Page 96 of Night Watch
“Why not?” Erik said. “You can help me after she leaves.”
Erik left the coffee pot on for Drake and stepped into the hallway. Pong traipsed alongside and Erik let them into his own place. He wasn’t surprised to see Kennedy sitting on the couch, her packed tote bag by her feet and a mug of coffee in her hand.
“Good morning,” he said. Man, who was this guy? He sounded pretty formal for a man who was in love, but he needed to keep a professional edge. It was the only thing that would get him through saying goodbye to her without begging her to stay.
She held up the mug. “I just made coffee.”
He dropped his bag and set his computer on the island while Pong trotted over to Kennedy. “Looks like you want to get going.”
“We have time for a cup of coffee together.” She set down the cup and ruffled Pong’s ears.
Erik didn’t mind spending a little more time with her. He went to the kitchen to pour a big mug of coffee. He took a sip on the way back. She’d made it just the way he liked it. Medium strength.
He sat in the chair across from her. “Sleep well?”
“Yeah, I actually did. A lot of worry has been lifted from my shoulders, thanks to you and your family.”
“Glad you’re feeling better.” He didn’t know what else to say so took a long drink of the rich black coffee. “But even if you’re safe now, we still need to figure out if Johnson’s right and Miller was involved in your mom’s death.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“I suppose you and Finley will be leaving soon.” He rested the hot mug on his knee, but he felt jittery and didn’t think he could sit here drinking coffee with her when she was leaving him forever. “I can email findings to your WITSEC inspector so he can get them to you.”
She frowned. “I hate leaving my mom’s project unfinished.”
Right.That was what she hated leaving. Not him. The pain of that truth felt like a lightning bolt to the heart, and he knew, then and there, that hedidlove her. He wanted her in his life. He wanted to fight for her. But he wouldn’t. No matter what he wanted, he wouldn’t come between Kennedy and her sister.
He stood before he caved in to his emotions and made things hard for her. “I’m caffeinated enough, and we should get going.”
A flash of pain marred her face. Dare he hope it was because she didn’t want to lose him either? Still, it didn’t matter.
He crated Pong then grabbed her bag and led her to the SUV, where he got them out of the lot and on the road without a word. They made the thirty-minute drive in silence. Tortured, uncomfortable silence. Not at all like their usual easiness. He kept noticing her fresh coconut scent and wanted to take her hand to pull her close and be surrounded by it so he could remember the way she smelled and how she felt in his arms when she was gone.
Traffic was light, and he reached the marina in record time. In the parking lot, he climbed out into the breezy summer morning and grabbed her bag.
“I can take that.” She removed it from his hand. “I know you have things to do, so I’ll say goodbye right here.”
He nodded, but he didn’t know what to say or do. How did you say goodbye to the love of your life?
“Thank you for everything,” she said, her words rushed and nervous. “I know I didn’t deserve it, but I am very glad for your help. And tell your family how much I appreciate it too.” She rose on her toes and kissed him on the cheek.
He caught a whiff of the coconut again and lifted an arm to draw her close, but let it fall. “I’m glad we were there when you needed us.”
She smiled at him.
He stepped back and shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m glad we had a chance to iron out our differences. I hope your new life is everything you want it to be.”
“Goodbye, Erik.” Her eyes flooded with tears, and she bolted for the bridge.
He grabbed onto the SUV’s door handle to keep from racing after her. He stood there until he could no longer see her. His heart felt like she’d sunk a fishing hook in it and was reeling it along with her. The pain in his chest was nearly overwhelming.
He knew this exact feeling. Had felt it before, the day she’d left him in college.
His mind screamed to go after her, but he couldn’t. Wouldn’t. He rounded the vehicle and climbed in. He revved the engine, drawing the attention of a man standing by the marina’s front door. Erik felt lost and needed something to focus on. Wanda’s death was just the thing. Maybe this guy knew something about Wanda that no one had asked about. Sure, Erik was grasping at straws, but finding out what happened to Wanda was top priority now.
Erik killed the engine and jogged across the lot. The elderly man crossed his arms as if he was expecting a fight.
Erik introduced himself.
