"That place is a dump." She handed him back his ID as if he'd never seen the flash of alarm in her eyes. "We should really think about getting a new hotel built somewhere in town. You'd think we would have done this years ago."
They were back to small talk. He didn't know how to explain why he'd stopped calling or taking her calls. They'd both decided there was nothing between them. Or, there was too much between them that made meetings like this uncomfortable.
"For what it's worth," he said, looking for some way to unburn a bridge, "I wouldn't have come back if I wasn't under orders."
"Maybe that's the problem," she said as she stood and showed him the door, the interview over. "I'll pick you up at the house early in the morning." She reached for his hand and held it for a long moment. "It's good to see you again, Drew."
Chapter Three
The Truman house hadn't changed since the last time he was here, just the foliage. The large expanse of green lawn, manicured flower beds, and sweeping verandas covered in flowers were in full bloom instead of covered in snow. Few in law enforcement grew up in places like this. Nathan Truman had the world to choose from, yet he chose service to his country in one form or another.
Drew didn't envy him. His own childhood home wasn't exactly a hovel. His dad was a military doctor who moved into the private sector when he was a teen. His mom was a pageant-obsessed diva until her passions led her down a different path late in life. They were able to give him everything he'd ever needed and a great deal of what he wanted.
Like Quinn, he was an only child. Unlike Quinn, his family was still alive and trotting around the Caribbean for the summer.
Mrs. Truman had greeted him like a conquering hero. He was to her; he'd saved her son's life. Well, he and Quinn. But only he and Quinn and Nathan knew that. She sent him cards for all the major holidays, a gift on his birthday, usually something edible. The box of gourmet steaks had been his favorite to date. After changing into something a hell of a lot cooler, he ventured out to the pool. Ann-she insisted he call her Ann-had told him he'd find Nathan there with Emma before she left to run an errand.
And he was there, sitting on the edge of the pool, hair dripping around his shoulders as he tossed the squealing child into the water. His laughter when she surfaced sputtering and angry was enough to stop Drew in his tracks.
"Nathan, there's a strange man over there," he heard the girl say. Nathan's body tensed as he looked up, then he relaxed.
"That's just a friend of mine, baby, Drew. He's a cop like me," he said, leaning back on his hands to stare up at Drew as he walked to the edge of the pool. "Hey, Drew, dive in, the water is pretty warm."
"No, thanks, not exactly dressed for swimming." He sat down on the edge and stuck his feet in. "So you must be Emma. The last time I saw you, you were still wearing diapers."
The little girl smiled up at him, her eyes dancing as she preened. Dear God, his mother would love her. Give her a tutu and a tiara and turn her loose on an unsuspecting world and Emma Anders would knock 'em dead in their tracks.
"Really? I haven't worn diapers in like forever. You must be really old to remember that."
Nathan covered his mouth, but not before he snorted, his eyes flaring wide with embarrassment that looked suspiciously like laughter. "Emma, that was rude. Drew is actually younger than your dad and me. And he helped us out once, so be nice."
"Sorry, Mr. Drew. Nathan says I'm just like my daddy: My mouth does the thinking for me. I don't know what that means exactly." She gave him a huge grin, her eyes wide and innocent.
"Oh, Lord. Seriously, Drew, I'm sorry. Emma, go play, will you? I need to talk to Drew." She frowned but did as she was told. Swimming to the other side of the pool, she climbed out and went to play in the playground area off in the grass.
"Cute kid. Mouthy like Quinn. Beautiful like him too."
"She is that. Too much of both sometimes. He's been contacted by most of the top agencies wanting to sign her for commercials. She was offered a movie role last year. He has the sense to turn them down." Nathan watched her launch herself into the air on a trampoline before he turned his full attention to Drew. "So how big is the hole my sister ripped in your ass?"
Drew tried to keep his gaze on Nathan's face, but the broad expanse of bare skin taunted him. He cleared his throat, focusing on the amused silver eyes. "She didn't, really. Greeted me like an old friend and then we got down to business. I'm going in on the day shift tomorrow to "train". She's upset, understandably. And immensely unhappy."