The Company of Darkness: The Company, #2

By Lisa Olsen

Cady and Ethan beat the bad guy and saved the day... or did they? Cady has been touched by evil, polluted by unbound demon blood, will she ever truly be the same? Asherik the demon is bound but not destroyed, and Ethan's moods have taken on a distinctly darker turn since absorbing his power. Detective Lucas hasn't left his investigation behind either, and Cady will have to use all of her wiles to throw him off the scent for his own safety. And then there's The Company - how much will Cady come to regret showing up on their radar? There's no mistaking Rikard's interest, but does it stem from duty or something more personal?

In a world where demons thrive in shadows, preying on the innocent, there is one organization that stands against the enemy in the darkness. But what happens when The Company tasked with our salvation becomes corrupt with its own darkness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Olsen
• Release date: Sep 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781502259349

Book preview

Chapter One

Knocking on the door, Cady mustered the most serious expression she could manage when he answered it.  Hello, Mr. Wilson.  There seems to be a problem with your rent check.

Ethan leaned against the doorframe, the corner of his mouth tucked up in amusement.  Oh?  What would that be?

You didn’t give one to me.

Well, maybe you’d better come in and we can discuss it further.  He waggled his eyebrows playfully and she placed the flat of her hand on his chest, arching a single brow of her own.

Mr. Wilson, are you suggesting something untoward?

I’m suggesting you get your ass inside here before I grope you in the hallway, he grinned, blue eyes flashing. 

Are you sure?  I wouldn’t want to do anything to get you into trouble, she teased.  Would you like me to come back later?

No, thank you, he said politely, even as he reached for her.  Something tells me you’re worth the risk.

You’re... Cady’s couldn’t get another word in, as his mouth covered hers before he could even kick the door shut, but that was all kinds of fine with her.  What she wanted to say didn’t need words.  Finally, after all the drama, the danger, all the fear that Ash might be the one looking back at her through Ethan’s cornflower blue eyes, there wasn’t anything to stand in their way. 

She didn’t object when he scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the bedroom, already tugging at his shirt the second he laid her across the pristine white comforter.  An eager light of anticipation lit his face as he flung the t-shirt off, a few strands of his straight, blonde hair falling to his forehead.  He needed a trim. 

His arms and shoulders bulged with quiet strength as he settled beside her.  Reaching up to brush the long auburn hair away from her shoulders, he pressed a kiss to her collarbone, fingers busy at the buttons of her blouse.  Cady was glad she’d worn her good bra, the pretty lacy one, as he peeled back the flimsy fabric.  Too bad the panties didn’t match like they always did in the movies, but at least they were clean and feminine. 

His chest was broad and well muscled, tapering to the ridges of a toned abdomen, a light dusting of golden hair trailing from his navel and disappearing into the top of his jeans.  Cady’s fingers rose to trace over the swirling designs of his tattoos, appreciating the bunch and shift of his muscles that leapt at her touch.  She stopped short of touching the pattern that lay coiled over his heart. 

The symbol of Ash’s bound presence. 

Not for the first time, she wondered if she’d ever be able to look at it and not think of the terror the demon put her through.  Of what it must mean for Ethan to carry that entity with him, whether it was bound or not. 

Are you sure?  Ethan’s soft question brought Cady out of her reverie, and she smiled at the tenderness she found in his bruiser’s face even as his hand froze at her knee. 

I’ve been sure, you’re the slow one, she teased, sliding her leg against his hip.  You still owe me a skirt though.

His hand brushed over the ragged slit up the side of her torn pencil skirt, landing on a smooth expanse of thigh.  You can add it to my bill. 

There weren’t any more words then, just the heat of his skilled hands making her ready and the salty-sweet taste of his skin. 

Until his phone chimed with a text.

To her utter surprise, Ethan instantly rolled away to pick up his phone, leaving her panting and alone in the center of the bed.  I’d better check that.

Are you kidding me right now? she groaned, pulling her long hair out of the way and rolling onto her hip to watch him tap through the screens.  Was this what it would be like for them?  Permanently on call?  It sounded worse than dating a cop. 

I’m sorry, when the Company calls, I have to check it.

What if you were taking a nap, or in the shower or something?

When the Company calls, I have to check it, he repeated, giving her a pointed look over his shoulder. 

She was about to tell him what she thought of that particular work ethic when she noticed his brows draw closer together.  What is it?  What did they say? she asked, scooting closer to look over his shoulder.  He’d already lowered the phone to his side, but not before she saw the message.

Stand by for revision of offloading schedule. 

They’re changing the date on me to offload my glyphs.

Oh.  That didn’t sound so bad.  Sure, he had six demons bound to him in the form of tattoos all over his torso, but Cady wasn’t sure what the big deal was.  Hadn’t he said he’d had as many as eight in him before?  Is that bad? 

No, I guess not, he replied, staring out at the San Francisco skyline through the windows. 

Seems like that gives us more time to get back to what we were doing, she ventured, pressing a kiss to his shoulder, but he didn’t react at all.  Ethan?  What’s the matter?

Hmm?  Sorry, he said, catching hold of her hand and pressing a brief kiss to the back of it.  It’s just that they’ve changed the date on me three times now.  Something isn’t right. I’d better call in.

Cady sat back on her heels, chewing on the inside of her cheek while he dialed, both sides of the conversation plainly audible in the quiet of the loft apartment. 

Shaw, he announced when the call went through. 

Identify.  The feminine voice came on the line, and Cady wasn’t sure if it was an automated system or a really bored operator.

Shaw, sector twelve, number six five six zero nine. 

Acknowledged, Shaw, sector twelve, number six five six zero nine, she replied.  Report.

Nothing to report, still awaiting offload.  Can you share the nature of the delay?

Stand by one.  They waited patiently while the seconds ticked by, or at least Ethan did.  Cady’s foot started to tap nervously the longer it drew out.  Negative.  Is there cause for escalation?

No... I was only wondering if there was a problem.  I can always go to a different facility if need be. 

Noted, she replied coolly.  Do you require anything else?

No, ma’am.  Ethan drew in a breath to say something else, but the call dropped. 

I guess they’re not much for chit chat, huh? Cady tried, when he didn’t move except to tap the side of the phone against his chin. 

I have a bad feeling about this.

Something about the way he said it sent a shiver to the base of her spine and Cady went up on her knees, hands massaging his thickly muscled shoulders.  I’m sure it’s fine.  They said there wasn’t a particular reason for the delay.  And if there was a problem, they’d be on it like white on rice, right?  I figure no news is good news for these guys.  Unless you think that’s why Rikard’s been sniffing around.

Ethan didn’t react to the touch at his shoulders or her efforts to cheer him up, but his head came up at the mention of Rikard.  What do you mean sniffing around?

Oh, just that he keeps stopping by unannounced, and I ran into him in the coffee shop downstairs.

When was this?

Before I came back up, that’s why it took me so long.  I had to pretend like I was leaving and double back.

Ethan turned toward her, his face intent.  Tell me everything he said to you, he demanded.

Okay... Cady took a breath, trying not to give in to the flutter of worry that lodged below her heart.  Basically, I went downstairs to wait him out and get a cup of coffee, but he was there before I even had a chance to sip it.  He said his name was Smythe.  How crappy is that for a made up alias?

So he deliberately sought you out.  What else did he say?

He um, he asked me if I was your landlady and I said I collected the rent for my father.  I wasn’t sure what else to say since I don’t work for the management company or anything.  I said I had to be going and he offered me a ride, but I turned him down.  He noticed my necklace.  She reached down to touch the bow and arrow pendant, but didn’t depress the secret catch that released the rusty arrow.  And then it was like he smelled me or something when he shook my hand.  You know, that guy seriously creeps me out.

"You should be creeped out by him, Ethan replied, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand as he rose from the bed to pace to the door and back.  He scares me sometimes and I’m probably one of his best friends."

Seriously?  That guy’s your best friend?  No wonder your social skills are atrophied.

I’ve been in limited social circles for a while.  He stopped pacing to face her, tugging on his t-shirt.  I think you should probably go on home for now.

So much for naked time.  Really?  Now?  Instead of covering up, Cady let one shoulder drop out of her blouse, giving him her most seductive pose.  Are you sure? 

Ethan’s eyes lingered at the tanned skin exposed for the space of long heartbeats before his gaze darted up to the open windows.  Yep, especially now.

Oh, come on... you can shut the blinds, no one will know.

If I shut the blinds that’s an indicator in and of itself.  Ethan deliberately looked at the floor.  Go ahead, get your shirt back on.

You don’t really think he’s watching us right now, do you?  She couldn’t help but look out the windows, not that she could see anything.  Still, it was enough to have her reaching for the buttons on her blouse.

Not necessarily, but I don’t want to take that chance.

If he is, he’s already gotten an eyeful.

If he has then he’ll see me tossing you out on your ear and that’ll put an end to that. 

Aren’t you entitled to some privacy?

You’ve already caught his interest.  Our only chance is to bury any idea that you’re more than a piece of ass to me.

Then why don’t you finish what you started? That makes more sense than tossing me out before you’re done with me.  Her lips curved into a suggestive pout and Ethan’s head tilted to one side in confusion. 

Is that really what you want our first time to be like?

Aw, that’s probably the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me, Cady beamed, touched by the romantic notion.  Well... apart from when you invited Ash into you to save my life.

And none of that will mean anything if you catch the Company’s attention.  We’ve got to bury this before it goes beyond Rikard’s passing interest.  If he is intrigued enough to watch the building, he’ll have seen you come back. 

Okay, okay, I’m going, she sighed, looking around for her discarded shoes and slipping them on.  Standing, she tucked the blouse back into the conservative skirt and wound her hair up into a passably fashionable bun as she shuffled to the front door, the heat of the day starting to get to her.  Ethan followed her out, his eyes tracking her movements.  How do I look?

You look...  A hungry need descended over his features, but he held it together.  Dangerously good.

That brought a smile to her lips.  That’s what a girl likes to hear.  Forget what I said before about your social skills.  What about celebrating my new job?  Do you want to come over later while my brother’s at work? 

Ethan darted a quick look to the windows, as if trying to gauge how much of a view they gave of the front door.  His features twisted into an almost helpless expression before he leaned in and kissed her fast and hard.  Let me think this through, I’ll text you later.

Surprised by the kiss, her mouth chased after his when he pulled away, capturing him for another.  Don’t make me wait long or I’ll have to get started without you, she breathed against his lips.  Ethan made a sound, something between a growl and a groan as he surged forward, his body pressing along the length of hers, hard enough to crack her head against the door and she stifled an mmph of pain.   

Shit... sorry, did I hurt you?  He immediately backed off, his face a mask of concern. 

I think I’ll survive, she chuckled.  Remind me to be more careful the next time I tease you.

The next time you won’t have to tease.

Chapter Two

Sometimes I feel like I’m the only person in the world not having sex.  Cady Garrett leaned against the scarred table, chasing after the cherry in the bottom of her glass with a skinny red straw.  She’d barely had time to change into jeans and a black asymmetrical top before being pulled into an impromptu girls’ night out.

Are we back to this again? Penny exchanged a look with Kelli, her lips pulled into prim disapproval. 

Kelli waved the end of a toothpick at her; the blonde had taken to drinking martinis with extra olives.  She thought it made her look more sophisticated, despite the outfit that screamed more Girls Gone Wild than Bond girl.  It’s your own fault you’re not getting any.  You’ve shot down the last three guys that tried talking to you.  That last one was super cute too.

Cady didn’t want to get into why she wasn’t having sex, she was just bummed to be in a sweaty club celebrating her new job instead of finishing what she’d started with Ethan.  None of the guys at the bar stirred even the hint of interest from her, not when she had her own sexy demon hunter waiting at home.  Too bad it was his home and not hers. 

Yeah, Cady. Penny seized the opportunity when Cady didn’t say anything, her soft, babydoll voice somehow managing to cut through the din around them.  You’ll never find love if you don’t leave yourself open to it.

I’m open to love.  Way open.  She only wished they were able to be with each other as openly as she wanted.  It killed her not to be able to tell her friends or Ian that she was in a serious relationship for once. 

Good, ’cause we were sorta hoping you’d say that.  Kelli suddenly beamed like someone had announced drinks on the house for bottle blondes, and Cady’s head came up. 

What did you do?

Don’t be mad, Penny insisted quickly, her dark eyes wide.  We only want you to be happy.

That’s never good, Cady muttered, her stomach plummeting down to her shoes as she caught sight of Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome, approaching with a hundred watt smile.

Kelli jumped up to make the introductions.  Cady, this is Derek.  Derek, this is the girl we’ve been telling you about.  Cady suppressed a groan, her lips pressed together into an awkward smile as Penny took over.   

Derek is Justin’s cousin.  You’ll be walking down the aisle with him in the wedding.

Oh?  That didn’t sound so bad.  For a moment she’d thought they were setting her up.  Nice to meet you, Derek.  Cady’s smile turned polite as she offered her hand. 

Derek had a firm handshake, not too limp and he didn’t try to stroke her palm or anything gross.  Likewise, he smiled.   

Oh no... Kelli exclaimed, her blue eyes wide.  There’s something in my shoe. Come and help me fix it, Penny. She tugged at the brunette’s elbow.   

Huh?  Oh, right.  Penny nodded like her head was too heavy for her neck.  Yes, we’ll be right back.  They hobbled off together, matching lunatic grins on their faces once they got out of hearing distance. 

Your friends seem nice, Derek ventured.  Especially Penny, Justin’s a lucky guy. 

Yep, they’re the best, Cady replied, pulling out her cell phone.   

Listen, do you mind if I sit?

Knock yourself out, Derek, she smiled absently, fingers sending Ethan a text.  I hope your night is going better than mine.

Can I get you a refill on your drink?

No, thank you.

Not likely.  Just doing a weapons check, Ethan sent back. 

Would you like to dance?

No, thank you.  I’d be happy to help you handle your weapon anytime.  She smiled over her own comeback. 

Um... Are you going to be on your phone for the whole date?

I’m sorry, what? Cady looked away from the screen for the first time.  This isn’t a date.

Deep furrows appeared across his brow.  Okay, I’m confused.  ’Cause your friends said...

Look, I don’t know what my friends told you, but I’m not in the market for a new guy.  The phone buzzed in her hand, but Cady didn’t look down at it yet. 

Then why did Penny ask me to come down here?  She said you were excited to meet me.

The poor guy looked genuinely upset, and Cady felt a tinge of remorse for blowing him off so coldly.  It was nothing against him personally, she just wasn’t single.  I’m sorry, you look like a really awesome guy and all, but I’m not interested.  I’m getting out of a thing and I’m not ready to start anything new.

I just wanted to...

No, thank you, she said more firmly.  The phone buzzed again.  Cady looked down to see a flirtatious comment followed by a couple of question marks and she sent him a quick response.  Sorry, just got set up on an ambush date by my friends. 

Hey, I’m not looking for anything serious either, Derek said, the tension going out of his shoulders as he lost the bewildered puppy look. 

Good.  Cady relaxed, until she felt his hand on her knee.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun tonight.  Does it?  His eyes flashed with amusement.

Why did some guys think groping = charming?  Actually, it does, she said, going still. 

He didn’t take the subtle hint, leaning closer.  Aw, come on, don’t be like that.  We could have a lot of fun together, I’m thinking.

Her phone buzzed and Cady darted a look down.  Yeah?  Is he better looking than me?

That’s not my idea of fun.  You want to get your hand off of me, please?  Not where it counts.  Now if I can just get his hand off my knee...

Derek let go of her leg but didn’t move away.  Playing hard to get, I dig it.  You say no, I chase you around a bit – as long as it ends up at my place in a sweat, I’m in.

You want me to come down and kick the shit out of him?

Cady smiled.  No, I can handle it.  Setting down the phone, she jammed her thumb into the web between his thumb and forefinger, right on the pressure point Ian had taught her to use against anyone who got too handsy.  I’m going to ask you really nice because you’re a friend of Justin’s and I figure it’s kind of late for him to have to replace you in his wedding.  But I’m happy to push you down the aisle in a wheelchair if you don’t fuck off right now.

Derek flinched under the hold, and Cady marveled at how easy it was to keep him there.  Maybe he was a big fat baby when it came to pain.  She held it a fraction longer before letting him go with a shove. 

No wonder you can’t catch any dates, he snarled, cradling his hand to his chest.  I wonder if Justin knows what a psycho bitch you are?

Does he know what a tool you are? she retorted.  I’ll see you at the wedding.  And I’ll be sure to tell everyone all about this charming conversation, so you can forget about scoring with any of the bridesmaids.

Cady heard him mutter something like whatever as he backed away from the table, heading straight for the exit, his hand held close like a broken bird. 

Everything alright?

Yep, just missing you, she sent back.   

Soon, I promise.

Won’t be soon enough.  I miss your hands.

My hands miss you too.  I miss that sound you make when I kiss you.

What sound?

It’s like a cross between a sigh and a moan.  It makes me want to...

Kelli and Penny skidded up to the table, jarring her from the conversation.  What the hell?  You blew off Derek already?  Kelli demanded and Cady didn’t pull any punches, letting them know right from the start she wasn’t happy with them and their ill conceived plans. 

Are you kidding me?  You ambushed me on my celebration night with a total creeper!

He’s not a creeper, he’s totally cute, she insisted.

The two are not mutually exclusive.  I told him I wasn’t looking for a relationship so he tried to get me to go home with him.

Penny’s features crumpled in disappointment.  Aw, I’m sorry, Cady.  I thought he was one of the good ones. 

I’ve had dates like that, Kelli admitted with a half shrug.  What’s the big deal?

Ick.  That’s not how I imagined spending my night.

You said so yourself, you’re the only one not having sex, so why not have some?  You wanted to celebrate.

Not the only one.  Ethan was out there somewhere sending her dirty texts and she was more than willing to see where it led, especially if he sent pictures.  I think I’m going to head for home, I’ve had enough celebrating for tonight. 

Nooo, stay and have one more drink with us, it’s our treat, Penny insisted, and Cady gave up, shoulders slouching in defeat as her friend bounced off to the bar. 

Fine.  At least this gave her a chance to read the tail end of Ethan’s text.

Who are you texting?

No such luck.  Cady hit the sleep button as Kelli tried to look over her shoulder, slipping her phone back away.  Um, nobody, I thought I had a text from Ian, that’s all.

Sorry about that Derek guy. I thought he looked pretty tasty and Penny said he’d be a good date for you to take to the wedding since you’re walking down the aisle together.

I don’t see why you guys are so hot and bothered to set me up with anyone.  Why can’t I go to the wedding with Ian?

"Because I’m going with Ian."  Kelli’s face looked like she’d just ripped off a Band-Aid and hadn’t decided if it hurt or not yet. 

Cady’s jaw dropped, but she recovered a half a beat later.  Oh really?  So this is a thing now?

It could be a thing... Kelli shrugged.  I don’t want to jinx it so shush, okay?

Sure, right, of course.  Not that she wasn’t going to grill her brother over it the next time she saw him.  She held her tongue when Penny came back to the table though.  In the end Cady shared the drink and then one last dance before she begged off, walking to the bus stop alone. 

Cady no longer feared the figures huddled against the night, their destitute squalor pale in comparison to darker predators.  Those scared her far worse.  The idea that demons like Ash were out there, waiting to prey on the innocent.  And there were other creatures, things the Company fought against that didn’t require a reaper.  Were they lurking under the cover of darkness waiting for her to step into the shadows?

Headed for home.  It made her feel better to send the tenuous connection to Ethan, as cold a comfort it would be if she really ran into trouble. 

Wondered what happened to you.

I got caught up.  Tell me again what you want to do to me?

I’d rather show you.

Come over then.

Can’t. 

The bus came then, and Cady had to settle for her imagination, which was enough to leave her cheeks high with color that had nothing to do with the muggy summer night.  She was still thinking about Ethan when she got to her room, sitting on the bed to lazily peel off her jeans.

Her phone vibrated.  Close your blinds.

Her head came up, half expecting to see Ethan crouched on her fire escape, but she was all alone.  Why?

You’re showing too much.

Nobody can see me up here.

I can.  So can anyone who looks out their window in this alley. 

Cady edged closer to the window, trying to spot him, but the windows in the next building were dark.  What kind of a game was he trying to play?  Okay, that’s kinda creepy.

Tell me about it, anyone could see you dressed like that. 

He wanted to play, she’d play.  Instead of closing the blinds, she set the phone on the window sill and went to the buttons of her blouse, opening them slowly, tracing her fingers along the exposed skin before she moved lower and lower. 

The phone buzzed once, twice... three times.  Cady picked it up to read, Jesus Christ. Anyone can see you if they look up.  Cady!

Smiling to herself, she reached for another button and shrugged the top off to pool at her feet, leaving her in a bra and panties.  The phone buzzed again, longer and louder, this time calling her directly. 

Cady picked up the phone, not even bothering to look at the screen.  Yes?

How much farther are you going to take this?  Ethan’s voice slid over her, making her lips curve in satisfaction.  She was getting to him.

I don’t know.  How much more do you want to see?  Her fingers trailed down to the front closure of her bra, hovering there. 

I never knew you had such an exhibitionist streak in you.

She snapped it open but didn’t move, the bra staying in place for the moment.  There’s a lot you don’t know about me.  Like the fact that she got a distinct charge from imagining him out there in the darkness, watching her.

Cady...

Yes?  Her voice dropped to a sultry purr, even as the flimsy lace slid free, her skin pebbling at the soft breeze coming in through the open window. 

Ethan was silent for a long moment, his voice pained as he spoke.  As much as I’m enjoying the show, this is a bad idea.

Come over and stop me then.

I wish I could, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. Not yet.

She backed away from the window where there was less chance of anyone seeing her unless they were really looking, like he was.  You want to hear me make that sound, right?  Her free hand dipped to cup a full breast, imagining she felt his hand there. 

You’re killing me, he groaned.

Fine then, she sighed, turning off the lights and sitting on the edge of the bed in the darkness.  Can you still see me?

Not really, just an outline.

If you won’t come up and join me then you’ll have to imagine what I’m doing next.  Can you see me lying back on my bed?  Can you see what I’m touching now? she teased, laying back, but not indulging in any further raunchiness, no matter what she said.

You’re a cruel woman, Cady. 

But you love me.

Yes, I do.  Which is why I’m going to go now before I do something we might regret.

The only thing I regret is that you’re not here with me now.

I have to go.

But the silence stretched between them without either of them disconnecting. 

When can we be together? she asked finally.

I don’t know.  I need to check on a few things first.  I don’t want a few stolen moments with you, Cady, I want to do this right.

He was so close, she decided she’d rather just get to it and save the rest for later, but she could see his point.  Fine.  I’ll let you go then, goodnight.

Goodnight, Cady. 

Her phone buzzed once a few minutes later, making her smile in the dark. 

Soon.

Can’t wait.

Chapter Three

The novelty of working in an office wore off within a week and a half.  After staying up until three or four in the morning and sleeping past noon for ages, it was hard to get up in time to get to work by noon.  Sure, she got to wear nice clothes and sit in comfort, and the job wasn’t hard.  But most of the time Cady was bored out of her mind.  Calls came in to the front desk in flurries that kept her hopping, but then hours would go by at a stretch with nothing. 

In addition to her receptionist duties, she provided light administrative support for two of the agency field executives at Pacific Surety.  Ms. Tran was a compact Vietnamese woman who hardly gave her a lick of work to do, while Mr. Morley tossed instructions on his way to and from meetings as she furiously scribbled them down.  The last girl they had must’ve been a total moron, because everything they asked her to do barely took up more than a quarter of her day. 

Being up at the front desk meant she couldn’t catch up on her favorite shows on the CW, and she couldn’t even listen to music since she had to keep an ear out for the phones at all times.  Cady was able to read on her phone though, thanks to the reading app, and she’d gone ebook crazy, averaging a book every two days.  Being tied to the phones meant she also had to ask permission every time she had to go to the bathroom to get someone to cover for her, and that sucked big time. 

Still, she wasn’t working in a cage taking men’s soggy bills as they ogled her goodies.  That had to count for something.  Besides, there were other perks.  In addition to the better pay and benefits, she got to take home any leftovers from the weekly meetings they housed for the agents and she got all the free soda and juice she wanted.  Twice she’d brought home a ginormous fruit plate that fed her for days and a box of mini muffins that Ian scarfed down in fifteen minutes flat. 

Plus there were all the free pens she could carry, and just in case she ever needed to mail a letter – free postage machine. 

Meet for lunch?

Probably the biggest perk was she could text Ethan all day long and no one said a thing about it.  I could eat, she sent back.  How about I come over?  She hadn’t been back to his place since that day she’d seen Rikard, and so far Ethan kept putting her off on spending any time alone together.  They had met at the movies once, sitting together after the house lights dimmed. 

We wouldn’t end up eating.

Even better.

That would take more time than you have.

That sent a thrill through her.  Noted. 

We should probably meet somewhere off the beaten path.

So long as I can get there and back on my lunch break.

Well, hey there, fancy meeting you here.

Cady looked up to find Detective Andrew Lucas smiling down at her over the reception desk, and she shut her phone off with a guilty twitch.  He wore a Journey T-shirt that said Don’t Stop Believin’ over a pair of jeans, his badge visible, clipped to his belt.  Detective Lucas.

His smile stretched wider.  You remembered my name, I’m flattered.  I remember you too.

Something about the way he said that made the hairs on the backs of her arms stand up, her skin pebbled with gooseflesh.  What are you doing here?

I was in the building and saw you sitting here working so industriously.  He leaned farther over the desk, taking an interest in what she was doing.

Cady shoved the phone into the bottom tray of her inbox, lacing her fingers together.  Really?  You needed to talk to someone about insurance?

Cops need insurance too, he shrugged.

This isn’t that kind of an insurance office.  The people she worked for were the executives that managed the agents, they never got actual customers in off the street.

Okay, you got me, he admitted with a dramatic roll of the eyes.  I came here looking for you.

Uh oh.  Why would you do that?

Any chance you’re free for lunch?

You came down here to ask me out to lunch?  Was he hitting on her or giving her the third degree?

No, I came down here to talk to you, but I don’t want to get you into any trouble at work.  He waved to Cady’s boss’ boss, who stuck his head out of his office long enough to frown at her before shutting his door. 

Then go away before they think I’m involved in something illegal.

Why would they assume that?  Talking to a cop doesn’t make you guilty, does it?  For all he knows I’m your boyfriend.

Cady couldn’t help but laugh at that one.  That’d be the day.

At least I got you to smile.  So are you free for lunch?

Sorry, no.  She reached for a stack of mail she’d already sorted through, pretending to sort through it again.  Why didn’t the stupid phone ring?

You sure?  I’m buying.

No, thank you.

Aw, come on.  You gotta eat, right?

I brought my lunch with me today.  The phone rang and Cady turned her back on the detective, but not before giving him a dismissive smile. 

So, lunch?

Cady waited until she was good and sure Lucas was gone before she sent a message back.  Better not, tell you more later.

Ethan didn’t say anything back, and she refrained from sending any more texts until her lunch break came, and she planned on giving him a call from the deli.  No sooner had she turned around with sandwich in hand than Detective Lucas blocked her way, a knowing smile on his face. 

I thought you weren’t free for lunch?

Cady stepped around him, heading straight for the door instead of the table by the window as planned.  That was my polite way of blowing you off.

He wouldn’t be ignored though, falling into step beside her.  Okay, I get it.  You don’t want to talk to me, but I want to talk to you.

About what?  Weren’t you told to drop that case?

And how exactly would you know about that?

Shit.  Cady pressed her lips together, wishing she could take that back.  I just assumed so when you stopped harassing me, she frowned, crossing the street, heading for a small plot of grass