Bernardo shrugged.
"I've been busy working and stuff."
Smaller in stature than Orlando, Bernardo had a narrow face that ended in a pointed chin. He pushed his hair away from his forehead.
"Still working for your grandfather and uncle?"
"Yeah, I'm out at the new ranch."
"Are you two heading out?" Gabe asked Orlando.
"Yeah," Orlando said.
"We'll grab a burger and a beer somewhere. Want me to bring you back something?"
"No thanks." Gabe nodded at the stove.
"It's grilled cheese and soup for me." He nodded at Bernardo.
"Say hello to your family for me."
"Sure thing."
"Have a good time," Gabe said.
The boys left and Gabe settled in front of the television with his cup of soup and sandwich. With the lights off, the almost empty room seemed less uninviting.
The TV, a big screen model, had been Gabe's only expensive purchase since Theresa's departure. Since he wasn't dating, wasn't partying with the divorced and single officers in the district, and wasn't doing the bar scene, the television had become his single source of entertainment.
He stared at the screen as he channel surfed and ate his sandwich.
Orlando and Bernardo had been friends ever since they'd played varsity baseball in high school.
Gabe hadn't seen much of Bernardo over the last year, and Orlando hadn't said anything about a falling out. He hadn't asked any questions about Bernardo's absence in Orlando's social life. But he'd been glad when the relationship seemed to fade. Bernardo had always made Gabe a little uneasy with his macho attitude and tough guy posturing.
He took a sip of soup, locked the channel in on a basketball game, and reminded himself to talk to Nestor Barela in the morning. Maybe the old man knew something about Rudy Espinoza and Carl Boaz.
He finished eating, stretched out on the couch, and before the station broke away for a commercial, he was sound asleep.
Shoe met Kerney at the door, tail wagging, with the sneaker clamped in his teeth. He scratched the dog's ear and found Sara in the bedroom packing her suitcase.
She looked up and gave him a vague smile.
"I'm glad you got here before I left."
"Where are you going?"
"Tucson, to visit an old friend."
"Are you all right?"
"Fine. I know I sounded bitchy on the telephone. It had nothing to do with you."
"What was it about?"
"It's not something I want to get into right now."
"Did I say something, do something?"
Sara's smile tightened.
"It's not you, Kerney. I've got some thinking to do. Just call it bad timing on my part. I never should have barged in on you unannounced."
"I'm glad you did."
"Well, it's been fun." Sara picked up the suitcase and her coat.
"Wait a minute, Sara. Tell me what's up."
"It isn't your problem."
Kerney could sense her reserve. It felt like a huge gap between them.
"It will be if you leave this way."
"I'm not leaving because of you."
"This isn't about bad timing, is it?"
Sara bit her lower lip.
"No."
"Or stud books."
Sara hesitated.
"Not really."
"Give me a hint."
"I'm not ready to discuss it. Give it a rest for now, okay?"
"Okay" "I'm sorry."
"About what?"