Page 41 of Make No Mistake

“I need your help with something, but you have to promise me you won’t tell Aubrey about it.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. Since when did he keep secrets from her?

“Look, I realize how that sounds, but I promise it’s a good thing. I just need to know you won’t say anything.”

“Fine. I won’t.”

He let out a sigh. “Thank you.”

“So what’s the big secret?”

“I need your help ring shopping.”

I nodded without hearing, then my brain registered what he said. “Holy!”

“Mac!”

I stopped before anything else came out of my mouth. I glanced back at Aubrey, but she was talking to Jay, looking oblivious to my outburst.

“Sorry. I just wasn’t expecting that.” I couldn’t contain the grin that took over.

He shook his head and looked amused. “I’m going to need you to control yourself or Aubrey will know something is up the second she sees you.”

I bit on my lips and nodded. “I’ve got this.”

“Thank you. I’m planning on looking this Saturday. Do you have some free time?”

“Of course!” I could have lunch with the president scheduled and I’d skip that to help him shop.

“Thanks. I don’t know her ring size for that finger, so can you steal one of her rings?”

Oh now I was on a top secret mission. “Yes, sir.”

He laughed and picked up the pitcher that had been placed in front of us. “Thanks, Mac. Now stop smiling.”

I followed behind him and repeated to myself sad things so I would stop my grin. Luckily, as a journalist I was full of sad facts, and by the time I slid back into my seat, I was back to gloomy.

Later, Carter was dropping us off at our apartment. He said he had early meetings so we were calling it a night, which was probably for the best for all of us.

He pulled into our parking lot and passed the first building when the lights came into view. Flashing blue and red obstructed us from getting closer to our building. Jay and I looked at each other before opening the doors and jumping out. He hurried ahead to the first cop he saw while I looked around trying to figure out what happened.

There weren’t any fire trucks, so that eliminated that problem. No ambulances, so hopefully no one had been hurt. Just dozens of squad cars.

A group of officers were standing a few yards away, and I saw a familiar face. I walked toward him and when I got close enough, I greeted him.

“Detective Larson?”

He turned and nodded before excusing himself from the group. “Ms. Page?

I nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“I’m surprised to see you here. I didn’t know news could travel quite this fast.”

That had not been what I was expecting.

“I’m not … I’m not here for the paper. I live here.” I pointed to the building behind him.

“Oh. I apologize.”