Page 51 of D for Dead

Vic shot her a look. He was beginning to think Amy’s best friend was another Rebecca Angell, but she was super pretty so he would persevere.

It will all be worth the effort when you get her in the sack, Vic buddy.

‘We have to be prepared for every situation. You never know when danger can strike. Stay behind me and I will keep you safe.’

He heard Heidi sigh, wouldn’t have been at all surprised if she wasn’t rolling her eyes at the back of his head, and gritted his teeth. Easing open the door, he raised his weapon, peered out and took a couple of steps onto the landing. Without looking back, he signalled the girls to follow.

Huckleberry let out a loud woof, startling him, and the gun slipped from his fingers, landing with a thud against the carpet.

Vic swore, stooping to get the gun. Behind him, Heidi muttered. ‘Jeez, Amy, does Barney Fife here know what he’s doing?’

He swung around, cheeks colouring. ‘Hey, I’m an officer of the law, and I’d appreciate you don’t speak about me that way.’ This time he saw Heidi did indeed roll her eyes and his temper boiled.

Sensing trouble, Amy intervened. Vic was beginning to swing back in her favour. Heidi was too mouthy. At least Amy was nice to him.

‘Come on, Heidi, it was an accident. Huckleberry made him jump. No harm done. Let’s get out of here. I really need that walk.’

Heidi glowered, but kept her mouth shut. Beginning to regret she was tagging along, Vic led the way.

* * *

Amy was glad to be out of her apartment; the sea air helped to clear her mind and ease the nagging headache that had been plaguing her since she had woken. The situation wasn’t ideal. She liked to drive out to the coast alone, spend hours walking the beach, lost in the fictitious world of her characters as she plotted the next twists and turns in their lives, and she couldn’t do that with company.

At least out in a wide-open space she could take those few extra steps away, let the noise of the surf drown out the voices as she stared out across the ocean, collecting her own thoughts.

Officer Boaz didn’t let her stray far. Not that Amy believed she was in any danger as there were other people on the beach, but she appreciated the concern. And Heidi let her be for a while, walking alongside her in companionable silence, understanding she needed the space.

Normally she drove to a deserted spot a few miles south, but Officer Boaz felt it safer they stick to a more populated area. Between the sand and the backdrop of pine trees sat a row of houses varying in size and structure, but all affording their owners a spectacular view. She guessed he figured if anything happened they would be nearer to help.

Huckleberry was enjoying his trip out to the beach. Amy watched him splashing in the waves, chasing the pebbles she and Heidi threw for him, and thought she should bring him to the coast more often. Ryan wasn’t back for six weeks. Would her life be back to normal by then?

The idea of having officers camping out in her apartment for the foreseeable future wasn’t an appealing one. But then again, she didn’t favour being alone knowing a killer had her in his sights.

Despite the warmth of the sun, a cold shiver of fear ran through her as she thought back to the photographs she’d received. Rubbing goose-pimpled arms she cautiously glanced around. Was she being watched right now? Was her picture being taken as she walked along the beach?

The thought was unnerving and she decided the sacrifice of giving up her alone time was worth it for the feeling of being safe.

Despite Heidi’s opinion of him, Officer Boaz meant well. Sure, he had some annoying habits and he liked making himself at home in her apartment, but she believed he wanted to keep her safe.

As for Sullivan… well, she wasn’t sure about Sullivan. He had stepped in as replacement cover last night, so she would probably get the other officer, Peterson, tonight. While that should have relieved her, it left her disappointed.

Because you like him.

Amy slapped the annoying voice down.

Last night had caught her off guard. She hadn’t been expecting him and then he had been there, all brooding and intense with his dark eyes and stubbled jaw, asking her too many questions about the murders and her personal life, which her flustered brain had tried to process while she kept reminding herself her little crush on him was inappropriate given the circumstances under which they had met.

And all the time a nagging little voice in her head kept asking the question, I wonder what he kisses like?

He had remained professional, stayed focused on the job, which left her disappointed, relieved, and feeling kind of stupid for thinking he might try anything in the first place. It was best he wasn’t there tonight. She wasn’t a kid, and the crush was nothing short of embarrassing.

Thoughts still on Sullivan, Amy glanced along the beach. There were still a few people about. A couple of sunbathers, in the distance a jogger. Heading towards them she spotted an older couple walking a poodle. She glanced back at Huckleberry hoping he hadn’t seen. The crazy collie had a thing for poodles, tending to want to hump them or fight them, depending on their sex.

He was off his lead, still playing in the edge of the water. Nudging Heidi, Amy pointed to the poodle. They both knew the deal with Ryan’s dog.

Sneaking up behind him, Heidi to the left, Amy to the right, both girls attempted to grab his collar. They didn’t succeed; the dog was wily and heard them coming. As he darted away, he caught sight of the poodle and let out an excited bark. Officer Boaz, who was a few yards ahead, glanced round.

‘Can you grab him?’ Amy called. ‘He doesn’t do poodles.’