Without You. Mary Baxter Lynn

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      Seven

      “No wonder you’re exhausted after the kids leave for the bus.”

      Maria Gomez sank into the dining room chair across from her husband and smiled. “It’s about time you saw the morning fiasco.”

      Detective Knox Gomez gave her a leering grin. “I was about to suggest we grab a quickie before I left for the station.”

      Maria picked up a piece of cold toast from one of the kids’ plates and threw it at him, though a grin spread across her wide features. “In your dreams.”

      “Why not? They’re free.” Gomez sobered. “We haven’t had much time alone lately.”

      Maria’s dark, expressive eyes widened. “And whose fault is that? You’re never home anymore, Knox.”

      “I know, and I’m not happy about it.”

      “Then, do something about it. The kids miss you.”

      “And I miss them.”

      Maria had started to gather the breakfast plates left by the three children when Knox reached out a hand and stopped her. “That can wait. I’d like your attention for a while.”

      Maria paused and narrowed her eyes. “I’d like that as well, only not in the morning when we both should be at work.”

      “That’s what I’d like to talk to you about. I want you to quit your job and stay home.”

      “You’re asking the impossible. We’re barely making ends meet now.”

      “Maybe that’s about to change.”

      Maria raised her eyebrows. “Oh?”

      “Maybe we might even have another baby.”

      That brought Maria to her feet. “You can forget that, Knox.”

      He frowned. “You don’t have the final say, you know.”

      “Since it’s the wear-and-tear on my body, I feel I have the majority vote.” She stared down at him. “If that’s what you want to talk about, I’m not interested.”

      His lips tightened. “You’re not doing anything I wouldn’t approve of, are you?”

      “Like taking birth control pills?”

      His tanned skin flushed. “Yes.”

      “No, but I’m not ruling them out.”

      “Dammit, Maria, you’d better go talk to Father Sanchez.”

      “You go talk to him.”

      There was a heavy silence, then Gomez said, “Look, I’m sorry I got you upset. I didn’t mean to. I actually wanted to tell you about the case I’m working on.”

      “Really?” Maria said, surprise in her voice as she sat back down. “That’s a first.”

      “I’ve been assigned to investigate the murder of the woman found strangled in that hotel.”

      “A feather in your cap, huh?”

      “You bet. The primary suspect is a rich swinger named Jackson Cole.”

      “The name doesn’t mean anything to me.”

      “Cole owns one of those swanky clubs over on Beale Street. And because of who he is, the case is probably going to be high profile. In fact, it already is.”

      “Meaning?”

      “Meaning, if I crack it and prove this guy did it, then I’ll win favor in the chief’s eyes.”

      “Which might translate into a promotion?” Maria’s voice was hopeful.

      “It could, though that’s not a given. Still, it would certainly boost my standing in the department.”

      “I know that’s important to you, but it’s more money we need—which is exactly why I can’t quit my job.”

      Gomez got up and shifted his holster farther back on his belt, his features grim. “If I do solve this case, I’m going to ask for a raise.”

      Maria crossed the room and pecked him on the cheek. “You go for it.”

      After she left the dining room, Gomez released a deep sigh, hating how he felt like a failure. Of the wives of his Latino buddies, his was the only one who worked. But he’d married a more independent woman than his friends had. While he’d known that, he’d thought he could change her. Seven years of marriage and three kids later, he hadn’t made much progress. He hadn’t been home enough to accomplish that goal.

      As a kid, he couldn’t get enough of playing cops and robbers with his friends. The game had turned into his dream. When that dream had come true, he’d worked like a dog to be the best officer he could, which meant taking any and all assignments.

      Now, he had an opportunity to prove his worth, to show his superiors just how good he was. Like he’d told Maria, this big case was his chance to shine, and shine he would. He peered at the dishes on the table and for a moment thought about surprising Maria and cleaning up.

      But the notion passed. Woman’s work. He had more important things to do. Slapping on his hat, he made his way to the door.

      “You’d better look out, Jackson Cole,” he muttered. “I’m about to become your worst nightmare.”

      The morning was gorgeous but rather chilly. Hallie had wanted to have coffee on her patio, but the brisk wind had sent her scurrying back inside.

      With that in mind, she’d dressed accordingly, while still conscious of what the day would bring. In the end, she had probably gone a bit overboard in dressing as the true professional. However, her dark-green designer suit did nothing to subdue her thin, shapely figure, or diminish her creamy skin and the punky hairstyle that often aroused obvious disfavor with the judges. But she didn’t care. She wasn’t good at being anything or anyone other than herself.

      Hallie stared at the mirror for the umpteenth time, deciding she looked as good as she was ever going to. She was about to turn away, only to pull up short. When was СКАЧАТЬ