Page 49 of Protect My Heart

“Alright. You earned it.” She held out the treat, but Tigger didn’t take it. His ears perked up and his head cocked to the side. “What is it?”

Tig gave a low growl before jumping up and rocketing into the living room. One second later, Liz heard the doorbell. She pushed air past the clog in her throat. “Tig you scared me. It’s just the door.”

It was probably her Aunt Joy. Her feet padded across the gleaming wood floors. Tigger continued two half barks as he stood at attention at her side. A sentinel ready for whatever might be on the other side of the door.

Liz leaned in to spy her guest through the leaded glass. An officer stood on the stoop, hands resting on her utility belt. She opened the door. “Officer Larson, what brings you by?”

“I finished patrol and was in the area. Thought I’d see how you were fairing after all the excitement yesterday.”

“How nice of you.” Liz opened the door wider to let her in. “Would you like to come in out of the cold?”

With a nod, Officer Amy Larson stepped over the threshold.

“I was just about to make coffee. Can I get you a cup?” She moved to the kitchen letting the officer follow her.

“Sure. That would be nice.”

After starting the coffee, Liz watched as Officer Larson took in the house. People usually admired her mother and Walt’s home––it was grand but welcoming and warm. Liz loved the decor. But Officer Larson wasn’t taken in by the sheer size or awe at the spectacular view. She canvassed the home like a cop, with a flat expression. Liz would swear she was cataloging her surroundings in case she may need to add it to a report.

Liz brought the cups to the table, set them down, and sat herself. “Amy isn’t it? Have a seat.”

She waited for the other woman to slip off her parka, hang it on the back of the chair, and sit before she continued. “So, did Jim or CJ send you by to check on me?”

Amy’s cheeks pinked but she didn’t have any other tells. The other woman’s fair skin would make it impossible to play poker. “Officer Swenson might have mentioned you were home alone at the moment.”

“I see.” Liz nodded, contemplating her next words carefully. “You’re what? Thirty, thirty-two? I’m guessing your career path includes moving to detective soon. Doing a favor for a higher-ranking officer would be a smart choice for you.”

Amy’s board straight posture became even more rigid if that was possible. Not so much as a twitch crossed her face as her eyes drilled into Liz. “Are you going to charge me for the psychoanalysis?”

Liz had stepped over a line. She couldn’t say why, but Officer Larson intimidated her. It wasn’t only her authoritative police presence but that didn’t give her the right to go on the attack. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

Amy’s shoulders softened, and she picked up her coffee. “Well, you’re partly correct. I do want to make detective. At least you didn’t assume I was doing Swenson a favor because I’m sleeping with him or an ex-girlfriend.”

Now, Liz had that image in her head. Well crap.

“Are you?” This conversation went from bad to worse. Liz wanted to pull the words back as soon as they flew from her lips. But it was out there now...and she’d be lying if she said the answer didn’t interest her.

With a glance down at her coffee mug with the words Cuff ‘em and Stuff ‘em, Amy’s lip tipped up into a wry smile. “Well, Old Jim works fast. No, I haven’t had sexual relations with him or any other cop for that matter. That’s the fastest way to tank your career. Besides, until now I didn’t think I was his type.”

Liz frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Let’s just say, Officer Swenson’s dates consider the beauty school on Lake Street to be a prestigious institute of higher learning.”

Liz turned Amy’s words over in her head. She noticed his aversion to career women. She didn’t know what happened in his past but she knew a defense mechanism when she saw one. So, why did he decide to break his type now?

“I can see your brain is working overtime on this new bit of information.” Amy took a sip of her coffee but it didn’t hide her smile. “He doesn’t share his past with many people but he has his reasons for his choices.”

“I’m sure he does, but...”

“But why did he change type and go for you?”

“Yes.”

“For a psychologist, you’re clueless.” Amy set her mug down and leaned her elbows on the table. “Liz, may I call you Liz? You may be uber smart and a career woman, but it only took meeting you once to know you’re not a cold bitch.”

The harsh words had Liz pulling back, but it was Amy’s expression that had the sudden chuckle escape her lips. “Uh, thank you.”

“You know what I mean. You love children or you wouldn’t do what you do for a living. You have strong family ties from the way CJ talks about you.” Amy paused for a moment.