One Good Catch

By Heather M. Gardner

One Good Catch
A Maguire's Corner novel
Book 2 in the Maguire's Corner series
Ignoring a recent trauma that is affecting her everyday life, ER Doctor Kate Maguire engages in some high risk activities, but putting herself in these dangerous situations isn’t enough to feed her edginess. She needs something more. When her brother’s high school best friend comes back to town, it’s her chance for a ‘no strings attached’ fling with the man who still headlines in all her best dreams.
Rhys MacGrath’s days of one-night-stands are long over. The pro-football player might be side-lined at rehab for a shoulder injury, but that doesn’t mean he can’t admire and desire the all-grown-up, so-damn-hot, version of the tomboy he once knew. His sudden interest in Kate might be aggravating his best friend, who doesn’t approve, but it’s her indifference that’s driving Rhys crazy.
Everything heats up when Kate’s nosy nature sets her in the line of fire of an arsonist forcing them to deal with more than just the sparks igniting between them.
----
Included with your purchase of One Good Catch is a free short story, Before We Break.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heather M. Gardner
• Release date: Jan 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463577066

Heather M. Gardner

Heather M. Gardner's love of books began on the hand-woven rugs of her small town library where her mother worked. There she had a never-ending supply of stories to read at her fingertips. As a teen, her favorite genres to curl up with were romance and mysteries. When she started to create her own stories, they were the perfect fit.Heather resides in New York with her best friend, who is also her husband, plus her talented and handsome son. She is currently owned by one bitey rescue dog and two crazy rescue cats. Heather's a full-time mom, works part-time, a chocolate enthusiast, coffee junkie, pet addict, book hoarder, and fluent in sarcasm.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The cold, abrasive wind buffeted Kate Maguire’s face as she hurtled toward the earth at over one hundred miles an hour. There was a sensation of floating at times, but mostly it felt like falling. With so much air shooting past her, at such a high rate of speed, the force against her ribs made it difficult to catch a whole breath.

Her body twisted left then back to the right, the gusts of air pushing hard at her limbs and torso. Kate’s exposed flesh took the brunt of the constant pressure. Any moisture wicked away, leaving her skin tight and chapped.

Even though her heart beat hard in her chest, she kept waiting for the fear to kick in. She should be afraid. There should be a whole litany of what ifs going through her mind, whispered last-minute prayers, or screaming panic-induced promises.

Frustrated, Kate realized although plummeting straight for the ground was crazy exciting, and a wee bit hazardous, it didn’t feel the same as what she’d been searching for. It wouldn’t be enough. She needed something—more.

At a tap on her shoulder, her whole body jerked upward, the webbed straps tightening in an uncomfortable snap. Then, deafening silence. She hadn’t comprehended how loud the air had been until it was replaced with nothing.

Now, she floated, lazily drifting across the sapphire sky, the landscape below a beautiful tapestry, rich in color. Kate took a few deep breaths, letting in the warmer air, expelling any leftover apprehension. She forced her mind to focus, to enjoy the last moments, to take it in since her time in the air was almost up.

Details of the hard ground rushed into view as she searched her brain for the instructions she had learned a few hours earlier, something about lift and hold up your feet. She yanked them up just in time, her tandem-jump partner executing a spectacular landing in the big, open field. She’d barely caught her breath when he unbuckled her from the harness.

Gavin, that was a lot fun. Thank you, Kate said.

I knew you’d love it. He shrugged out of his own gear.

Love may be a stronger word than I would use.

You did better than our illustrious cousin.

Which one? Kate took off her open-face helmet.

Sam. At least you didn’t scream your head off the whole way down.

I thought about it, but we hit the ground before I got the chance. Sam never told me he’d jumped.

I can’t believe you finally decided to take the leap. What changed your mind?

Kate glanced back up at the sky she had fallen from. The day was simply beautiful, the jump more than awesome, but still, there was something missing. Something inside she couldn’t seem to satisfy. Something—empty.

I don’t know, Gavin. It was just time to try it out, I guess.

Well, I’m glad you did. You want to start training to solo jump, you let me know.

Kate shrugged. I’ve got a few other things I want to try out first. I don’t want to commit to only one hobby.

The sky’s no longer the limit. Why don’t you head on in to the changing area and there will be someone to help you out of the jumpsuit. I’ll go finish up the paperwork.

Great, thanks again.

Leaving the small airport, outside of Maguire’s Corner, Kate mentally scratched sky diving off her list as she tossed her first official jump certificate into the back seat of the car.

***

The harsh lights over the ER desk gave off a yellowish glare intensifying the throb beginning directly behind Kate’s temples. She rubbed her forehead above her right brow and checked the hospital chart the nurse had handed her one more time. If she wasn’t at the end of a long double shift she might find the name listed on the paperwork to be hilarious.

Taking the chart with her, she marched over to the prompt care unit of the emergency room and slid the privacy curtain open. The angry rant she’d planned to unleash at the comedian patient died on her lips as she stared at another of her illustrious cousins.

Bobby Maguire’s eyes snapped to hers, and then he shook his head. Shit. You’re not supposed to be here, Kate. You worked last night.

I’m still here because I worked a double. What’s going on?

Nothing. Forget it.

The nurse says you have a laceration. Kate surveyed the sloppily tied gauze strips around his forearm with mild concern.

Bobby stood, unrolling the sleeve of his black button-down shirt to cover the bandage. The rest of his Maguire’s Corner Police Department uniform, tactical pants and boots, were also black.

Kate put her empty hand on her hip. Where do you think you’re going?

I’m going to work. It’s no big deal. I thought I could get some of those butterfly bandages.

The nurse also wrote your name down as ‘I.P. Freely.’

Bobby laughed. That’s still funny.

No, it’s not. That’s why I got the call, ass-hat. The nurse knew I was heading home soon so she wanted to schedule you for the next ER doctor, but she knows a lie when she hears one. Kate set down the chart and walked to the sink to scrub her hands.

It’s not a total lie.

Why didn’t you just call me? She glanced back over her shoulder.

I thought you went home. I didn’t want to bother you.

Kate moved to the counter against the wall and pulled out a pair of purple medical-exam gloves from an open box. I can’t believe you think it would be a bother. You’re my cousin. You think I want anyone else working on you? She rolled a cart full of supplies closer to him then pulled a stool next to the bed. Why don’t you lie down so I can take a look at your ‘no big deal’?

Bobby rolled his sleeve back up then lay on the exam bed. After sliding a panel out from the side of the bed, Kate helped him stretch his arm out then she began to cut the bandage off. This gauze is soaked through. When did this happen?

Couple hours ago. It wouldn’t stop bleeding.

Kate checked the wound carefully while she irrigated it with a syringe of saline. What is this sticky stuff? It smells like….

Red wine, Bobby finished.

Moving the swing-arm magnifying lamp, she explored the injury gently with her fingers. You pull a piece of glass out of here?

Yeah, I did.

Well, it’s deep, but I don’t see any slivers of glass left. My assessment is that nothing vital was cut and that there is no nerve damage, or reduction in range of movement. I’m thinking about fifteen stitches to close it up.

That’s a few more than I thought.

That’s why you’re the cop and I’m the doctor. She filled a syringe with anesthetic. I’m going to give you a local to numb the area and then I’ll start. So, are you going to tell me how this happened?

Just an accident. No need for you to dig.

Kate opened the suture kit, laying out the items inside. You told the admin nurse you slipped and fell on broken glass. Another lie?

I’ve been known to fall.

Hold still, twinkle toes.

Bobby hardly squirmed while Kate stitched closed the gaping wound. When he joined the police force, she hoped she’d never see him come into the ER. Of course, she’d imagined something more along the lines of a gunshot wound being the cause of his visit and not a kitchen mishap. No matter how I imagine your little-slip-and-fall scenario, I can’t figure out how you cut your forearm and not your hand.

A grunt sounded from Bobby, but nothing more.

Kate blew her bangs off her forehead. And, I can’t figure out why you would be having wine so early in the morning. Before work. Or, for that matter, why you were having wine at all. You’re more of a beer kind of guy.

Bobby pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and finger. Are you almost finished?

Almost. Why?

I’ve gotta get to work. I’m meeting with the chief.

He’ll wait. Kate snipped all the ends of the sutures. So, that’s it? You’re really not going to tell me what happened?

No, I’m really not. Stop worrying about it.

I just closed a giant hole in your arm.

I’m fine. Really.

Right. All done. Let me clean it up and dress it.

Kate gave him instructions on how to keep it clean and when to come back to have the outer layer of stitches removed then pushed him a little more for information. Do you want a prescription for pain?

Bobby sat up on the exam table. No. It doesn’t hurt.

I can’t help but notice that you’re not your usual sarcastic self. Are you sure you don’t want to talk about something?

He stretched his neck left then right. You’re making more out of this than there is.

Yeah, that’s what I do.

Kate, thank you for fixing me up.

She sighed. She wouldn’t be prying anything else out of him today. Don’t mention it.

Bobby stood, rolling his sleeve down over his new, clean bandage. Speaking of don’t mention it.

She narrowed her eyes at him. You want me to pretend I didn’t see you today.

Exactly.

Forget it. If your mother finds out I knew you were here and I didn’t tell her….

Didn’t you take an oath or something? Patient confidentiality or some shit?

She shook her head. Doesn’t apply to this family.

Dammit, Kate, it’s no one’s business.

Why was he so agitated about anyone finding out about his hospital visit if it was no big deal? She relented hoping to create more trust between them. Fine. I won’t tell anyone you hurt yourself if you promise to contact me first next time you do something stupid like stab yourself with a wine glass.

Fine. As long as you contact me first next time you get pulled over for speeding. Are you trying to break some sort of land-speed record in town? You’ve gotten five warnings in four months. The guys are running out of patience with you.

Kate shrugged, automatically cleaning off the cart. I don’t know why I keep getting pulled over. Maybe my speedometer is broken or something.

Yeah, that must be it. Slow your ass down before the chief gets wind of it. He’ll take your license without blinking.

Jack? We’re practically family.

That’s exactly why he’d take it.. I’m going to work.

Kate pulled off her gloves with a loud snap. Thankfully, I get to go home.

CHAPTER TWO

Kate spied the flier, tacked up on the bulletin board, on her way out of the hospital’s main entrance. It was hard to miss. On the top, two pictures of Avery Bailey, one in his football uniform and the other in his police uniform.

Underneath the pictures, it announced the Friday afternoon dedication of the new Maguire’s Corner Youth Football practice field to Officer Avery Bailey followed by a scrimmage game. It made perfect sense, since Avery had played football all through school and continued to be a huge supporter of the team, even after he graduated.

It had been over six months since Avery put himself between a murderer and her cousin, Emily, saving her life while sacrificing his own. Six months since the lunatic had killed federal agents in cold blood to escape custody. Six months since the psychopath had tried to kill Maggie and Jack in a hunting lodge outside of town.

Even six months after the maniac was killed, the damage he’d caused to the town’s sense of safety and security still lingered. Events like the dedication provided Maguire’s Corner with opportunities to bring the community together to heal. So said the town’s current leadership.

Kate continued her walk to the exit, shaking her head at the loss. Avery had been the sweetest kid, and he hadn’t deserved to die bleeding out on a cold sidewalk, calling for help for Emily with his very last breath.

The same murdering bastard had also spent a few hours holding Kate hostage in a small storage room in the hospital. She could still hear his voice in her head, taunting her. Still feel his hands, touching her. As the memories tried to resurface, Kate did her best to block them out. It’s over, so damn over, let it go.

Taking her first breath of warm summer air in sixteen hours, she paused to enjoy the sun on her face. She was determined to relax on her upcoming days off. She headed home, trying to stay under the suggested speed limit. Her cell phone rang and she hit the button on her steering wheel to answer the call.

This is Kate.

Kate, its Jeannie.

Jeannie, hey. How goes it at the book store?

Good, good. I felt bad you missed last night’s book discussion for work, so, I thought I’d call and catch you up on everything.

Jeannie’s book club, at My Corner Book Store, provided yet one more avenue for Kate to gather what she liked to call vital information about her community. Some may call it a gossip club, but she was an expert in acquiring info and not disseminating it.

That’s awfully nice of you.

Isn’t it? I’m pretty sure you didn’t actually read the book up for discussion anyway.

Kate came to a stop at a crosswalk, watching a young couple cross the street then continued toward home. I might have skimmed a few of the pages.

As usual, you weren’t the only one. Honestly, the book wasn’t discussed much at all.

Oh, no? Why’s that?

Well, let’s see. First we heard about a domestic violence call ending in an arrest. Then, the shocking admission by Beverly about her boob job. And, when I say shocking, I mean so completely obvious. How dumb does she think we all are? Finally, the alleged cheatin’ husband who was only caught because his car got hit, parked outside a certain someone’s revolving front door, by the Unite Today van that’s been spotted all over the damn place. Now, do you want to hear the details of any of this?

Jeannie, my dear, sweet friend, I want to hear the details of all of it.

Next time she saw Jeannie, she’d have to remember to bring her some chocolate as a thank you for all the community service she provided.

***

Pulling in behind her mom’s restaurant, Kate parked in her spot by the recycle bin, locked the car, and headed up the back stairs to her one-bedroom apartment. Stripping out of her navy-blue scrubs, she savored a well-deserved hot shower, washing away the cloying smell of antiseptic and hospital soap from her skin.

Letting the water beat down on her head, she reflected on all the town updates she’d heard from Jeannie, including what she’d said about Bobby and waitress Theresa, who might be farther along in their relationship than he was.

Bobby never hid his lack of interest in a long-term association with anyone. Perhaps this morning’s sewing job had more to do with Theresa than it did with Bobby being a klutz. She needed to talk to his sister, Maggie, about why he’d lied. Maybe she would have some insight into why he was being so secretive.

Feeling human once more, she put on a pair of loose-fitting black cotton shorts and a white V-neck T-shirt. She ran a comb through her wet hair, hastily twisted it back with a hair clip then headed back downstairs just as her empty stomach began to protest. Pancakes and bacon were top priority.

Her mother’s restaurant—officially named Dana’s Family Restaurant, but everyone just called it Mom’s—was bustling. The usual morning crowd filled the booths around the walls and tables in the center of the large open room. Mismatched chairs and tables gave the space a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. All the food on the menu was adapted from family recipes and cooked with local ingredients.

This place was as much home to Kate as her parents’ colonial. She had scoured every table and had swept every nook and cranny. Years ago, she’d been kicked out of the commercial kitchen after setting fire to the stove. From then on, she had bussed tables then waitressed all during high school and college.

Her mother, Dana, was