“I have something to ask you,” Punt whispered in my ear once we relaxed on his couch.
My heart sank. It was true, I had forgiven Jude, but I hadn’t forgotten. Until I could wipe old memories from my heart, I still shadow-boxed with the past. I braced myself to hear another marriage proposal, a proposal I wasn’t ready for, one I didn’t yet feel I could honor.
“Keely, we both need some time to get used to your forgiving Jude, but even so, I’m asking you to be my partner.”
“But…”
He touched my lips with his forefinger. “I’m asking you to be my detective partner. Don’t tell me you’re no detective. You have two solved cases to your credit.”
Relief soon replaced my surprise. “I don’t want to be a detective, Punt. I’ve worked hard to establish my foot reflexology business. I like it. I’d hate to give it up. And what about Nikko? What makes you think he wants me as a partner?”
“We’ve talked it over, Keely. Nikko’s going to open a branch office in Miami. We’d like you as our silent, undercover partner here on Key West. Your reflexology business offers a perfect cover-up for your sleuthing activities. What do you say? Will you think it over?”
“Yes, I will.” A quick answer gave me time to think. Would Punt be moving to Miami? I didn’t ask. “I’d enjoy helping you and Nikko get criminals off the streets. Ace Grovello could have killed me. Nobody would have found my body. This is a special day, Punt.”
“Every day’s a special day when we’re both alive—and together.”
I agreed and I showed my agreement in a very special way.
Cold Case Killer Page 26