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1.
“Cassidy? Is that you?”
After the night she’d had, the last thing that Cassidy wanted was to deal with anyone. She’d only left the house because the walls seemed to be closing in on her. She hadn’t arrived home until well after three in the morning, removed her clothes, showered, and then crawled into bed. At lunchtime, she felt anxious and decided getting out of the house would be the best option. Fresh air could do her some good, and lunch at one of her favorite places felt like a smart option. But now, not so much.
“It is . . .” She forced a smile and tucked a few loose tendrils of hair behind her ear. The blunt-cut bob she’d talked herself into was cute but not very functional when she wanted to throw in a ponytail for a low-maintenance day. “Greg, how are you?”
Cassidy watched cautiously as her old friend and colleague, Detective Gregory Harper, approached. He was dressed in his norm—slacks, a starched and pressed button-up shirt with a sports coat, and loafers. Neat but not very stylish.
“Great, actually. Just stepped out to grab a bite to eat. Mind if I join you?”
Yes.
God, yes, I mind.
“No, not at all.” She silently cursed herself for not requesting to be seated inside, which offered a bit more privacy. The outdoor area was filled with small, metal, high tables, and you could sit wherever you liked. It also offered fresh air and a perfect view of the outdoor shopping center where the restaurant was located. Cassidy had planned to grab a bite and, hopefully, be distracted for a while people-watching. It had become a thing for her years ago. People-watching was a bit of a treat and a challenge for someone constantly analyzing others’ behaviors. Cassidy had hoped for a distraction but not that of an old colleague.
“You sure . . .” When her eyes lifted to Greg, she noticed the pinched look of concern and quickly forced another smile.
“I’m sure. It’s been a while. I’d love to catch up.” She flicked her wrist, motioning for him to sit across from her. The table only had room for two high-back stools, one of which she currently occupied.
“So, how are things? It feels like forever since I’ve seen you. With all the hype and success you have now, I’m actually shocked to see you out here alone.”
Cassidy smiled softly. She was a bit of a celebrity, but only to those who were privy to the world she lived in. Criminal psychologists were a far cry from other celebrities such as athletes, musicians, and other entertainers. Cassidy didn’t need to travel with security or hide behind low-sitting hats and oversized sunglasses. She could hide in plain sight for the most part. However, she did occasionally get recognized, primarily by others in her field or college students who studied her work, intending to follow in Cassidy’s footsteps.
“I’m no one important.”
Greg offered a genuine smile. “Your book has been trending. Hit number one on the New York Times Bestseller List. I purchased a copy or two myself. I’d call that important. Not to mention all the traveling and speaking engagements. You’re a big deal, Cass.”
“To some, maybe,” she offered humbly before arching a brow. “You read my book?”
Greg smiled bashfully. “Well, no, but I’ve worked enough cases with you to know it’s nothing but the good stuff, and don’t downplay your success, Cass—more than just some. Because of you, the world is a safer place. The cases you’ve helped solve, a few of my own actually . . .” He paused and winked. “And the knowledge you’re offering those that are coming behind you . . . You’re more than important. You’re necessary. It hurt a little when you decided to stay behind the scenes and no longer showed up on crime scenes. We miss you.”
“I miss you guys too, but I had to step back. It got to be a little much.” She hesitated. “It weighs on you, you know?”
Gregory nodded with understanding. “I do. Every day is a constant struggle between finding the good in things when the evil, poisonous ways of people always surround you. Can’t say I blame you for stepping away. Also can’t say I was happy about it, but I understand.” He offered another genuine smile.
“So, I guess I should not only congratulate you on your new career path but on your personal life as well. Word on the street is that you’re married now.”
She cringed slightly before lowering her eyes to the modest diamond on her finger. “I am.”
“Well, congratulations. Didn’t see that coming. I’m pretty sure you told me more than a few times that marriage wasn’t for people like us.”
Cassidy laughed lightly, although her chest pinched just a little. “I did, and I still feel that way. We see and experience so much that it’s hard to block that out and trust enough to let our guard down.”
“But you did,” he offered quietly before adding, “Or, at least, I think you did.”
Cassidy frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Gregory pointed to her hand. “You’re wearing that fancy ring, and I’ve heard the rumors but can’t say for certain anyone has ever seen the guy.”
Relaxing a bit, Cassidy nodded. “We keep our lives private. It works better that way for both of us. With my past, dealing with and working the type of cases I did, and now the book? Things can get a little crazy. We wanted as much of a normal life as possible.”
“Makes sense. So what does he do? I’m curious to know what type of man got and kept your attention long enough to get you to say I do.”
Grinning, Cassidy glanced at her ring again before her eyes met Greg’s. “He’s a PI. More on the private sector end. He travels a lot, locating missing persons. Some who have simply lost their way, and others who don’t want to be found but have loved ones who need to know they’re alive. Another reason for keeping our lives private. Anonymity is necessary for him to keep a low profile for work and all.”
It wasn’t until that very moment that Cassidy realized there might be other reasons her husband insisted on keeping their lives hidden away from prying eyes. She lifted the glass of wine she’d been sipping and swallowed a few hefty gulps, hoping Greg didn’t notice the shift in her mood. He was a detective, after all. Capturing the little things was his job, and he was damn good at it.
