***
John leaned forward. Dan Carter, the Chief of Police had just told him the news that he’d been waiting for all night. “You’re telling me that Bella wasn’t followed? That the man running behind her wanted a coffee before he went home to his children?”
“Brian Tanner hasn’t done a thing wrong in his life. No parking fines, speeding tickets, or tax evasion issues. It looks as though Bella panicked.”
John stood up and looked through the window. “I’ve been so paranoid about anyone getting close to her that she must have overreacted. I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I’m not sure if I’d act any differently if I were in your shoes. The CIA and the FBI are still working on the Oracom case. Until we hear back from them, I wouldn’t change what you’re doing. It will be Christmas soon. Enjoy the time with your family.”
“I will. Are you going to be here over Christmas?”
Dan nodded. “I drew the short straw this year. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know straight away.”
“Thanks, I’d appreciate that.”
“Don’t thank me. Thank your buddies in the FBI. If it hadn’t been for them, the CIA would have cut us out of their communication channels before now.”
“It didn’t have anything to do with me. Oracom’s reputation for getting what they want started long before our case. The only difference is that this time, they’re up against the US Government.”
“Have you heard anything more about the security drone?”
“Nothing that I didn’t expect.” John held his hand out toward Dan. “Thanks for what you’re doing. It means a lot.”
Dan shook his hand. “No problem. Call me if you need me.”
John left Dan’s office and headed toward his truck. Tank was waiting for him on the sidewalk, talking on his cell phone. When he saw John he ended the call and moved swiftly across to their vehicle.
“Everything okay, boss?”
“Everything is fine. I want to head over to Angel Wings Café and thank Tess for what she did yesterday.”
Tank opened his door and walked around to the driver’s side of the vehicle. “Tanner’s there with Rachel. They’re having a late breakfast.”
John hesitated before sliding into the passenger seat. He wasn’t ready to see Rachel. He’d fired her and called her irresponsible.
But it was the things he hadn’t told her this morning that made him feel even worse. He hadn’t called her and said that after Bella was safe at home, he’d calmed down and realized what an idiot he’d been. He’d woken up knowing that Rachel wasn’t the only person who’d made a mistake yesterday.
He pulled his seatbelt across his chest and locked it in place. “Forget the café. I promised Bella I’d come home early to watch a movie with her. Do you know if Mrs. Daniels has got popcorn and ice cream in the kitchen?”
Tank turned the ignition on and moved into the traffic. “I’ll call through to the house and ask. Are you sure you don’t want to stop by the café first?”
“Positive.” It was about the only thing he was sure about.
As they drove down Main Street, John checked his emails, but all the time his mind was on Rachel. Yesterday he’d been worried about Bella, angry that Rachel and Tank had deviated from a plan that he wasn’t happy with in the first place.
Rachel had been as worried as he was about Bella, and all he’d done was tell her to leave. She was headstrong, beautiful, and intelligent. She deserved someone that appreciated who she was and loved her like she was the most important person in the world.
He hadn’t been that person yesterday, but he wished like crazy that one day he could be.