Take the Lead

by Shelley Shepard Gray

  “At least a time or two,” she admitted with a grin. “I’m usually called to the house, though. Not showing one to clients.”

  “I didn’t know whether to slam the door, wake them up, or burst out laughing,” Vanny said with a chuckle. “It was awful.”

  “I would’ve laughed,” Matt said. “You can’t make that up.”

  “You’re right, you sure can’t.”

  “Did your clients find a house, honey?”

  Vanny looked at her father and smiled softly. “They sure did, Daddy. They put an offer on the most expensive house we looked at, then and there. And it has already been accepted.”

  “Congratulations!” Bennie lifted her glass of water.

  “Yes. Salut!” Mr. Rossi said.

  Traci picked up her glass of red wine and toasted Vanny with the rest of the Rossi family.

  While everyone continued to toast, Matt rested a hand on the back of her chair and leaned close. “I bet you’re regretting ever agreeing to this dinner.”

  “Actually, I was just thinking that I can’t wait to come again.”

  He grinned at that. It was a million-dollar smile, for sure.

  CHAPTER 23

  foxtrot: This is an all-American dance

  set to jazz music and can be fast or slow,

  depending on the band.

  She’d done it. She’d survived her first Rossi family dinner, and the only member who hadn’t seemed to like her much was Lady M, the cat. Traci was just fine with that, too, since she didn’t care much for that stuck-up cat either.

  “I don’t know how to apologize any more than I have,” Matt said to Traci as he backed out of his parents’ driveway. “My family has no filters.” Matt was giving her a lift home, since Jennifer had dropped her off on the way to meet some friends—Traci had been too nervous to drive, so she’d tagged along for a ride. Now, not nervous anymore, she was just happy for a few minutes alone with Matt.

  “I thought they were fun. I mean it, too,” she added. “They weren’t rude. Just inquisitive. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

  “They were nosy.”

  “Matt, I’m a pretty blunt person. If I was sitting here thinking that they’d been rude or mean to me on purpose, I would tell you. Stop making a big deal out of something that I’m not upset about.”

  “You’re right. Sorry.”

  “Honestly, I wish my sisters and Jennifer could have been there. I had a mini-breakdown last night about table manners. They tutored me for a good hour about which fork to use and how to twirl pasta with a spoon.”

  He smiled for the first time since they’d gotten in the car. “And we didn’t even have spaghetti.”

  “I know! I was pretty disappointed not to show off my new skills,” she teased.

  Going over the bridge toward downtown Bridgeport, he said, “For the record, officer, they all really liked you. Every person in my family cornered me after dinner just to let me know that they hoped I’d bring you around again.”

  “That’s sweet of them. I’m not even Italian.”

  “They don’t care about things like that.” Glancing at her sideways, he said, “And . . . that pretty much clinches this date as one of my clumsiest. Here I’m trying to ask you out again, but I do it by saying you’ve got my parents’ approval.”

  He was asking her out? “Is that what you’re trying to do?”

  “I’m trying. Not very well, obviously,” he added as he parked his car in front of her building.

  “So, will you ask?”

  He unbuckled his seat belt and turned to face her. “Traci, thank you for going over to my parents’ house, even though as a first date, it was a poor choice.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Are you busy next weekend? I’m not on call.”

  “I’m off on Saturday night.”

  “Traci, may I take you out to dinner, just the two of us?”

  She smiled at him. “Yes.”

  “Thank you. Stay there and I’ll walk around to help you out.”

  She was a cop. She’d grown up fending for herself. No one had ever opened her car door while she was sitting in the passenger seat. She would’ve thought it would be awkward, just sitting and waiting.

  But when Matt opened her door, leaned forward, and held out a hand for her to take, she realized that just because she hadn’t been treated like a lady before, she didn’t not like it.

  Actually, she liked it a lot.

  Liked it so much, she hoped he’d keep doing it.

  He held her hand, their fingers linked together as they walked toward the door. The lights near the front door were lit, but the first floor looked quiet.

  He looked up at the windows. “I see a couple lights on the third floor, but not many.”

  “Kimber’s out of town, and Shannon’s probably already home with Dylan. Jennifer might be with Jack, I’m not sure.”

  “Would you like me to walk you inside?”

  “I love your chivalry, but I’ve got this one.”

  “Okay then. Even though you’re a cop, let me make sure you get inside all right.”

  Dutifully, she got out her keys, inserted one in the lock and turned—just as her work phone rang.

  “Come in. What awful timing. I’ve got to get this, though. It’s work,” she said, already digging into her purse.

  “I’ll wait,” he said, just as she answered.

  “Lucky here.”

  “Traci, hey,” Dylan said, all business. “Sorry to bother you on your big date, but we’ve got a problem over at the women’s center.”

  “What happened?”

  “Somebody broke in and fired a gun. He took off before we arrived, but things are pretty chaotic around here.”

  Though her heart was pounding, she kept it together. No way was she going to lose it on Dylan again. “I’ll be right there.”

  “Wait. Are you still with your doctor?”

  “He’s not my doctor . . . but yes.”

  “Bring him, along, okay? The guy was after Gwen and she’s looking pretty bad right now.”

  “Was she shot?”

  “No. No one was actually hit, but she’s rattled.”

  It took her a second, but her voice was firm when she spoke again. “Understood. See you soon.”

  She clicked off and looked at Matt. “Any chance you can do a house call?”

  “What happened?”

  “Our girl Gwen is in trouble. The ex found her, broke in, and fired his gun. She didn’t get hit, but she’s having some issues.”

  “What do you need before we get back in the car?”

  “My badge and gun. I’ll be right back,” she said as she strode inside. Running upstairs, she unlocked her safe and pulled out her gun and badge.

  Just as she was putting on her holster, Jennifer peeked into the room. “Traci?”

  “Jen, hey. Sorry, I just got called out. I’ve gotta go.”

  “Be careful.”

  Traci smiled at her gratefully. “Always.”

  By the time she got back downstairs, Matt had on his game face, too. “Dr. Rossi, let’s go see if we can help this poor girl.”

  “I’ll drive,” he said.

  Since she knew she had to get a better grip on herself, she walked to the passenger side of his SUV. “Thanks,” she said simply. “I appreciate it.”

  CHAPTER 24

  “Dancing is creating a sculpture

  that is visible only for a moment.”

  —Erol Ozan

  Gwen didn’t know where she would be safe, but it wasn’t here. Standing in the middle of a dozen flashing lights, ringed by four officers in uniform and Ellen, she’d never felt more alone. Or more vulnerable, and that was saying a lot.

  Officer Lange was standing next to her as two ot
her officers combed the area.

  She couldn’t believe she had even heard that phrase used in real life. She shuddered again.

  Officer Lange noticed. “Emerson, see if someone can bring Miss Camp a blanket, would you?”

  “I’m okay,” she said quickly.

  “I know. But it is kind of cold out, yeah? A blanket never hurts.”

  She was just about to refuse again but stopped herself just in time. She wanted to say that she didn’t want to be any trouble. Standing here like she was! She was currently nothing but trouble.

  A tall policeman wearing jeans, a black T-shirt and a windbreaker that said “BPD” on it, handed her a blanket. “It’s cleaner than it looks.”

  She hugged it to her chest. “It’s softer than it looks, too. Thank you.”

  After nodding at her he turned to Officer Lange. “I don’t think we’re going to find much now. It’s getting late.”

  “Yeah, anyone who might have seen something from a window would have told us by now. I’ll stay here.”

  “Sure?”

  “Yep. Lucky’s on her way.”

  “All righty then.” Nodding to Gwen, he murmured, “Ma’am,” then headed to the other officer who was standing by one of the cruisers.

  A lot of things were running together in her mind, but one thing was standing out. She mentally grabbed hold of it like a lifeline. She turned to Officer Lange. “Did I hear right? Did he say that Officer Lucky is coming over here?”

  He folded his arms over his chest. “Yep, she’s on her way right now.” He paused, then added, “She’s coming over here with Dr. Rossi.”

  Gwen was shocked. “You called my doctor? There was no need. I’m shaken up, but I don’t think the baby is in danger or anything.”

  “I didn’t call him on my own. They just happened to be together.”

  “Happened? So, they weren’t working?”

  “Nope. He took her to meet his family.” He smiled slightly and raised his eyebrows, like he was amused.

  It was unbelievable, but that bit of news, coming from the officer she’d once been so afraid of, made her smile. “It’s kind of nice that they’re dating, huh?”

  He chuckled as a shiny black SUV with silver rims pulled up. “Since I’ve probably already said too much, I think I’ll take the fifth on that. My advice to you is not to mention it either.”

  “Noted,” she replied as they watched Officer Lucky and Dr. Rossi get out of the vehicle and head their way. “Wow,” she whispered. Both the doctor and Traci looked real fine.

  Officer Lange winked at her before heading their way.

  Officer Lucky kept watching her. Even though so much attention usually made her uncomfortable, Gwen was finding the officer’s concern made her feel better. It had been a horrible night, one that she was going to be living over and over again for a while. But someone was looking out for her, and that was comforting.

  After another minute or two, Officer Lucky and Dr. Rossi joined her while Officer Lange turned to talk to Ellen.

  “It seems you had a bit of excitement tonight, Gwen,” Officer Lucky said. “How are you holding up?”

  “Okay, I guess.”

  Dr. Rossi frowned. “We need to have you sit down.” He looked around. “May I take her inside now?”

  “Yep. Dylan’s telling Ellen that everything’s clear. How about you to go sit in the living room? Will that work, Gwen?”

  “I guess.” Gwen didn’t want to step one foot inside. But what choice did she have?

  Dr. Rossi held out his arm. “Come on, Miss Camp. Let’s get you someplace calmer.”

  She wrapped her hand around his elbow and walked with him to the side door. “It’s really nice of you to come out here,” she said. “Especially since you look all dressed up.”

  “You’re just used to me wearing scrubs and a lab coat,” he teased. “I promise, coming over wasn’t a problem.”

  She was tempted to ask about his date but she knew better than to pry. Instead, she directed him to the side door, which led to a small sitting area for the residents. She preferred it over the big living room that had a television. The space was rarely used so it was a perfect place to sit and read or just think.

  “Good, it’s empty,” Dr. Rossi said. “Do you want to lay on the couch or sit on a chair?”

  “Sit.” She sat down in her favorite spot, a brown leather chair with a matching ottoman.

  After taking a metal chair from the card table, Dr. Rossi picked up her wrist and started taking her pulse. She stayed quiet while he glanced at his watch.

  “It’s a little high, but not out of the normal range. How’s the rest of you?”

  “Okay.” She placed a hand on her belly.

  He studied her. “Any cramping? Bleeding?”

  “No. I mean, not that I’m aware.” Looking down at her hard stomach, she shrugged. “I feel okay. I mean, my body does. The rest of me is shaken up.”

  “I bet. When everyone leaves, take a shower if you think it might help you relax. Then, you need to try to get some rest. That’s the best thing for you and the baby.”

  “I will. Thanks.”

  He stood up as Ellen, Officer Lange, and Officer Lucky walked inside. “Gwen is holding up like a champ,” he said.

  “Good. That’s real good,” Ellen replied.

  Gwen noticed that the director didn’t seem especially at ease. Getting to her feet, she said, “Do you have any news about Hunter?”

  Traci shook her head. “After he broke the front window, yelled at everyone, and tried to grab you, he took off.”

  “You saw the other cops looking for him,” Officer Lange added. “He ran. I’m guessing that one of his buddies had a car waiting for him a block or two away.”

  Thinking about how close she’d come to getting yanked out of the safe house, she shuddered. She’d tried to tell herself that Hunter was going to forget about her, but it was now obvious that she was still on his mind. “I don’t know why he still wants me.”

  “You don’t think it’s the baby?”

  She shook her head. “He was really mad at me when I told him I was pregnant. He wanted me to get an abortion.” She frowned. “I didn’t want to do that, but even if I had, I couldn’t have. I didn’t have a car and didn’t have any money for it.” Now that her head was so clear, she realized that she’d been even more dependent on him than she’d realized.

  “He may be simply thinking of you as his possession, Gwen,” Officer Lucky said. “Some guys get into that.”

  Gwen shrugged. “He was really mean tonight.” Looking at her wrist, black marks from Hunter’s fingers already forming, she added, “If our security guard Clyde wasn’t on duty tonight, I wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

  “Clyde is a hero, for sure,” Ellen said. After taking a breath, she said, “Gwen, when we were outside, I told the officers that you’re going to need to leave the center.”

  “You don’t want me here any longer?” Her chest tightened. Her stomach rolled.

  “It’s not that I don’t want you, it’s that your being here is a danger to the other residents right now. As you know, this women’s center isn’t technically a safe house; it’s a place for women to get themselves back together. To heal.”

  “I understand.” Well, she could understand Ellen’s point of view, but it didn’t make her life any easier. She didn’t know where she was supposed to go. But it wasn’t their problem. “Do you want me to leave tonight?”

  “No, dear. Tomorrow morning is fine.” Looking at Officer Lucky, she said, “How does nine work for you?”

  “I can do nine.” She smiled at Gwen. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Why?” Suddenly she put two and two together. “Are you taking me to jail?”

  “Jail? Oh my gosh, no. Gwen, Officer Lange and I talked, and
we came up with a plan. A better place.”

  “Where is that?”

  “Gwen, you’re going to come live with me.”

  Gwen was glad she was sitting down because she’d just gotten the wind completely knocked out of her.

  CHAPTER 25

  “Everything in the universe has rhythm.

  Everything dances.”

  —Maya Angelou

  Traci and Matt had agreed to meet Dylan and Shannon at their building so the four of them could talk with Jennifer and Kimber at the same time. Dylan had gone to pick up Shannon soon after Traci had dropped her bombshell on Gwen.

  She had walked Gwen up to her room while trying to convince her—and maybe herself—that this was for the best.

  Matt had stayed downstairs since no men were allowed up in the dorm rooms. He’d offered to help Ellen clean up a little. She’d refused, saying she was too tired to do much except make a cup of hot tea and retreat to her room.

  When Traci had come downstairs, she’d found Matt sitting just about where she’d found him when he’d been checking Gwen’s vitals. Except now he was looking lost in thought.

  “Sorry,” she said as she joined him. “That took a little longer than I expected.”

  He stood up. “Is she okay?”

  Traci nodded. “I think she’s more shell-shocked by the whole evening’s events than anything. She had a pretty big scare.”

  He held the door for her then made sure it closed completely after he exited. The door had an automatic lock for the outside. Walking to her side, he reached for her hand. “You gave her some pretty big news too.”

  “I know. It’s necessary though.”

  He wasn’t sure it was. He was coming to learn that Traci Lucky might be a really good (and definitely tough!) police officer, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have a soft heart underneath that bullet proof vest. And nothing about her being so close to Gwen felt safe to him. Gwen triggered a lot of emotions for Traci, forcing her to relive some of the worst parts of her past. That was bad enough, but now add on top that she was going to put herself in danger in her own home?

  He was beyond frustrated with her. And her partner. Was there really nowhere else they could put Gwen?