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“Statistically, rural areas are safer for women so long as you’re not in an abusive domestic situation. I would suggest, however, getting a weapon you can wield that will do more damage.”
I arched a brow. “Why, officer, are you encouraging me to invest in a firearm for defense?”
“I didn’t say buy a gun.” A disparaging tone showed his lack of amusement. “But you could get yourself an electrified cattle prod.”
Surprise kept me silent for a second before I sputtered, “Isn’t that illegal?”
“Only if you tell the authorities it’s to use against people.”
“I don’t have any cows, though.”
“If anyone asks, tell them you have a coyote problem.”
I tilted my head. “Sounds like you’re suggesting I skirt the law.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” He offered an enigmatic smile and a wink.
Sexy bastard. And his suggestion was not that bad. Things would have gone differently that night if I’d been able to shock my assailants. I wondered if a certain giant online merchant would deliver any with free one-day shipping. If not, then surely a livestock store would have some.
“So, was this visit simply to point out my inadequate security? Or did you have another reason, Detective?”
“As promised, I brought some pictures for you to browse. Shall we see if you recognize any of your assailants?”
I hadn’t noticed the tablet in his hand until he offered it to me. A simple, generic brand tucked into a fake leather sleeve. It went from sleep mode right into a gallery of mug shots.
“There are several pages. Swipe left or right, depending on if you’re going forward or back.”
“Bring on the fun.” As I dragged my finger to flip, I shook my head. “Nope. Nope. Nope.” The faces I swept by mostly wore grim expressions, except for the guy with the loony grin and crazy eyes.
As I kept rejecting images, the detective wandered to stand over the bike. His body was tense as if he expected the hunk of metal to attack him.
I got to the end of the images and exclaimed, “Done.”
“And?”
“None of them look familiar.”
“You’re sure?” The detective whirled, and he must have caught the bike because it shifted and fell against him.
Rather than catch the falling metal and lean it back against the workbench, he violently shoved it from him as if it were contagious.
I almost laughed. “Afraid you’ll get dirty?” A legitimate fear, given the filth coating it. Motor oil did not come out of fabric without a credit card to buy a replacement.
“More like startled.” He offered a rueful smile. “And also not a bike guy. I like a roof over my head when it rains.”
“I totally get it. Me, I used to love riding.”
“Used to?” he prodded.
“I haven’t ridden in more than twenty years. I’ll admit, I miss that vibration and power between my legs.” Said in the most salacious fashion possible.
The detective didn’t miss a beat as he replied, “Is that an invitation?”
Surprised, I gaped as he added, “Given the mug shots were a bust, I’ll let you get back to work. Call me if you think of anything. Although, I expect we’ll see each other again shortly.”
We would? Before I could say a word, he left, and I smiled.
I might look like I went a few rounds with Tyson, but a cute guy who I pegged to be about my age had flirted. My ego could use the stroking, as could other parts of me, so I really hoped he came back. Maybe with a bottle of wine and a love of frozen dinners.
