Page 19 of Paws & Order

It's a weird question, but after tonight, I kind of get it.

"I'm scared every day. That's why I'm careful."

I lean back, giving her space.

"We're not invincible. Even the big bad wolf can get got. That's why you called me."

She considers that for longer than is comfortable, then says:

"I think I called you because you're the only one who doesn't treat me like glass."

"Maybe I should," I mutter.

She snorts. "You'd suck at it."

We fall into silence again, the sound of the bay in the background, foghorns and far-off laughter from the next block.

After a while, she gives me a little smirk, a flash of her old spark.

"You want to sweep the apartment? Or are you just here for the company?"

I repress a smile.

"If I said both, would you throw me out?"

She stands, stretching.

"Come on. I'll show you the world's smallest kitchen and the place where I keep my collection of cursed coffee mugs."

We do the circuit—front windows, back stair, a closet full of old coats and cat toys.

Every sound is normal.

Every space is as it should be.

Liza walks a little closer to me than usual, and when she laughs at something dumb I say, it sounds less brittle than before.

At the door, she hesitates.

"You'll let me know if anything changes, right? With the... case?"

I nod, but this time, when I speak, it's a little less chief and a little more me.

"You'll be the first to know. I promise."

She holds my gaze, and for a second, I forget about the fog, the flowers, the sense that something is winding tighter in this weird little town.

I remember every time she's defused a brawl with a joke, every late-night text about a lost cat or a resident too nervous to come to the station.

I remember why I wanted this job.

And it isn't for the badge.

Her lips part just a little.

I almost say something completely inappropriate, but instead I step back, give her space, and let the moment pass.

"See you in the morning, Morales."