The Cop, the Paramedic, and the Barista: Book Two in The Mercy House Series

By J. S. Gilgen

As a new Christian, Officer Christopher James finds himself in a noncommittal relationship with a sexy but not quite divorced paramedic by the name of Sarah Harlon. Chris agrees to move a sofa from her marital home, only to be thrashed in the eye by her cat. Even still, Sarah dazzles Chris with her womanly ways but only until Chris's faith goes up against Sarah's dubious character flaws. When Chris is unknowingly set up with Sarah's roommate, he reconsiders his course and sets his damaged sights on the local barista.

Paramedic Sarah Harlon feels Chris would be a great play toy, maybe even a potential spouse in time. However, she has a few things holding her back from that dream. First, she already has a husband who won't let go. Second, she is involved with an unsavory lawyer who is threatening her existence if their truth were ever to get out. Third, Sarah has a secret involving the surly family pet. When her husband is found dead and possibly murdered in her marital home, Sarah quickly lures the police in Chris's direction.

Daisy Kennedy agrees to take Sarah on as a roommate with one condition, no pets. Daisy sees how Sarah manipulates the beefy cop with her lofty breasts. She wonders if a man like Chris could ever admire her like he does her sneaky, lying roommate. She had only one forbidden love in her young life, and that led to an unforgettable disastrous end.

With their lives entangling with each other through love, hate, and betrayal, these characters only have their hopes and dreams to sustain them. If they can walk through that, they may find glory on the other side.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885407335

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The Cop, the Paramedic, and the Barista

Book Two in The Mercy House Series

J. S. Gilgen

ISBN 979-8-88540-732-8 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88540-734-2 (hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88540-733-5 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by J. S. Gilgen

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

It's You Again

Chapter 2

The Favor

Chapter 3

The Village People

Chapter 4

The Walk of Shame

Chapter 5

Jack and Ms. Jenny Marley

Chapter 6

A Damaged Eye and a Week Off Work

Chapter 7

Sibling Discord

Chapter 8

Going to Church Together

Chapter 9

Matchmaking

Chapter 10

Smitten but Cautious

Chapter 11

Sarah's Change of Heart

Chapter 12

Burned and Scalded

Chapter 13

A Terminally Ill Cat

Chapter 14

Clearing the Air

Chapter 15

Dancing in the Dark

Chapter 16

Pat's Story

Chapter 17

Finding Jack

Chapter 18

The Boyfriend

Chapter 19

Sarah Has Nowhere to Go

Chapter 20

Morgan T. Wyler, Attorney-at-Law

Chapter 21

The Widow's Betrayal

Chapter 22

Ms. Jenny's Passing

Chapter 23

Chris's Research and Theory

Chapter 24

Knocked Down

Chapter 25

Intoxicated and Stupid

Chapter 26

Bobbie's Departure

Chapter 27

Death and Redemption

Chapter 28

Sarah's Fate

Chapter 29

Free Labor

Chapter 30

Goodbye to Freedom

Chapter 31

The Dream

Chapter 32

The Plan

Chapter 33

Hopeful

Epilogue

About the Author

This book is dedicated to my Savior, my Lord Jesus Christ.

To my beloved brother, Dan.

Thinking of him, Thanksgiving now takes on a deeper meaning.

To my beautiful daughter, Angel, and to my sweet granddaughters, Hailey and Adara Jean.

Also to my wonderful friend, Peggy Isch. She always makes my day better.

God bless my family and friends with His grace.

A Christian Inspired Novel Set in Indiana

Chapter 1

It's You Again

Christopher James could not believe his eyes as he strolled into the doors of the emergency room of the hospital. He had not seen Sarah Jane Harlon for a little over a year. His life had collided with hers on that wretched summer night at the Walker Farm. Now here she was lifting a helpless man from a stretcher and onto a hospital gurney with the help of an emergency room aide. He still remembered how surly she had been as the chaos played out that warm summer evening. His best friend and partner with the Lebanon Police Department, Greg Walker, had been gored by his own bull while he had been protecting Zoe Parker from a crazed maniac on the loose.

The man, Matthew David Brown, had breached Greg's home and farm property in Boone County in order to see Zoe one more time. In the process, Brown had killed the beautiful Darla Anderson, a woman Chris had been crushing on for a long time. If things had been different, he could have pictured himself with Darla, even marrying her. At the time, he did have a wild and romantic imagination. Sadly, he never had the opportunity to even meet her. He had stopped chasing rainbows ever since Darla.

In the aftermath of it all, Greg killed Zoe's stalker and had even survived an attack on his backside from his own bull. Much to his embarrassment, Greg was awarded a medal of heroism. It was soon discovered the man that Greg had shot on his Indiana property was none other than a real-life serial killer. Six months later, Greg married the love of his life, Zoe Ellen Parker. Now they were settling down on the farm, happily married in bliss, and he was still alone. With envy, he thought it was syrupy sweet. Deep down, he wished them the best.

On that horrible night, Sarah was one of the paramedics treating Zoe's injuries. She had told him to back off and was very rude about it. He could hardly believe his eyes, nor did he ever want their paths to cross again. Chris tried to look away from her eyes. It was very hard, for the woman was strong and striking.

Well, hello, Officer. We meet again. How are you? she asked.

Chris could hardly believe this woman cared at all. Pleasantries, he thought. I'm more than okay. How is it with you today?

We brought in a DOA and now this fellow.

Sarah nodded at the man on the gurney who was already being strolled down the hall by hospital employees.

Chris had nothing more to say to this woman, but she wouldn't have any of it.

What brings you by the hospital today? You and your partner out chasing bulls, and he got himself gored again? she asked sassily.

No, if you must know, I'm here to see about a prisoner. He's getting released today, and I'm here to relieve the officer at the door, Chris said flatly.

Sarah looked at Chris intently.

Say, you're peeved about our little exchange the night at Walker's Farm. Hey, look, that was a very scary night. It wasn't exactly a routine callout. I only wanted to get Zoe to the hospital as safe and as quickly as possible. I didn't mean to be offensive to you or your badge. Like you, I was doing my job. It wasn't personal. I was also having marriage issues on top of it. So I'm sorry to have been so bold. Please forgive me.

Chris wondered if she was really contrite at all. All pride aside, he had to admit that he had stepped on her toes that night as she was trying to minister aid to Zoe.

So how's that going? he asked.

What?

The marriage. How's that going?

Chris couldn't believe he was asking this woman something so invasive and personal. Why would he care, anyway? Sarah definitely was hard-core. Chris could see her taking on any man, one-on-one, in the boxing ring. Overlooking all that, he saw how this woman shined with her glossy brown-and-blond-streaked hair, those deep brown eyes, and those curves aligning all in the right places. Chris saw that she was actually very lovely. Any man would be intrigued, but that attitude was like a bucket of ice and cold water to the face. No, thank you, he thought.

Sarah let out a laugh and smirked.

It's not. I'm getting a divorce, but it is what it is. Well, this has been nice chatting with you, but don't you have to hold a prisoner who is on his way to the Graybar Hotel?

Yep. I'm on my way.

Without another word or a glance back, Chris made his way to the hospital elevators and pressed one of the buttons going up.

Hey, Chris, let's try to be friends! Sarah boldly shouted behind her.

Embarrassed, Chris blushed and half smiled as the elevator doors closed in on him.

It wasn't quite a come-on, Chris explained to Greg Walker, his best friend for over four years.

Sarah Jane Harlon? That chick would have you reeling. Anyway, I can't see it. You can't ask her out. She isn't divorced yet. Is she even a believer? Did you get beyond the howdy-doos of that conversation? Greg asked.

In the last six months, thirty-year-old Chris had been getting serious about his life. He had taken on a spiritual ally, and that ally was Jesus Christ. He read his Bible daily and went to church as often as possible to get himself grounded in his faith. Chris found that having a deity in his life, other than himself, was quite rewarding. It was even mysterious and exciting as he prayed in Jesus's name and saw things with his own eyes come to fruition in the carnal realm.

His friend, Greg, had it right. Believers shouldn't be unequally yoked, which meant no casual hookups, let alone getting intimately involved with someone who didn't share the same faith. Chris knew it was a big deal because most of those relationships never worked out. How one believed always got in the way because a lot of times it was a measurement of one's character. Chris knew Greg asked him these questions because he cared about him.

Greg had invested time ministering to Chris in the last year, especially after Greg had moved on to the K9 division and had broken up their partnership. Greg was the one who had guided and led Chris to the Lord. In his renewed life, Chris felt the Holy Spirit was working in the spiritual realm, bringing him gently into the fold.

Even though Greg was doing his own thing now, Chris never felt more alive with his new growing faith. He still spent a lot of time with Greg and Zoe. He went to church with them when he wasn't on duty. He had even moved out onto their property in a brand-new mobile home. He had great friends. Life is good, he thought. Why ruin it with some sassy outsider?

Chris looked down at the floor.

What? Did you go out with her already? Greg asked.

No, we're only texting. She sent me a friend request on Facebook. I accepted it, and now we're texting back and forth daily. I'm getting to know her better every day. She's really going through with the divorce. In fact, Sarah wants me to help her move a sofa from their house this weekend. I told her that we could use my old truck to go and get it. I really don't mind helping her, since no one else was available. She told me she would treat for a pizza or maybe even Taco Bell. I'm not doing anything on Sunday night, so I agreed to it.

To Greg, it sounded like this chick was already using him. Chris could be a sucker when it came to women and Taco Bell. Greg didn't want to get into it, but he had to ask.

Isn't that going to be a little awkward if the husband is still living there?

No worries. I thought I'd wear my uniform and strap on my mag 357.

Ha, ha. Well, I guess it's your funeral. Greg laughed. Did you ever think that is why she asked you to help her, because you're a cop and everyone knows it?

Chris thought about this for a moment and then dismissed it.

Don't worry, Greg. You're right. I am a cop. I can keep the peace with or without the gun.

Daisy Kennedy watched as her roommate scurried around the house. Sarah was trying to be ready on time but was failing miserably. With lip gloss in hand, Sarah still wasn't ready for Chris to show up. To Daisy, it looked as if she was nervous tonight. Sarah told her that this meeting was not quite a date, but she did like the guy who was going to come pick her up and help with the sofa. After all, he did have a truck, Sarah reminded her. Daisy hoped Sarah's soon-to-be ex-husband wouldn't be at their old house tonight. Daisy thought Jack Harlon was off his rocker. When Jack got to drinking, Daisy believed the fool man was irrational. She could see why Sarah was dumping him and trying to start a new life. Sarah and Jack didn't have kids, so Daisy hoped it would be easier than most divorces.

Is he here? Sarah asked from her bedroom upstairs.

Daisy was looking out the window. There was an old truck bouncing down the street. Oh my gosh, the hillbillies are here, she thought. But no, it was one single man. From Daisy's viewpoint, his truck was shabby, but he sure wasn't too bad.

Yeah. I think this may be him, Daisy yelled back upstairs.

A tall, lean muscled male emerged from the old Chevy truck. Daisy couldn't help to notice the man coming toward the door was built like a rock.

Get him in here, and make him comfortable. Offer him some ice tea or something. Keep him company until I get down there, Sarah called back.

Whatever, thought Daisy. Without caution, she opened the door and saw the man was already on the threshold. The fall breeze swooped in, chilling the room. Daisy had no other option but to get him in the house quickly so she could shut out the cold air.

Hello, I'm Chris, he said.

Daisy stood there and then giggled in his face.

Chris held back a big grin. He thought this must be the goofy roommate Sarah had told him about through their texts. She appeared pixie-cute. Sarah said her roomie was a nice person, but they didn't have very much in common. They just coexisted was how she put it. Regardless, he decided he would be nice to this woman. After all, he was a guest in her home.

Sorry, hi. I'm Daisy. Come on in. Sarah will be down in a minute or two. Take a seat, and make yourself comfortable.

Daisy wanted to take to her bed and put a pillow over her face. This man, Sarah's man, was so darn gorgeous. She didn't know why she had lost it when he introduced himself. She kind of knew why. It was because this man was probably first in line when God was doling out the above and beyond good looks. He was unique with his tousled dark-blond hair, white teeth, and high cheekbones. For heaven's sake, she thought, he even had manly dimples!

She pulled herself together as he stepped in and casually took a seat on one of her decrepit chairs. As he sat, Daisy couldn't help to notice the tight outline of his lower male package through his jeans. She tried to shake off the blush as it crept up her face. She reminded herself that regardless of what was so obviously in front of her, it was her job to make him feel comfortable. She had no idea, however, how well put together he would turn out to be.

May I offer you some wine? We have penis grigio. Uh, I mean Pinot Grigio.

No, thank you. I'm driving tonight. Uh, water. A glass of water will be fine, Chris managed to get out.

Chris started to squirm. Although the small living room was cool in temperature, he was beginning to sweat. Did she just say what he thought she said? As the roommate went to the kitchen to get some water, Chris exhaled. He noticed a Bible lying on the table and wondered if it belonged to Sarah. He hoped it did. He meant to ask her about that and other spiritual things.

When Daisy returned with a glass of ice water, the two strangers sat on opposite sides of the small room without uttering a word while they waited for Sarah. It was so quiet that Daisy could hear the clock ticking in the other room. In the daunting silence, she honed in on hearing Sarah bumping around upstairs. She thought she could hear Sarah up there talking on her phone. They both smiled at each other. Finally, Daisy could take it no more.

Out of the blue, she squeaked nervously.

It will be nice to get the sofa in here. We're tired of sitting on my old run-down chairs.

Chris made a face. He decided to be candid with Sarah's roommate.

Yeah, about that, he began. Is everything copacetic about Sarah taking the sofa from their old house? I mean, he is still living there, right? Did they both agree to this?

Chris knew this scenario was going to be awkward and wondered why he had ever agreed to it. He wanted the roommate to tell him that Sarah's soon-to-be ex-spouse wasn't going to be there at all. At least for tonight, he wanted the ex to have dropped off the face of the earth.

Yeah, I believe so. You'd really have to ask her this question. We haven't lived together very long. She moved in with me. This is actually my uncle's house. I rent it from him and sublet it to Sarah. He said Sarah could move in with some rental conditions. I'm ashamed to say this, but we barely knew each other before becoming roommates.

Chris figured this might be the case since Sarah was right out of the marriage. According to Sarah, she had moved out five months ago. He didn't know any more of the details yet. He knew being new roommates and not knowing each other too well could be really scary. He applauded both women for trying to make it work. Chris was more than curious about their history.

So how'd you two meet then?

Oh, Craigslist.

Chapter 2

The Favor

Chris tried to digest the possibility of finding a good roommate match on a Craigslist posting when Sarah glided into the room from the stairs. Chris couldn't help to notice how good she smelled as she came across the room and tightly embraced him. Chris decided to go with it. When he saw the colorful tribal tattoo laced on her beautiful shoulder, he held her tighter. He couldn't be more turned on by her own individuality.

To Chris's surprise, she reached up on her tiptoes and gave him a little kiss on the mouth. Chris thought it was bold, but it wasn't unwelcomed. He liked it, and he wanted more but not in front of the roommate. Chris could tell Daisy was uncomfortable with this public display of affection. Still, the petite woman wasn't moving. She was sitting on the chair wearing a big old sweatshirt with torn-out faded jeans. Chris thought it wasn't exactly a fashion statement.

Being discreet, Chris tried to assess the roommate. He did this with all women. He could guess that she, like Sarah, probably had a mouth on her. To keep up with Sarah, this Daisy had to have the attitude to go along with it. No one would win in that catfight. Daisy's pretty blond hair was short and curly with some sort of spike to it. Chris wasn't sure if the spike was on purpose or not. He could tell she wasn't wearing any makeup. Chris thought she was far from unattractive. If anything, she was adorable with those big hazel eyes, sort of like an adorable puppy. It probably wasn't her best look, but why should she care to get fixed up for him?

Sarah, on the other hand, was smoking hot. She grabbed a lightweight jacket and headed for the door with Chris on her heels.

Good night, Daze. It's going to be hard not to wake you up when we come in with the sofa, but we'll try our best to be quiet, she said.

No problem. If you need help, wake me up, anyway.

Daisy made her way to the window and peeked out as the two made their way to Chris's truck. She sighed.

Why do the crazy chicks always get the best-looking men? she asked herself out loud.

As Chris held the truck door open for Sarah, she leaned up again and kissed him.

This time, the kiss was on his cheek.

Thanks for doing this for me, she said.

He laughed. Hey, I'm stoked, I think. Then he asked, Would this be considered our first date?

She winked. If you want it to be.

Chris was still basking in the afterglow from her kiss as Sarah directed him onto a street full of uniform-looking houses. Most of the houses were farther enough apart to ensure some kind of privacy. She pointed one out and directed Chris to park on the street.

Uh-oh, Sarah half murmured.

As he parked in the front of her former residence, Chris thought he heard an ominous uh-oh come from Sarah's mouth. Chris turned to her. Is there a problem?

Yeah. His name is Jack, and he is standing in the doorway.

Chris gulped. Chris thought hard. She did say he agreed to it; she could take the sofa. Now why did he think this would be easy?

Sarah suddenly turned to him.

I have a confession to make, Chris. He doesn't want me to take Trixie.

What? Who's Trixie?

The cat.

The cat? Trixie, the cat?

Chris thought this was about an ugly sofa that her soon-to-be ex-husband was ready to trash. Didn't she say she had this all covered? Chris knew he was weird about dogs, especially the small ones. He wasn't sure how he felt about cats. He didn't know anyone who had a cat, except for Greg and his sister. His best friend had quite a few of them at the farm. Those little monsters were all over your feet looking for food. Chris thought it was so annoying. In fact, it was so annoying that he ended up buying the cat food out of his own pocket and taking over the chore of feeding all those cats himself. On the flip side, Greg's foster kids sure liked to pet and chase them.

Unlike the kids, he didn't enjoy those pesky cats, but nobody would take them. It seemed every time he came home from work, there were at least two new ones at his feet or under the deck of his mobile home. They were multiplying, and he didn't understand why. He hoped this particular one wasn't hungry or needy…or multiplying…

Forgetting about the cat, Chris had to look up at the man bearing down on them. Whether he wanted this roller coaster to roll or not, he knew the cart was at the gate, and there was going to be some kind of downhill ride. Why Sarah would want to go up there and mess with the man for a cat seemed like an arduous event. Sarah's husband looked so familiar, but Chris couldn't place him. It was probably because the man now had an unbecoming hulking green hue coming over him. Chris quickly glanced over the neighborhood. He was hoping there would be no witnesses that could pick him out of a lineup if a need warranted it.

Jack Harlon was a big man. Chris himself was a little over six feet tall. Chris noticed the guy had at least an inch or two on him. Furthermore, he looked as if he snacked on steroids. Chris also noticed a sickly thin Siamese cat sitting on the windowsill taking in the cool fall evening. This must be the cat in question, Trixie, in all her glory. At least, Chris hoped this was Trixie and not an extra cat he would have to help Sarah rescue from the marriage.

As if expecting their arrival, Jack had the door and all the windows open. Chris decided he couldn't do this, not tonight, not ever. This was not his affair. Sarah and Jack should go through their lawyers, even if it only had to do with a cat. He knew this could get heated because some couples felt strongly about their pets, as if their pets were their substitute children. Chris always believed live and let live. However, he felt this situation here was ridiculous.

Before Chris could insist that they both retreat from this foolish mission, Sarah jumped out of the truck and was meeting her husband on the sidewalk. To Chris, it looked like steam was coming out of both of their ears. Chris heard shouts as he quickly exited from the driver's side of the truck.

Listen, psycho, you're daff. You're not taking the dern cat! Jack said firmly.

And you're a drunk who can't take care of her, she insisted.

Chris noticed the man speaking had a prominent brogue. Apparently, Jack Harlon had Irish roots. He had strawberry-blond hair and a determined look in his eyes. Chris didn't want to mess with him in the least. He remembered telling Greg that he could be a peacemaker. It was so true, and this was so silly. These two were fighting like children over a cat. He couldn't see it. Please, let the dude have the cat so I can get out of here, he thought.

Chris turned and started to go back to his truck. He would wait until they both were done yelling at each other. Chris hoped at least one of them would get some sense and retreat. Chris pictured a white flag being raised between them. The image only lasted a second, for it didn't seem possible with these two stubborn people. Anyway, no sense in him getting into the fray. With a neighbor or two watching, there was a possibility the cops may be called in. The irony, he thought.

Have at it, he murmured.

Sarah was done listening to her husband. She ignored his protests about the cat and bypassed him to enter the house. Chris noticed a shift in the cool breeze. He turned to catch the backside of Sarah entering her old home. He knew she'd get herself in trouble just by being in there. After all, Jack Harlon didn't seem so cooperative right now. Chris knew Sarah was breaking the law by even entering the house without Jack's permission. By the law and her own admission, she didn't live there anymore. Chris had to make her understand that fact.

Chris turned again and made his way to the front door. He was going to escort her out of the house and into his truck, carrying her by her backside if he had to and without the dern cat. He was going to put an end to this before it got crazy. Jack Harlon immediately stepped in front of him and stuck out a meaty hand against his chest, forbidding him from going any further.

Where are you going, boy? he asked.

Without a word, Chris knocked his hand aside and made his way to the door. If the ex wanted to make it a thing, Chris could make it a thing. Inside, he heard Sarah coaxing the feline into her arms. It looked as if the cat wasn't going to budge from her window perch. He could see Sarah was beside herself with the loss of her beloved cat. For a microsecond, his heart went out to her. Jack apparently wasn't feeding the animal, or the thing wouldn't be so lethargic and sad. Oh my goodness, he thought, now he was even feeling sorry for the cat.

For a second, he thought about offering Sarah one of Greg's farm cats. She could come out and take her pick. Even those strays looked better than this one. Chris knew he shouldn't do it, enter the house, but how else was he going to pull Sarah out?

As soon as Chris opened the screen door and entered the living space, the cat yelped a warrior cry and lunged from her perch. Chris was knocked backward as the vicious cat toppled him and pushed off from his face, scratching and clawing. Sarah gasped in horror. Jack, who was now in the doorway, was laughing his head off, wishing he had his camera phone; he could have uploaded all this chaos onto his Facebook page. Chris lay there like a limp dishrag, wishing for the Second Coming. Chris could open only one eye to take in all the damage. He didn't really have to assess the damage because he was already feeling the blood pouring down his face.

Slowly, he tried to recover himself from the floor but with little success. He didn't know if it was shock setting in or not, but he thought he heard ugly howling in the background of the room and wondered if the cat wasn't through with him yet. Only the hideous sound was coming from Jack, and he was still laughing, louder than ever now. It seemed Jack was not the least bit concerned about the blood pooling on his carpet. He was holding the family cat, stroking her and feeling quite proud of her.

Let's go, Sarah. We're done here, Chris commanded.

What about my sofa?

I'm bleeding, Sarah. Do you want blood on your sofa? Let's go, now!

The laughter finally fizzled from Jack. Suddenly, he became somber. It was like a burned-out light had just come back on. He turned and spoke hatefully to them.

Oh, by the way, paramedic and whoever you are, I changed me mind. You're not taking the sofa either.

Chris could feel the invisible bold line appear on the floor. He decided he wouldn't lie down with it, so he decided to try to get up again. With Sarah's help, he stood, and they both passed Jack at the door. Dropping Trixie to the floor, Jack made sure to follow them out. He then spat at their feet. As they made it to Chris's truck, Sarah tossed her head back at Jack one more time. Jack didn't look away.

Let's go, Sarah, Chris commanded again.

Chris winced as he looked at his face in the dashboard mirror. He sighed and angrily turned the key.

Great first date, he murmured as Sarah, feeling defeated, slunk back into the passenger seat of his truck.

Chapter 3

The Village People

Daisy chuckled and shook her head at Sarah's new friend. She found it difficult to believe Chris was a cop on the Lebanon Police Force. He was the typical hungry dog. What they wouldn't do for a pretty woman was endless. Apparently, this fellow had no idea what kind of a dust storm he shook up by giving Sarah a ride over there. No one asked her opinion, but she would've told them not to poke the bear. Sarah told her that Jack Harlon was not a reasonable man. Sarah should've known better. Daisy found this kind of typical of her.

When Sarah and Chris had first come into the house, Chris appeared angry. When Chris looked up and their eyes met, Daisy almost fainted from shock. When it was explained that Chris's injuries were from Trixie, the cat, and not Jack, she relaxed a bit. She started picturing the scene and found herself chuckling as well. Apparently, everyone had a good chuckle over it. That is, all except Chris.

Chris appeared to get in a better mood as he enjoyed the attention pretty Sarah was bestowing on him. Sarah had ice and cool cloths and was gently ministering them to his swollen face. In paramedic mode, Sarah was examining all his cuts and puncture marks. She seemed to wince as she looked at his right eye. She advised Chris to go to an optometrist as soon as possible, but he waved her away. He assured her that his vision was fine.

There, there, Sarah cooed to her patient.

Chris took the cloth from her hand and gripped it in his palm. Daisy could see the man wasn't so enamored over her now. He wanted to talk. He took on a serious tone. He no longer was displaying the puppy dog eyes. The honeymoon is over, she thought. Sarah, you should've told me this was all about a cat. You were trying to manipulate me to fight your battle with Jack over Tiger.

Her name is Trixie,