Chapter 15
"What made you decide to become a cop?" Catalina asked.
I shrugged. "I don't know. It just kind of happened. I want to make a difference. I want to leave the world a better place."
"That's noble.”
"Let's just say I have been motivated to do so. Life certainly changed for me after my near-death experience.”
Catalina lifted an intrigued eyebrow. "That sounds interesting.”
Her eyes begged me to continue, and I did. I told her my story about getting shot, technically dying, and getting a second go. That kind of thing will definitely make you re-evaluate your position on a lot of things.
"It seems you've led quite the life, Deputy.”
"I have no complaints. Your life seems quite impressive as well."
She scoffed and rolled her eyes in a cute way. "My life is full of social engagements, materialistic people, and never-ending gossip.”
I laughed. "That's all by choice.”
"I suppose you're right. I don't have to associate with those people. But they buy a lot of jewelry, and as you see, that enables my lifestyle. It allows me to invite strange men to jump out of airplanes.”
I smiled. "Well, there is that.”
“Tell me about your ambitions. What’s on your bucket list?”
At that moment, a bucket list item was seeing her bikini on the floor, but I came up with a more appropriate answer. “I have so many.”
“It doesn’t have to be your number one. Just something on the list. Something surprising.”
I thought for an instant. “Have a family. But that’s down the road. When I walk away from all of this.”
“Can you really walk away from this?”
I smiled. “That’s a good question.”
“What about you?”
“I’ve been playing the violin since I was six.
I’m not very good, but I love it. My dream is to see Giovanni Vanetti play.
He’s absolutely brilliant. So gifted. He’ll be here in town, playing a special event at the Pavilion.
Invitation only for dignitaries and heads of state.
I’ve reached out to all of my contacts, trying to get into the event, but no dice. There are some things money can’t buy.”
“You should become a dignitary or a head of state.”
She laughed.
“Thank you again for this morning. I really enjoyed myself.”
Catalina returned my smile. "So did I. We’ll have to do it again sometime.”
"I wouldn't be opposed.”
The staff served our gourmet hamburgers.
They were tender and juicy, topped with all the fixings.
We chowed down and stuffed our faces. It was nice and relaxing.
I had almost forgotten what relaxing felt like.
JD and I had been going at a pretty good clip.
Catalina and I talked about everything and nothing. It seemed effortless.
By the angle of the sun, it was getting late. I didn’t want to, but I figured I should probably check my messages. I turned on my phone, and dozens buzzed through. I was looking them over when the sheriff called. "Where the hell are you?”
"Having lunch.”
“With whom?”
"Is that any of your business?"
“Wild…”
“I’m engaging in public relations.”
“Public relations?”
“After the fiasco at the gala, I thought it best to reassure the residents of this fine city that the county is doing everything it can to keep them safe.”
“What kind of bullshit are you trying to spin?”
“I’m having lunch with Catalina Navarro.” I smiled at her and winked.
“Wild, that woman has enough money to finance a campaign for another sheriff, mayor, and every other city official. Try not to piss her off.”
“You got it, boss.”
He groaned. “Don’t forget, you’ve got a murder to solve and suspects to interview. Finish your lunch and get back to work.”
“Aye-aye, Captain,” I said before ending the call.
“Is that your boss?” Catalina asked.
"Technically, I'm a volunteer. I don't have a boss. But I like to make him feel like he's in charge."
Catalina laughed.
"I really enjoyed spending the day with you. Thank you for everything. The hamburger was delicious. I should probably get back to work."
She made a pouty face. "And we haven't even gotten wet yet.”
The way she said it could ignite forest fires.
"I guess we'll just have to do it again."
She smiled. "I can think of worse things.”
I thanked her again and excused myself. I pushed away from the table, returned to the guest room, and changed back into street clothes.
Catalina met me at the front door on my way out. "Do stay in touch."
"Count on it.”
I walked back to the Porsche with a little extra pep in my step. The day had certainly gotten off to a good start. Catalina was the kind of woman who could lift your spirits, among other things.
I hopped into the Porsche, fired up the flat six, and drove back to the marina at Diver Down. I found JD at the bar, shooting the breeze with Harlan and Teagan.
"There he is," Teagan said when I walked in the door.
Jack craned his neck over his shoulder. "My car better be in one piece."
"It still runs," I said, joining him. "I left you the keys for the bike.”
His face scrunched at me. "I'm not getting on that damned thing. That's rehab waiting to happen.”
The bike could certainly be a death trap if you lost focus, or if another driver had their head up their ass.
"I hear you had a hot date this morning," Teagan said with a hint of jealousy in her voice.
"I wouldn't call it a date," I said. "Just doing my part, putting a good face forward for the department.”
“I bet,” Teagan said in a doubtful tone.
“How’d it go?” JD asked.
“The parachute opened.”
“Obviously. Did you, uh, seal the deal?”
“Guys, I’m standing right here,” Teagan said. “I don’t need to hear all the tawdry details.”
I smiled. “We had a nice lunch. I kept it professional. After all, I was representing the department.”
Teagan rolled her eyes.
“Well, we need to represent the department and talk to Matt Malloy before this thing gets away from us,” Jack said.
He finished eating lunch, and we set out to find the angry man.