While on his way to work the next morning, Dantzler reflected on the previous night with Laurie. What did it mean, her showing up unexpectedly? Did it mean anything or nothing? Was she looking to kick-start the relationship, or was what transpired last night nothing more than an isolated evening of passion? A one-night stand for old time’s sake? Dantzler could only ponder his many questions. Answers eluded him. Laurie had never been particularly hard to read, but this time she had him wondering.
There was no denying they each had strong feelings for the other. And he certainly enjoyed her company. She was smart, sexy, and talented, and she gave as good as she got. Independent-minded and strong-willed, she could hold her own with the toughest of men. And, damn, she was beautiful. There were plenty of upsides to having a relationship with Laurie Dunn.
Still… despite those feelings, Dantzler always had serious reservations regarding their relationship. For one thing, there was the twelve-year age difference. Not a major issue for her, but one that nagged at him. More troublesome, though, was the fact that he was her superior at work. In-house love affairs were always dicey at best, disastrous at worst. Richard Bird, head of Lexington Homicide, made no bones about how he felt, advising them both in no uncertain terms that it was a no-win proposition, and one he strongly suggested should be stopped before things got out of hand.
Dantzler’s instinct was to agree wholeheartedly with Bird. His heart, however, tugged in the opposite direction. He wanted a relationship, unwise as it might be. Maybe the best approach to take was to let matters unfold as they will. Don’t force the issue either way. That seemed to be the smart thing to do. Give it time and space, see what happens. He resolved to do exactly that.
Bruce Rawlinson, the desk sergeant, looked up when Dantzler walked into the building. Rawlinson, a world-class needler, never missed an opportunity to crack wise with Dantzler.
“Hey, Ace,” Rawlinson yelled. “How come I haven’t seen you hanging around with the lovely Miss Dunn lately? She wise up and put your ancient ass on the pavement?”
Dantzler was in no mood for inane early morning banter. “Is Eric here yet?”
“Just left,” Rawlinson said, shaking his head. “Told me to let you know the information you need is on the table in the War Room. Said he would call you later, in case you have any questions.”
“Thanks.”
“Hey, Ace,” Rawlinson said. “If the lovely Miss Dunn ever decides to look my way, she won’t be disappointed.”
“Bruce, if the ‘lovely Miss Dunn’ ever looks your way, it could only mean the End Times have finally arrived. God would not tolerate such a mismatch.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”