“Because you still don’t know who the syndicate is?” Kira said.
“Looks like our case is…” Luca glanced at Mike. “What is it you guys say? Oh yeah. It’s ongoing.”
“Guess you’d better get used to being on retainer.”
Luca clapped him on the shoulder. “Wouldn’t miss it. Except today. Kira and I have plans.”
“Sure, leave me to all the details and paperwork.”
“What’s that?” Luca put his arm around Kira’s shoulder and walked her away from the murder scene. “Can’t hear you.”
“Get lost.” After a second, Mike said, “I’m happy for you.”
Kira smiled up at Luca as they walked together down the hall to the stairs. Destiny was on the phone in the entryway. As Kira approached, the other woman waved her away. The officer mouthed, Her lawyer.
Luca said, “We can come back tomorrow.”
Kira nodded. “All right.” But she wasn’t sure she wanted to visit soon. Maybe after she had settled back at the hospital and was in the swing of her normal life, this time with Luca as a welcome addition.
The past three weeks—she couldn’t believe it had been that long—were unlike anything she’d expected.
They stepped out into the afternoon light, and Kira raised her hand to shield her eyes. “We have plans?”
“Only in the general sense. Want to get an early dinner?”
“After seeing that?”
Luca shrugged. “Does it bother you?”
“Not really. I didn’t know the guy, and there was no chance to save him.”
Luca touched his lips to hers. “Let’s go for a walk in the park.” He beeped the locks on the car. “You sure you’re good after that?”
She stopped by the car. “You were there. I wasn’t afraid. I’m just sad that Destiny is going through so much, and I’d like to help her, but I don’t know how.”
“You’ll figure it out. Or she’ll call and ask.”
He had so much faith in her. Kira said, “Thanks.”
He came over and kissed her softly. “Anytime.”
“A walk sounds nice.” And normal.
Life didn’t always have to be danger and investigations. Sometimes it could be a quiet movie night or coffee on the porch under the stars. Spending the day together just enjoying each other’s company or one another’s space. Meeting friends for dinner and playing cards with their family.
All things she hadn’t had in so long…maybe ever.
But now they were hers. A gift of God she’d never expected.
Each day was a blessing, and she hoped that she and Luca had many of those to come.
Epilogue
Four weeks later
“Have you seen that handsome man of yours?” Barbara stood behind the counter.
Kira shook her head. “Luca is here?”