Page 289 of Off Limits: The Firsts

“No worries. I’m sure they’re all here.”

I had never intended to look up her case. Obviously, it had crossed my mind, but I had decided it was a line I wasn’t going to cross. Now that the file, and the information inside it, is at my fingertips, I can’t stop staring at it.

I can’t stop wondering.

“Earth to Grant.” Nate stands in the middle of my family room with his cup of coffee in hand and makes a show of looking at his watch. Our shift is about to start.

“What? Sorry.” I shove the lid on the box and walk away from it.

For now.

I don’t think any type of distraction is going to prevent me from thinking about the closed file nestled in the box.

“Something wrong?”

“Nah. I’m good.” I force a smile and walk over to grab my cell and wallet so he can’t look too closely.

“You ready?”

“Yeah. Sure. Let’s go.”

But as I shut the door, I give the box one last look.

Fuck.

“Officer Malone?”

“Yo.” I shove my chair out and wheel across the aisle so the receptionist can see me.

“Delivery for you.”

Nate eyes me from across the aisle of desks, and I shrug. “For me?”

“Who’s subpoenaing you now?” he asks.

“Beats the hell outta me,” I say as I grab the manila envelope and turn it over in my hands. There’s no return address on it.

“Hey, Sue?” I call to the receptionist before she retreats back to her desk.

“Yeah?”

“Who delivered this?”

“Some guy. Kinda cute if you like the tall, dark, and handsome vibe.” She flashes me a smile.

“Yeah, sounds just like my type.” I roll my eyes and get a few laughs from the guys as I slide a finger beneath the flap and open the envelope.

There are waivers filled out with my name and yellow “sign here” tabs everywhere a signature is required. At first, I’m confused as to what all this is. Then the gift certificate works its way out from between the papers.

“Blue Skies Skydiving School Gift Certificate: Good for one tandem flight with lead instructor, Emerson Reeves. Unless of course you don’t trust her . . .”

Look who just stepped onto the playing field with a Hail Mary right off the bat.

Took her long enough.

I chuckle, which has Nate narrowing his eyes at me. “I gotta make a call,” I say as I stand and make my way out of the station away from the other officers who like to gossip like little old ladies.

“Blue Skies, this is Emerson, how may I help you?” Her voice sounds like goddamn sex. And she’s doing it on purpose because her caller ID tells her exactly who’s calling.