. “Looks like we’ll be working together, Harvey.” He held out his hand.
Chase ignored it. “We’ll be coworkers, but I doubt we’ll work together.” He pushed past the other man and made his way to the bakery with a muttered, “Asshole”.
“Hey, Harvey,” Mr. Peterson said from behind the counter. “How are you doing?”
