“Lauren is moving back home to be closer to her family at the end of the month. She hasn’t announced it. The fire investigator position is opening up and there is no one else who has the training. If you’re still interested, the job is yours.”
Metcalf nodded, sinking into the seat. “And if she comes back?”
“We can worry about that when the time comes. You’re the guy for this case. Let’s work with what we’ve got.”
“And you don’t mind my leaving to find out what exactly is going on with Ashton?”
“No. The house will be settled by tomorrow. It’s corded off. I don’t think anyone will be messing around there. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Thanks, truly.” He walked out the door and was relieved when he made it to his truck without running into Isandro. If possible, he wanted to convince Marissa they could be a lot more than a fling.
* * * *
Marissa dropped into her chair and turned on her computer. She wanted to figure out where Chelsea came from. There was something familiar about her, but she claimed she came from Orlando.
“I noticed the way you two watched each other,” Brian teased.
Marissa rolled her eyes. “What the hell are you rambling about?”
He leaned against her desk with a smirk. “Metcalf. I remember when you two hooked up—what, ten years ago? What’s going on? You two rekindle the passion?”
It was more like eleven. She groaned. “Fuck off, Cox. I’m not in the mood to deal with bullshit.”
“I bet he’d fill your criteria.”
She shot him a glare. “Back off.”
Out of all the things she could regret, pushing Metcalf away was the biggest. And now her partner wanted to rub it in. Asshole had told her to listen to what Metcalf had to say the first time.
Their chief walked in with a smile. “Detective Cortez, a word, please?”
Marissa jumped up and followed Chief Zerr into her office. “What can I do for you?”
The older woman strolled around her desk and sat, steepling her fingers in front of her. “Fire Chief Ramirez contacted me a few minutes ago. Dave Metcalf is investigating the fire. I want you to work with him. You both noticed suspicious things. And the county doesn’t believe it’s anything worthwhile, though I trust your judgment.”
She leaned forward. “Doesn’t the fire investigator handle possible arson cases and someone higher up the chain take our side of it?”
“Unfortunately, our guy is busy. So, I’m asking you to take over. At least until we can prove both your and Metcalf’s suspicions that someone set this fire. I have faith in you. And if it turns out this is bigger than us, we’ll escalate the issue.”
“Then it’s my pleasure. I’ll contact him tonight.”
“Thank you.”
Chapter 5
Surprise.
Jeanette wasn’t there.
No extra car in his parents’ driveway.
Metcalf honestly couldn’t understand how the hell she could drop their son off and leave. She bailed on Ashton without warning. Had she even come back to say goodbye?
Maybe she was as cold and heartless as his parents had claimed.
The door flew open and Ashton launched himself at Metcalf. He barely caught his son.
Metcalf’s first thought? He’s getting so damned big. Ten years old, and I’ve missed damn near three years.
“Hey, buddy. I missed you.” He picked his son up, hugging him tight as he forced back tears.
“Missed you more.” Ashton leaned back, his blue eyes watery and red behind his glasses. He had even more freckles than the last time he’d seen him in person five months ago.
Relief settled in. No more long periods without having his son in front of him. No more staring at him through a computer screen wishing he could hug him.
“How are you?” Metcalf asked.
“Mom is—she’s, uh…” he trailed off and hugged Metcalf harder, burying his face against his chest as his shoulders shook.
“Hey, let it out, Ashton. I know this sucks. I wish I had something better to tell you than that, but I don’t. I’m here for you, though.”
“She said I’m moving in with you, but Grandma and Grandpa said your house burned down.”
He set Ashton down and crouched down to look him in the eye. “You know I sold that after your mom went to New York. I have room in the apartment. I thought you liked it there.”
“Just thought we would move in again after I came back.”
“Ah, buddy, I’m sorry. We will find a new home. Until then, you can do what you want with the office.”
His face lit up. “Really? Anything?”
Metcalf laughed. “Within reason.”
“Awesome.”
“Mind if I talk to Grandma and Grandpa for a minute?”
He shook his head. “Nah. I don’t mind. I should get my bags.”
“I’ll help you with that. We’ll figure this out, okay?”
He nodded. “Mom says she’ll ship the rest of the stuff in a few days.”
“Okay. And whatever you need, I’ll get.” He walked inside, and Ashton went over to pack his PlayStation Vita and a few other things.
Mom and Dad stood in the kitchen, talking in hushed tones.
He crossed the distance and whispered, “She dropped him off and left?”
Mom’s eyes narrowed and she quietly snarled, “Yeah. In tears, but she didn’t stay longer than for him to step inside. Said she’d come back if you didn’t want to keep him. I told her she was a fool. That she should come back here, around people who actually give a damn about her.”
He sighed. “Mom, I’d never take her back. I would help take care of her, for Ashton. But we were never going to work.”
“Didn’t mean that,” Mom muttered.
“It’s funny. I told you that long ago,” Dad stated.
Metcalf scrubbed a hand over his face.
Mom shoved Dad lightly. “Give him a break. He did what he thought was right.”
He didn’t want to dwell on an old argument and changed the subject. “I may need help when I’m working and he’s not in school.”
Mom smiled. “Don’t even ask. The answer is yes. And Jeanette did get him registered. He can start in the morning. We’ll pick him up and bring him home.”
“Thank you. I can figure something else out when you’re busy.”
“Don’t even think about putting him in daycare. We have all the time in the world, and we need to make up for all that time we missed.”
Dad chuckled and nodded to the living room. “Go take care of him. He’s lost right now, but I’m sure he’ll adjust in no time.”
Metcalf smiled. “Don’t worry about us. I’ll take him to dinner, see if I can cheer him up some.”
Mom squeezed his shoulder. “This may be hard. I’m sure he’s going to go through the stages of grief. You’re going to have to be strong for him. But remember, we’re here for you.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” He gave his dad a hug, then his mom before making his way back to the living room. Metcalf snagged both suitcases and took them to his truck.
Ashton stopped to say goodbye to his grandparents, then joined him up front. “Now what?” he asked.
“Hungry?”
He nodded. “Mom doesn’t like me snacking.”
Metcalf bit his tongue and closed his eyes for a second. Then he smiled. “We’re going to have dinner, and if you wind up hungry later, we’ll stop by the store to grab some healthy snacks and a treat. Sound good?”
Ashton nodded.
He ruffled his son’s hair and started the truck. “What sounds good for dinner? Your choice. And don’t even worry about what Mom would say. You’re with Dad now.”
He thought about it a long moment, then grinned. “Tacos?”
“Mexican it is.”
* * * *
Marissa hurried to Estevan’s apartment. He lived in the same complex as Metcalf, but clear on the other side.
Hopefully, he hadn’t noticed where she was, but he was the quiet one of the bunch. If anyone would keep the secret, he would.
Estevan opened the door with a smile and stepped outside. “Enrique is still asking about the dress.”
“He doesn’t need to know.”
“I won’t tell. But what’s the story?”
“I wanted to take my mind off some asshole.”
“Did Metcalf help with that?”
Her eyes widened. “What do you think you know?”
“I saw you two at the bar.” He glanced away. “I was there with Isabelle. It was pretty obvious where you were going when you passed your car and went to the apartments.”
“Shit, don’t tell Isandro for now.”
“Was he a jerk?” Estevan asked, his face scrunched.
“No, not at all. He was everything I’ve been wanting.”
“Going to see him again?”
Her lips curved as she lifted a shoulder. “Want to, but now we’re working this case together. Then there’s Isandro, and they work together. What if it all falls apart before it gets going? I don’t want to come between them.”
“As long as it ends amicably, I can’t imagine Isandro will hate him.”
“Maybe. But I’m more worried he’ll be pissed at me.”
“He’s a big boy, and if he wasn’t ready for a relationship he wouldn’t be taking you home.” Estevan nodded at Isandro, who pulled up with Arianna.
“Don’t say a word, please,” she whispered.
“Lips are sealed,” he promised.
Before Isandro could climb out of the truck Marissa stepped into the apartment. She found Enrique on the couch sipping a bottle of water.
“Hey, Sis. Still keeping quiet about the dress?”
“Why does anyone care what I was doing last night? I’m more interested in what happened to you.”
“Still don’t remember.”
“What about your car?”
He shrugged. “It wouldn’t start. I wasn’t that far from home. Isandro had it towed for me this morning. Says Hal already fixed it.”
“Want one of us to pick it up?”
“Nah, I’ll be able to drive just as soon as Miley shows up. She’ll take me to the shop.”
“You should be careful on that leg.”
“Yeah, and I will be, but I didn’t opt for the stick shift and it’s my left leg. I’ll be fine.” Enrique grinned when Isandro came in with Arianna.
Marissa gave Enrique a dirty look, hoping he’d keep his mouth shut.
Arianna smiled. “Feeling better, Enrique?”
“Yeah.”
Isandro chuckled. “How’s the head?”
“Better. Not so loopy today.”
“And how’s walking?”
“Sore, but doable. So, when Miley gets here, I’m taking off.”
“Be careful, don’t hurt yourself worse,” Marissa warned.
His lips quirked. “Oh, you mean don’t go for a ride? What if she just rides me?”
“Oh, for the love of God.” Marissa walked away.
Arianna giggled. “I know you’re not a prude, Marissa. You don’t have to act like one.”
“Yeah, but I don’t need the mental image of any of my brothers getting busy.”
There was a knock.
“Okay, fine, I see your point.” Laughing softly, Arianna went to answer the door.
Miley stood there with a smile.
Arianna moved out of the way. “Hey, come in.”
Miley came in and moved to Enrique, who got himself up and on a crutch. She caught his face in her hands. “Oh, baby, are you okay?”
“I am now. You ready to go?” Enrique purred.
“Don’t you want to rest a little more?” Miley offered.
He shook his head. “Nah. I’ve been cooped up all day.”
“Be careful,” Marissa warned.
“Yeah, try not to do more damage,” Estevan added.
“Okay, everyone calm down. I’m fine. I’ll call if I need anything,” Enrique promised as he stumbled back.
Isandro caught him and made sure he stayed upright. “Seriously, go easy on that leg.”
“I’ll make sure he does,” Miley promised.
Marissa nearly choked on her tongue to strangle back the snarky remark. “Well, I need to make another stop before going home. Have a good night, Enrique. Bye, everyone.” She slipped through the door before they could respond.
One more stop. Time to figure things out with Dave.
* * * *
Dinner set Metcalf at ease. His son was the same loving kid he fell in love with. He’d missed damn near three years and he planned to make up for it.
They stopped at the store and loaded up on healthy snacks, some treats, and food. Lots of food. Anything Ashton said he liked, he bought.
Apparently when his mother was diagnosed with cancer, they started some crazy clean eating diet. Ashton hadn’t had sugar in three months.
Ashton had worried about the house at first. But Metcalf explained it had been too big when he was alone, so he’d sold it. The apartment was big enough for both of them. Though now that he had his son back, he’d get them into a house soon.
Ashton asked a million questions about the fire. Metcalf answered everything honestly.
After the groceries were put away, which Ashton helped with, Metcalf grabbed the suitcases and brought them to the guest room he’d used as an office. Frowning, Metcalf turned to his son.
“For now, you have a futon, but if you want a bed, say so. I’ll order one, and a dresser. Anything else you need. Tomorrow, we can figure out what other furniture you want.”
Ashton plopped onto the futon and grinned. “Actually, I like this. Reminds me of the room you slept in when you were hurt.”
The smile on his face almost dampened the self-disgust that followed the statement. Those had been dark days. The only bright spot, his son, who pulled him through the ordeal with his unending love.
Metcalf smiled sadly. “I suppose it does. And there’s a PlayStation out in the living room. Cable. All the normal stuff. Maybe we can watch a movie in a bit.”
Ashton frowned. “What do you want to watch?”
“Your choice, but I have the right to veto if you pick something too adult.”
A laugh bubbled up. “Really?”
Metcalf paused a moment. “Of course. Why? What did Mom try to get you to watch?”
His lip curled. “Disney Princesses.” He rolled his eyes. “I love her, but I’m not a girl.”
Metcalf chuckled. “No, you aren’t.” Jeanette had been disappointed they never had a girl, but after Ashton, she didn’t want to go through pregnancy again. Metcalf had always wanted another child.
Someone knocked, and Metcalf frowned. “Let me get that real fast.”
Ashton opened a bag. “Answer it. I’ll put my clothes away.”
“Won’t be long.”
Metcalf hadn’t expected anyone, but hurried to the door. He found Marissa standing there with a coy smile. “Hey, thought we could talk.”
“Hi, uh…” He frowned. “What are you doing here?”
Marissa froze, hurt spreading through her dark eyes. “This not a good time?” She took a step away and turned.
He caught her arm and stepped outside with her. “Didn’t say that. You caught me off guard.”
She studied him a moment. “You sure? You seem…distracted.” Her eyes darted to the door.
“A little.” He nodded inside. “Ashton is here.”
“Oh.” Marissa glanced down at the ground. “Well, you have my number. We can talk later.”
Pulling her closer, he pleaded, “Stay. Please?”
“I don’t want to be in the way. I know you don’t see him often enough. Sorry.” She tried to pull away again, and he hauled her closer, capturing her lips in a slow kiss. At first she froze, then she melted against him.
“Dad, who is it?”
Metcalf leaned back with a smil
e. “He’s here to stay. I’m getting him settled.”
She nodded slowly, the hurt melting away as a smile took its place. “We can talk later.”
Ashton pushed the door open and smiled up at her. “Hi, I’m Ashton.”
She stepped away from Metcalf and returned the boy’s smile. “Hello, I’m Marissa.”
“We’re going to watch a movie. Want to help me pick?”
She glanced at Metcalf and back at Ashton. “Sorry. I really can’t. I only came by for a few minutes. Another time, okay?”
“Okay.” He ducked inside, and she closed her eyes.
“You could stay. Might not be what you came for, but I do want to see where we can go.”
She took a step away, chickening out. “Honest, I came to see how you want to deal with tomorrow. I have confirmation I’m on the case with you.”
“I’ll call after I get Ashton to school.”
“Okay. Have a good night.”
He caught her hand. “Wait. Does my son end us before we begin?”
“No. We have time to figure us out. I know Ashton wasn’t here last night. Which makes me think you need some time with him. I can wait.”
She had a point. He nodded. “Jeanette basically dropped him off for good. She’s dying.” He drew a slow breath, and Marissa moved to him.
“How are you doing with that?”
“Fine. I’m just worried about how Ashton will deal with it. If he’s good, I am too.”
She pressed a hand over his chest. “We’ll talk soon. He needs you more than I do, and I’m glad you have him back.”
“One kiss before you go?” he whispered.
Marissa closed the distance and pressed her lips to his. Passion ignited. His hands gripped her hips, drawing her closer.
She didn’t push him away. No, she was ensuring he took time for Ashton. Hope filled the emptiness.
After a moment, she pulled back with a shy smile. “Call me when he goes to bed. Okay?”
“I will. This isn’t over.”
“We’ll talk later.” She hurried back to her car.
Chapter 6
“She didn’t stay?” Ashton asked with a frown.
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